1998 Ford Ranger Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,814miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the wheels of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,814 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dispite proper maintence, I observed body rust and decay on the underside of my truck frame. Also the brake lines have been replaced due to corrusion and rust into the frame. Spare tire brackets have rusted into and the tire fell off. Also evap canaster bracket rusted into and the evap canaster fell off.”
NHTSA complaint #10380366, filed 2011-01, 198,000 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“The spindle on the right front wheel of the vehicle split in half causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle. My son lost control and damaged the right front bumper and fender. But for the grace of god he could have been killed or seriously injured. He had just left the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #10186310, filed 2007-03, 140,000 miles“The tires need to be trude and balanced almost every month, I have taken it back to Ford 4 or 5 times and they will do nothing about it its either the tire or rims and no one will help me with this problem in the past year I've spent over 1,000.00 and more just to get it right and it is still not right. Ford is blameing firestone and firestone is blameing Ford I need help please.( DOT number: tire size: 235/70/14 )”
NHTSA complaint #730771, filed 2000-09“The contact stated the original left rear wheel is cracked and rusting along the inner portion by the valve stem of the rim. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. The repair shop personnel determined the rim fractured due to rusting of the steel material of the wheel. This problem only existed on the left rear wheel rim. Although the vehicle was not exposed to harsh weather or other elements, the rusting rim allows air to escape from the attached tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10148092, filed 2006-01, 108,000 milesWheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 1% |
| 1999 | 14 | 2% |
| 1998 | 10 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
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 complaintsSteering
19 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