1998 Ford F-150 Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford F-150. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford F-150 1997–2004, F-250 1997–1999, Lincoln Blackwood 2002–2003
Reported issue: Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland…
Possible consequence: As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim…
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-150 1994–2002, F-250 1994–1999, Expedition 1997–2002 +3 more
Reported issue: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Possible consequence: A fire at the switch could occur.
Remedy: By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed…
- Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford F-150 1998–2000, E-350 1998–2000, F-250 1998–2000 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: bi-fuel cng pickup trucks and bi-fuel cng vans, modified by cfi control systems, inc., fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 303, "fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles." the label affixed to the fuel filler door by the vehicle modifier contains the inspection date and expiration date of the cng tank. However, it does not contain the statement "see instructions on…
Possible consequence: These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
Remedy: Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. Owner notification began november 2, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
- Exterior lightingCovers: Ford F-150 1997–1998, Windstar 1996–1998, Explorer 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Possible consequence: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford F-150 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.
Possible consequence: Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced.
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford F-150 1997–1998, Expedition 1997–1998, F-250 1997–1998 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Possible consequence: This can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in may 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. This interim procedure can be completed by owners or their dealers. It specifies that the lug nut torque must be verified to be 100 lbs…
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Ford F-150 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with a 4.2l engine and originally sold or currently registered in one of the following states: alaska, montana, north dakota, minnesota, wisconsin, new york, vermont, new hampshire, maine, michigan, idaho, wyoming, south dakota, colorado, nebraska, kansas, iowa, missouri, illinois, indiana, ohio, pennsylvania, and massachusetts. The throttle is unable to return…
Possible consequence: Increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance could result.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised pcv system on these vehicles.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Ford F-150 1997–1998, Expedition 1997–1998, F-250 1997–1998 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. The vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would…
Possible consequence: The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. Unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
Remedy: Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
NHTSA investigations
- EA11006Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to CorrosionClosed · May 4, 2011
- PE10036Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/RustClosed · Sep 7, 2010
- PE01033Steering columnClosed · Sep 17, 2001
- PE99019Spare tire wearClosed · Mar 4, 1999
- DP99002Spare tire mountingClosed · Mar 2, 1999
- RQ98022Rear suspension spring breakageOpen · Nov 13, 1998
- EA98018Alleged loss of throttle controlClosed · Aug 31, 1998
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.