1998 Ford E-150 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 25%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,550miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Ford E-150, 25% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,550 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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“06-03-2007 right door handle (outside part) broke and I could not get into my van. No abuse on my part. I had the door handle replaced by Ford dealership at my expense ($125.00). 03-03-2008 left door handle (outside part) broke when I pulled the handle. I now have to get into my van by the passenger side, and crawl over to the drivers side. This is awful since I had advanced copd breathing problems. I had to order the part today, and hope for the best to get it installed, again at my expense. The handles should not broke on a 1998 vehicle so soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10297724, filed 2009-12, 59,000 miles“1998 (manufactured 1997) Ford 4.2 liter engine blew main head gasket - engine froze up. Replaced with remanufactured engine - combustion too high - pings - Ford refuses to install another engine. Carbon build up - valves, rings, crankshaft, EGR and catalytic converter will all be damaged if not corrected. Dealer had tried on 5 occasions - Ford continues to deny approval for another engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10210898, filed 2007-12, 142,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 1 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% |
| 2001 | 5 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 15 | 25% |
| 1997 | 20 | 20% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 6 | 8% |
| 1994 | 17 | 14% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 11 | 17% |
| 1991 | 1 | 7% |
| 1989 | 5 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford E-150
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology