1998 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 3%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,932miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 3% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,932 miles. 3 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.
“Crash involved my vehicle striking another vehicle which had turned into my path to make a left turn at a lighted intersection. Police determined that other driver was at fault. Other vehicle (a vw jetta) was struck in the side, yet both airbags deployed. My vehicle was struck in the front with sufficient force to break front axle, yet neither airbag deployed. I contacted dealer who referred me to their 1-800 customer hotline, who then referred me back to dealer to pursue technical problems such as this. Therefore, I'm now contacting you.”
NHTSA complaint #734936, filed 2000-10“Brakes have been examined twice for squeakiness. Dealer has stated that they cannot duplicate problem. Noises have worsened since last exam on 12/15/98. There are several areas of rust on the underside of my truck and on the outtake manifold in the enginge. Dealer has stated that's normal to repeated inquiries about this rust. I have already had throttle assembly piece, the butterfly valve replaced in nov of 1998. I now have sqeaky noises coming from the rear axle as well, which I will schedule for exam this week, 1/11/99.”
NHTSA complaint #702124, filed 1999-01“The contact stated while driving at any speed a squeaking noise came from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the upper and lower control arms, tie rods and bearings were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10157660, filed 2006-05, 58,864 miles“1998 Ford Ranger. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle steering wheel issues. The consumer stated the steering wheel melted. Also, the head lamp switch and connector was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10722973, filed 2015-06“Consumer was turning right at approximately 10 MPH when the steering failed which almost caused an accident. Dealer did not detect the problem the first time , but then it happened again, and currently dealer is replacing the steering gear box.”
NHTSA complaint #837273, filed 1999-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger
136 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsInterior lighting
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsFuel 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 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