Skip to content
BrakesPart report

1998 Ford Ranger Brakes Problems

Complaints
60about this part
Share
10%of 576 total for the year
Median mileage
83,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 10% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My 1998 Ford Ranger xlt so far had 2 complete brake failures due to corroded brake lines. This is a systemic problem caused by the spiral protection of the brake lines which keeps the humidity trapped and thus corrodes the lines. When this happens, brake fluid is leaking out when the pedal is pushed down yet no brake function is experienced. As this problem has a clear technical reason in the form of the brake lines, it is systemic in all such vehicles. This has been confirmed by my car mechanic shop which is frequently repairing Ford vehicles with this problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10320329, filed 2010-03, 83,000 miles

“Everytime I press my brake pedal, there is a grinding/pulsating and the vehicle slowly skids to a stop, usually only 10-15 feet after I intended on stopping. Less than one (1) year ago, the brakes went out on my 1998 Ford Ranger. The mechanic told me that the ABS on the vehicle is where the problem was occurring, yet he didn't know how to fix it. He said the unnecessary pressure being applied by the ABS system caused my master cylinder's seals to crack. I paid over $400 for all brake repairs. Ten (10) months later, I'm driving on a freeway at 60 m.p.h. And my exit is approaching. …”

NHTSA complaint #10263001, filed 2009-03, 125,000 miles

“While backing my 98 Ford Ranger 4.0 supercab with tow package (which has the beefier brakes) the aluminum bracket that holds the bar that the brake and clutch hinge on, broke away from the truck. This left me heading in reverse with no brake or clutch. I was in shock, imagine the steering wheel coming off in your hands while driving; that's how I felt. I didn't think to hit the emergency brake, but I was already halfway into the garage and had very little time to react properly before I crashed into the back wall (cinderblock) punching a hole in the wall which killed the engine. …”

NHTSA complaint #10176950, filed 2006-12, 125,628 miles

“1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Pulsating brake pedal,l suspected warped front brake rotors. I had similar problem with 1991 Ford explorer. First occurance in march 2001 Ford replaced rotors under warranty on 2/12/2001, vehicle had 24,170 miles at time of repair.second time with similar problem at 42717 miles only 18547 miles after first problem on 5/27/2004. Rotors had to be replaced again they were rusty and pitted. I paid for this repair the dealer was going to take it up with Ford rep but claim was denied. I have had numerous conversation with dealership service rep to no avail. …”

NHTSA complaint #10088265, filed 2004-08, 42,717 miles

“When attempting to stop brake pedal gets hard and truck stopping distance is increased. Have had two very close calls with other vehicles nearly being hit. Problem started about 6 weeks after I purchased truck. Have had vehicle in 7 times to three different dealers. They stated there was no problem but I knew better. Have seen similar problems on this website and would like to contact those people. You have permission to publish my e-mail address.”

NHTSA complaint #716980, filed 2000-01

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026222%
2025716%
202477%
2023317%
202238%
20211513%
202097%
2019207%
201183%
201043%
200964%
200821%
200721%
200652%
2005103%
2004236%
20033514%
2002237%
20015511%
20007812%
19998812%
19986010%
19974411%
19966917%
19956019%
199411626%
19936026%
1992179%
1991129%
199066%
1989710%
1988910%
198712%
198639%
1984217%
198319%

Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger

Tires
136 complaints
Vehicle speed control
71 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
60 complaints
Suspension
52 complaints
Engine cooling
51 complaints
Body and structure
45 complaints
Air bags
32 complaints
Electrical system
29 complaints
Interior lighting
19 complaints
Other or unknown
19 complaints
Steering
19 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger

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