1998 Ford Ranger Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 9%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 9% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 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.
“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“Driving on hi way, evap canister rotted off, and also lost my spare tire, I have patched frame 13 times now waiting for a recall to come out and yet still havnt heard of one. Truck needs to be fixed as soon as possible. . Hoping anyway possible that they will throw a recall out there for us Ranger owners. Thankyou.”
NHTSA complaint #10716177, filed 2015-05, 96,000 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 miles“The frame is having serious and dangerous heavy rust and rot compromising the structural integrity of the truck. In fact a shock mount just broke while driving and the resulting loud bang caused me great stress while driving. After pulling over and looking I could see the shock mount had rotted so bad as to break off the axle house.am also concerned about the structures holding the spare tire,gas tank and entire support system.”
NHTSA complaint #10450527, filed 2012-03, 54,000 miles“Severely rusted out rear frame rails that would not pass pa. Inspection codes. In the past 3 years I have replaced all the rear spring hangers and mounts. I understand that this is a major problem with the Ford Ranger line and is why im sending this letter and form.”
NHTSA complaint #10481841, filed 2012-10, 85,107 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014096Dec 13, 2004Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 20 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 9% |
| 2002 | 36 | 10% |
| 2001 | 87 | 17% |
| 2000 | 72 | 11% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 52 | 9% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 30 | 7% |
| 1993 | 16 | 7% |
| 1992 | 32 | 17% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger
136 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsBody and structure
45 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 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