1998 Ford F-150 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 132about this part
- Share
- 10%of 1,381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 132 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Ford F-150, 10% of the 1,381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle experiences a violent shaking in the steering and front suspension called the death wobble . Occurs as speeds between 40 and 70 MPH. Occurs if road is somewhat bumpy. Occurs often and could result in loss of control. It requires that I slow down to about 5 MPH before it stops. This immediate need to slow down if dangerous if someone is following me (especially a large truck.)”
NHTSA complaint #11010752, filed 2017-07, 133,000 miles“Report receipt date: jul 15, 1998 NHTSA campaign number: 98v161000 component(s): fuel system, gasoline , suspension my rear suspension is bad - has this been taken care of on my vehicle? Gem module is having trouble. I have been reading this part has caused a lot of trouble for this Ford model.”
NHTSA complaint #10864573, filed 2016-05, 160,000 miles“I stepped into my vehicle to go to work, and the torsion bar broke. Snapped into two pieces. Was thankful I was not driving. I have been told by the tow truck driver and the mechanics, that they have never seen this before, and that a piece of 1 round steel should not just snap.”
NHTSA complaint #10187759, filed 2007-04, 125,000 miles“Shock upper mount simply fell off causing driver side rear shock to drag ground. After further inspection also noticed at the location of the rusted out mount location that the rear wiring for the tail light were severed causing truck to now be stuck in park. Also while inspecting noticed rear frame is simply falling apart and other areas throughout the frame are weak as well. This is a huge safety concern after doing research I am finding many accounts of the same issue online but no manufacture recalls. Why isn't Ford doing anything about this issue? I've never seen frames do this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716950, filed 2015-05, 146,000 miles“Driver side torsion bar broke driving 60 on freeway. Made truck veer hard to left almost hitting guard rail. Thank god my son didn't hit it. Brought the truck used and of course dealer said it wasn't under warranty that we had. Only the 60 days or 2500 miles from time of purchased. Only had in 25 days.”
NHTSA complaint #10014332, filed 2003-04, 56,998 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016789Jan 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 8 | 2% |
| 2022 | 14 | 2% |
| 2021 | 13 | 1% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 11 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 1% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 19 | 1% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 16 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 16 | 3% |
| 2006 | 25 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 118 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 3% |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% |
| 2001 | 35 | 3% |
| 2000 | 41 | 4% |
| 1999 | 43 | 4% |
| 1998 | 132 | 10% |
| 1997 | 204 | 7% |
| 1996 | 21 | 6% |
| 1995 | 44 | 7% |
| 1994 | 41 | 6% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford F-150
201 complaintsEngine cooling
174 complaintsTires
152 complaintsBody and structure
138 complaintsVehicle speed control
116 complaintsBrakes
114 complaintsSteering
96 complaintsElectrical system
87 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
83 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
66 complaintsWheels
44 complaintsAir bags
42 complaints
← 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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology