1998 Ford Ranger Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 12%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,650miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 12% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,650 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My fuse #27 for backup lights and the o/d keeps blowing out and now the o/d light flashes sometimes I pulled the cover off of the steering column but the o/d cord wasn't pinched or damaged also no appearance of any wire touching anything”
NHTSA complaint #11122301, filed 2018-08, 203,504 miles“Pulled into a sloping down parking spot. Stopped, foot on the brake. Before I could shift out of drive, the engine abruptly revved up to max RPM. I had both feet on the brakes, the back wheels started spinning creating a cloud of blue smoke. I jammed the gears into park and they engine only quit after I turned off the key. I have several witnesses to the event. My regular mechanic disconnected the cruise control cable and it hasn't happened again. Ford contacted but refused to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10679862, filed 2015-01, 72,300 miles“Recall # 05s28 - Ford has not made available to the dealer the necessary part (wiring with a fuse) to repair a defect (speed control switch)that I was notified about in a letter dated august of 2007. Now Ford tells me that the necessary part will not be available before june of 2008!”
NHTSA complaint #10223705, filed 2008-04, 60,000 miles“I had driven my 98 Ford Ranger for a distance of about 10 miles prior to the incident. 2 hours after I got home my truck burst into flames. The truck is totaled now. I did nothing to remedy the situation because I was unaware of the problem. Thank you for your time.”
NHTSA complaint #10263794, filed 2009-03, 104,000 miles“My 1998 Ford Ranger caught fire on july 31, 2006. The truck had been parked in front of our house and the engine had been turned off. Minutes later, the vehicle unexpectedly caught fire under the hood and a watchful neighbor called the fire department. Now, the vehicle's engine is completely charred, property on the house is damaged, and the vehicle is a total loss. I have contacted my insurance company and I will have a fire inspector determine the cause of the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164062, filed 2006-08, 48,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain…Covers: Ford Ranger 1998–2002, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
- 99V062001Mar 30, 1999Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999…Covers: Ford Ranger 1998–1999, Explorer 1997–1999, Mustang 1998–1999 +6 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 | 40 | 16% |
| 2002 | 51 | 15% |
| 2001 | 57 | 11% |
| 2000 | 55 | 8% |
| 1999 | 54 | 7% |
| 1998 | 71 | 12% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 34 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 5% |
| 1993 | 23 | 10% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 13 | 12% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger
136 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 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