1998 Ford E-150 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,120miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Ford E-150, 8% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,120 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1998 Ford E-150 van has developed a problem with the transmission cooling lines going from the tran to the radiator. These lines were placed against the oil pan and the chassis of the vehicle when manufactured. The friction over the years has caused these lines to develope a leak. The warrenty that I brought from the dealership will not replace these lines, and Ford motor company themself have shown no real interest in fixing this problem. I believe that the design should have been in search a way as to not have any type of presure rubbing against these lines. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025873, filed 2003-07, 85,376 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Ford e15. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began making a pinging sound in the engine. The vehicle suddenly decelerated to 50 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing oil. On january 23 2007, a remanufactured engine was installed in the vehicle. The dealer rebuilt the cylinder heads. For one year, two months, and nineteen days, the pinging noise continued to occur. The dealer and manufacturer stated that they were unable to assist her with the repair, although the warranty was valid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10225068, filed 2008-04, 142,865 miles“At only 70,000 miles the transmission needs to be replaced was never used for towing or pulling also several other problems with tie rod ends, back window leaking,valves claterring,tire wear 3 sets replaced, body panels rusting,step bumbers completly rusted away.”
NHTSA complaint #10124856, filed 2005-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 7 | 37% |
| 2012 | 3 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 22% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 2 | 13% |
| 1989 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford E-150
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSuspension
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 31, 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