1998 Ford F-150 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 66about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,760miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 66 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Ford F-150, 5% of the 1,381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,760 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The windshield on my 1998 f150 Ford pickup has leaked for years and now the water has corroded the gem module to the point where I am experiencing unwanted electrical activity when the car is unattended and worried that it could possibly cause a fire or cause a dangerous life threatening situation while I am driving the truck. I have contacted the local Ford dealer and they at first wouldn't even acknowledge the problem until I mentioned the Ford bulletin ##15773. Then they said that the only thing they would do is repair the problem for $1,300 dollars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218779, filed 2008-02, 33,000 miles“One day my 1998 Ford F-150 with only 37,000 miles (I am the original owner)was working just fine. Several days later I get into the truck and I noticed the electric windows wouldn't go down,I assumed it was a fuse. No luck on that, all fuses good except the lighter fuse,which I don't use. When I got to my destination I couldn't get it into 4-wheel drive. When I was getting ready to leave I couldn't get the windshield wipers on when it was raining. I had no choice but to drive 30 miles home with no wipers in the rain,extremely hard to see to drive and very dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233209, filed 2008-07, 37,000 miles“What isn't wrong with this truck? With less than 80,000 miles on it...spare tire fell off while being driven, interior lights randomly stay on, both doors are rusting out from the bottom, knob to regulate temperature fell off and assembly needed replacement, front brakes calipers stuck and caught on fire, exhaust system has rusted off twice, transmission went up and was replaced under warranty at less than 20,000 miles, radiator rusted through, and the headliner is falling down off the ceiling. I've probably missed something but can tell you that I will never own another Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10229214, filed 2008-05, 86,000 miles“Heater core leaks needs to be replace 1 to 2 times per year, turn on the defroster and it will fog up windshield for you can not see the road. Per Ford dealership it due to poor parts, but the consumer needs to pay for it or get killed in a traffic accident if the consumer need to use their defroster.”
NHTSA complaint #10348262, filed 2010-08, 68,521 miles“While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. Driver was unable to see and was forced to pull over until the storm passed. Took it to dealer and the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and he replaced it. However, the problem has recurred twice to date.”
NHTSA complaint #10135680, filed 2005-09, 50,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 28 | 7% |
| 2022 | 46 | 8% |
| 2021 | 131 | 13% |
| 2020 | 63 | 8% |
| 2019 | 36 | 3% |
| 2018 | 84 | 4% |
| 2017 | 53 | 4% |
| 2016 | 144 | 7% |
| 2015 | 97 | 6% |
| 2014 | 142 | 9% |
| 2013 | 190 | 6% |
| 2012 | 129 | 7% |
| 2011 | 147 | 7% |
| 2010 | 193 | 23% |
| 2009 | 5 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 19 | 3% |
| 2005 | 268 | 24% |
| 2004 | 863 | 43% |
| 2003 | 20 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 4% |
| 2001 | 25 | 2% |
| 2000 | 27 | 3% |
| 1999 | 83 | 8% |
| 1998 | 66 | 5% |
| 1997 | 148 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 1% |
| 1995 | 8 | 1% |
| 1994 | 15 | 2% |
| 1993 | 8 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 0% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 1% |
| 1989 | 4 | 2% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 10% |
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 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 29, 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