1998 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 89,146miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.2L 6-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1998 Ford E-150 most often report fuel leaks around the gas tank and filler area, and engine problems on the 4.2L V6 that show up as noise, oil loss or coolant loss. Brake complaints cluster at low mileage, while tire and suspension complaints focus on vibration and uneven wear. Many reports involve vans used for hauling, ambulance prep or other heavy-duty work.
- Fuel system
Fuel tank cracks and leaks at the tank/frame area
- 10 complaints (17%)
- median 86,833 mi at 9.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2001–2017
Owners describe fuel leaking while filling the tank or finding fuel pooled under the van, and in some cases a strong fuel smell. Several say a shop traced it to cracks in the midship tank where it contacts the frame cross member or to a tank that failed from corrosion, and that the tank needed replacement. Some owners whose van fell outside recall 01V114000 report the same symptoms and were told nothing could be done. Reported from roughly 29,000 to 250,000 miles, often noticed during or right after refueling.
What to check: Inspect the tank and its straps for cracks, corrosion or rubbing marks at the frame, and check for fuel smell after a fill-up, especially if the van saw heavy or rough-road use.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The consumer stated that gas tank was installed without any insulation between the gas tank and frame, so metal was rubbing metal which caused a fuel leak. Consumer's big problem was that Ford was aware of the failure and didn't notify him or others like him.”
NHTSA complaint #10026801, filed 2003-08, 75,000 miles“Vehicle is experiencing a fuel leakage. Consumer doesn't fill it up completely, only to the 3/4 mark. 2003 makes and models are currently on recall; however, this vehicle is not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10046224, filed 2003-11, 29,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine noise, oil or coolant loss, stalling (4.2L V6)
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 98,050 mi at 8.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2008
Complaints describe knocking, pinging or tapping noises, engines losing cylinders or oil, and coolant that has to be topped up often. Some owners say a dealer recommended engine replacement or rebuilt the heads, and a few report repeat problems, including pinging after a remanufactured engine was installed. Others describe hard cold starts, hesitation, and stalling or cutting out while driving. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 145,000 miles, with several owners noting hard starting in cold weather.
What to check: Ask for service records on head gasket or engine work, listen for knocking or pinging on a cold start, and check oil and coolant levels and condition before and after a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Lost 2 cylinders on 4.6l, 0 compression wet or dry. No overheat issues. Mechanic didnt look for leaky head gasket, which must have been the cause. Mechanic said drive home, I drove home more damage insued. Engine replaced at my expense. Extended warranty. Purchased at time of purchase rejected coverage. Ford no help, dealer no help. Im out $6,200”
NHTSA complaint #10025248, filed 2003-07, 73,500 miles“98 Ford e150, 4.2l,82k miles, engine started knocking. Took to Ford dealer. They said needs new engine. Cost $4749. I find out this engine has been failing prematurely and Ford knows about it. They supposedly sent out a recall to replace gasket. I never received notice. I think I should get partial reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #10206802, filed 2007-10, 82,614 miles - Brakes
Brake drag, premature pad wear and long stopping distance
- 7 complaints (12%)
- median 28,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2003
Owners report grinding or metal-to-metal noise when braking, calipers sticking and ruining rotors, and pads wearing out early. Some describe the pedal going to the floor or the van not slowing as expected, and a few say the dealer found nothing wrong or declined warranty replacement. One owner mentions a service bulletin covering brake pedal kickback or grabbing. Often reported at low mileage, in some cases under 30,000 miles.
What to check: Have the brakes pulled and measured on a pre-purchase inspection, look for uneven pad wear or scored rotors, and ask whether the brake booster bulletin work was ever done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While stopping at a traffic light or a stop sign, the consumer had his foot on the brake pedal, the brake pedal suddenly went to the floorboard and the vehicle went forward, almost causing a collision. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic. After test driving the vehicle, the mechanic told the consumer that the problem was with the sensors. Since then, the sensors were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10044915, filed 2003-12, 28,000 miles“When applying the brakes vehicle skids and the pedal does not kick back. Also the ABS does not activate. Vehicle has rear ended another vehicle. Dealer has seen vehicle 3 times, and said it was normal. Can not find problem on computer.”
NHTSA complaint #855305, filed 2000-01 - Suspension
Vibration and shimmy at highway speed
- 7 complaints (12%)
- typically at 3.5 yrs old
- filed 1998–2005
Complaints describe heavy vibration or shaking above roughly 45-50 mph that makes the van hard to control, and one owner notes clunking from the steering column at low speed. Some owners had tires balanced and rotated and alignments checked without curing it, and a service bulletin addresses vibration after tire balance. Reported at highway speeds, typically after tires or alignment work had already been tried.
What to check: Drive it at highway speed during the test drive to feel for shake, and check tire condition, balance and front-end components such as ball joints and tie rod ends.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased four goodyear wrangler atd 255/70r16 tires from sam's wholesale club. I have experienced irregular and excessive wear on outer edges of all four tires, causing vibration and handling problems. I have tried rotating, balanceing, and realignment of my truck. Nothing seems to help.”
NHTSA complaint #10082710, filed 2004-07“On numerous occasions, I have felt and heard a clunking noise coming from my steering column at slow speeds. I have contacted the dealer and they will be looking at it in the near future.”
NHTSA complaint #718809, filed 2000-02
Buying note. Have any 1998 E-150 inspected for fuel leaks at the tank and filler area and for engine noise or fluid loss, since those are the most common reports, and confirm whether open recalls such as 01V114000 apply to the specific van by VIN.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 1998 Ford E-150. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 89,146 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling15 25%
- Fuel system11 18%
- Brakes8 13%
- Suspension5 8.3%
- Steering4 6.7%
- Tires4 6.7%
- Seat belts3 5.0%
- Wheels3 5.0%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Electrical system (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Driving down the highway I heard a popping sound, the truck stalled and the check engine light came on. The truck continued to stall. I called clark Ford after hearing about a spark plug problem with Ford trucks and they claimed to know nothing about it. I took my truck to my mechanic and the motor had to be replaced, this resulted in also a radiator split.”
NHTSA complaint #10140301, filed 2005-10, 125 milesFuel system: “The truck's gas tank developed cracks and leaked gas. There's was a recall # 01v114000 for fuel tank cracks, but the vehicle identification number was outside the remedy scope.”
NHTSA complaint #10048545, filed 2003-11, 67,000 milesBrakes: “While driving consumer would step on brakes pedal and hear brakes making noise like metal to metal. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and they found out that inner pads had worn out due to manufactured calipers.”
NHTSA complaint #895467, filed 2001-08Suspension: “Steering pulls left on all road surfaces and at all speeds. Allignment checked twice by two dealers service departments and confirmed in specs. Tires rotated and checked also.”
NHTSA complaint #701326, filed 1998-12Mileage when problems were reported
15% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 73,500 and 142,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Ford E-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003, E-250 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-250 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 04V562000Nov 26, 2004Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: Ford E-150 1997–2000, 2004, E-350 1997–2000, 2004, E-250 1997–2000, 2004 +8 more
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- 01V114000Apr 5, 2001Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford E-150 1997–2001, E-350 1997–2001
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35…
Recall details for the 1998 Ford E-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brakes. Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10018941Jan 1, 2005Suspension. Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
Other model years of the Ford E-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 6,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 18,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 16,738 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 82,800 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 12 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 23 | 37,500 | 11 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 42,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 83,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 11 | 66,325 | 17 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 49,000 | 18 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 17 | 44,373 | 14 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 16 | 52,879 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 33 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 21 | 16,354 | 5 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 37 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 50 | 104,602 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 96,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 60 | 89,146 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 102 | 103,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 71 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 121 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 71 | 135,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 64 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 15 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 126,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 1989 | 31 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford E-150?
Owners of the 1998 Ford E-150 most often report fuel leaks around the gas tank and filler area, and engine problems on the 4.2L V6 that show up as noise, oil loss or coolant loss. The issues reported most often: Fuel tank cracks and leaks at the tank/frame area; Engine noise, oil or coolant loss, stalling (4.2L V6); Brake drag, premature pad wear and long stopping distance.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 1998 Ford E-150 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 15 complaints (25% of the total), followed by fuel system with 11.
Has the 1998 Ford E-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.2L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Ford E-150 reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 89,146 miles and the middle half falls between 73,500 and 142,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.