1998 Ford F-150 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Ford F-150, 1% of the 1,381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving the vehicle at night time intermittently head light switch becomes inoperable obstructing the driver's view. Dealer has been notified. Ts multifunction switch replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10004427, filed 2003-01, 42,000 miles“Since purchase 6/24/1998 riverside Ford sumner wa non tire size not calibrated 22570r16 caused accelerated odometer miles by 100,144 miles unaware tacomaspeedometer I paid $55.14 on april 13, 2013 june 11, 2013 at titus will dealership receipt 203,997 was involved in mva may 13, 2019 other person cited 'failing to yield right of way' the mileage indicates 232,350 even though I showed my receipt 6/11/2013 at 203,997 commerce west deceitful appraiser willful intent to defraud only have 28,353 miles in which they're trying to total vehicle? …”
NHTSA complaint #11219156, filed 2019-06“The contact stated the rear window leaked when it rained causing the rear seat to become wet. The interior lights and the brake lights failed to turn off when the ignition was turned off. Also, there was a humming noise coming from the rear end as the vehicle traveled 10 MPH. The rear end was replaced 1 years ago including the suspension, rear axle, chassis, rings, pins and rear differential. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10171728, filed 2006-10, 115,000 miles“Both headlights of the consumer's 1998 Ford f150 have discolored to the point that it's no longer safe to operate the vehicle at night. The consumer also experienced this same problem with his 1996 Ford crown victoria. The dealer had no suggestions as to how to correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10113786, filed 2005-02“While waiting at an intersection consumer was informed that the brake lights were inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the bolts needed to be replaced,. They replaced them four times however the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10090339, filed 2004-09Related recalls
- 00V168000Jun 19, 2000Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–1998, Windstar 1996–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 50 | 26% |
| 2023 | 23 | 6% |
| 2022 | 66 | 11% |
| 2021 | 116 | 11% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 1% |
| 2011 | 30 | 1% |
| 2010 | 28 | 3% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 0% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 1% |
| 2000 | 22 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 34 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 1% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford F-150
201 complaintsEngine cooling
174 complaintsTires
152 complaintsBody and structure
138 complaintsSuspension
132 complaintsVehicle speed control
116 complaintsBrakes
114 complaintsSteering
96 complaintsElectrical system
87 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
83 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
66 complaintsWheels
44 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford F-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