1998 Ford Ranger Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 8%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 8% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 miles. 1 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.
“I took my truck to have a power steering issue examined. The mechanic determined that the passenger side frame of the truck was severely rusted. I examined the frame and noticed that there were sizable holes in the frame of the truck. The entire body of the truck is in solid condition, however the frame issue is a major safety concern and hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10632615, filed 2014-09, 145,000 miles“The rear frame of the truck has rotted away. The rear suspension and bumper are about to fall off. The body itself is in excellent condition. I didn't find out until I stepped on the rear bumper and it began sagging down and then realized that a large majority of the frames cross members were already gone!”
NHTSA complaint #10928959, filed 2016-12, 150,000 miles“Frame is rusting out even though the rest of the truck looks great . The truck has not been driven in winter because I have a work car with front wheel drive that I use for this and the frame on that vehicle is in better condition than my Ranger. We have owned the truck since 2002 and it's a 1998 model.”
NHTSA complaint #10907395, filed 2016-09, 99,000 miles“Went to get estimate on replacing muffler system and was told not to do it because frame was rusted and ready to break. I have owned this vehicle since jan. 16 2001. Also had to replace rear shackles in 2009. Does Ford have any recall on this as I have read many many others that have the same complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10546284, filed 2013-09, 116,000 miles“My Ford Ranger frame is almost completely rotted away in the back and the rest of the frame is in good condition. The rear shackles and shackle brackets are completely rusted away. The spare tire has even fallen off from rust. Also the gas tank straps are about to fall off from were they are attached to the frame. This should not be happening to a truck that is not that old. I have read things about other peoples frames that are rusted away.”
NHTSA complaint #10649986, filed 2014-10, 163,121 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 26 | 10% |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% |
| 2004 | 46 | 11% |
| 2003 | 43 | 18% |
| 2002 | 49 | 14% |
| 2001 | 112 | 22% |
| 2000 | 105 | 16% |
| 1999 | 89 | 12% |
| 1998 | 45 | 8% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 10 | 2% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 3% |
| 1992 | 14 | 7% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger
136 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsInterior lighting
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSteering
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 27, 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