FaultScore

1998 Ford F-150 electrical problems

91 of the 1,624 complaints about the 1998 Ford F-150 are about the electrical system — 6% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 119,500 miles.

F

91

Complaints

3

Crashes

40

Fires

4

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 38 41.8%
Front Underhood 17 18.7%
Ignition 9 9.9%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers 7 7.7%
Wiring 5 5.5%
Interior/Under Dash 4 4.4%
Horn 3 3.3%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator 3 3.3%
Module 2 2.2%
Starter Assembly 2 2.2%

Electrical System across every Ford F-150 year

1991 61 1.6%
1992 58 1.5%
1993 40 1.0%
1994 90 2.3%
1995 66 1.7%
1996 57 1.5%
1997 207 5.3%
1998 91 2.3%
1999 87 2.2%
2000 196 5.0%
2001 138 3.5%
2002 110 2.8%
2003 48 1.2%
2004 100 2.6%
2005 73 1.9%
2006 60 1.5%
2007 42 1.1%
2008 29 0.7%
2009 46 1.2%
2010 166 4.3%
2011 234 6.0%
2012 172 4.4%
2013 321 8.2%
2014 161 4.1%
2015 169 4.3%
2016 186 4.8%
2017 129 3.3%
2018 171 4.4%
2019 98 2.5%
2020 84 2.2%
2021 133 3.4%
2022 127 3.3%
2023 82 2.1%
2024 40 1.0%
2025 22 0.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kewanee, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have multiple issues that hit all around same time. Body rusted and water leaks getting the bcm wet which causes the truck to go haywire, lights flashing, doors locking and unlocking, radio stays on, caused multiple things to stop working, fuel tank leaks when filling it up where the fuel tank fill hose rusted into the tank, causing multiple vacuum leaks and horrible running conditions and truck dies if not holding clutch, gas and brake at light. Rear trailer wiring plug when it's connected causes multiple lights to stay on even though vehicle not running and everything off. Also melted all wires on 2 trailers causing shorted out lights, replaced clutch 2 times since purchase on 3rd clutch and mechanics not sure why even after showing them I am properly using the clutch system, not pulling heavy loads, or driving it like a race truck. ABS system light won't shut off even though no codes or problems with abs system, multiple vacuum leaks and can't get rid of running lean and bad O2 sensors even after replacing them all.

NHTSA complaint #11444287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SINCE PURCHASE 6/24/1998 RIVERSIDE FORD SUMNER WA NON TIRE SIZE NOT CALIBRATED 22570R16 CAUSED ACCELERATED ODOMETER MILES BY 100,144 MILES UNAWARE TACOMASPEEDOMETER I PAID $55.14 ON APRIL 13, 2013 JUNE 11, 2013 AT TITUS WILL DEALERSHIP RECEIPT 203,997 WAS INVOLVED IN MVA MAY 13, 2019 OTHER PERSON CITED 'FAILING TO YIELD RIGHT OF WAY' THE MILEAGE INDICATES 232,350 EVEN THOUGH I SHOWED MY RECEIPT 6/11/2013 AT 203,997 COMMERCE WEST DECEITFUL APPRAISER WILLFUL INTENT TO DEFRAUD ONLY HAVE 28,353 MILES IN WHICH THEY'RE TRYING TO TOTAL VEHICLE? CARFAX COLLECTING DATA IS AS INCORRECT AS WORDS USED NOT HAVE ORIGINAL RECEIPT/PACIFIC COAST FORD INDICATES A BAD ODOMETER MARCH 6, 2008 R&R AXLES ON JUNE 6, 2008 EXP BAD TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED W TRANS ASSEMBLY ON RECEIPT BAD ODOMETER CARFAX COLLECTED DATA IS INCORRECT NOT HAVE ORIGINAL RECEIPTS' CARFAX CONTRADICTS OWN POLICY ON REPORT 'NOT ALL ACCIDENTS REPORTED' INCONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS CARFAX DISSEMINATING FALSE INFO CARFAX CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW 2010 ODO MILEAGE 238,624 BUT IN 2013 INDICATES 208,438? NO ODOMETER TAMPERING ON REPORT CARFAX NEVER SENT ALLSTATE ANY REPORT MAY 21, 2019 THE RECENT MAY 13, 2019 IS COMMERCE WEST RECKLESS DRIVER 100% LIABLE CLAIMING TRUCKS A TOTAL LOSS? SAME AS ALLSTATE EXCEPT 28,353 IN 6 YEARS AT 4,725 MILES FOR 6 YEARS FROM THE RECEIPT THAT I PAID $5589.36 AT TITUS WILL DEALERSHIP PROMISED TO RESET ODOMETER TO ZERO I'VE ACCOUNTED OF ALL ODOMETER MILEAGES FROM RECEIPT ON 6/11/2013 STATES 203,997 I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM (XXXXXX) IS (XXXXXX) I'M NOT GONNA LOSE MY-CUSTOM TRUCK I INVESTED ADDED $30,000 INTO AND HAVE RECEIPTS INCLUDERCW42.20.040 ADDING LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES BASED ON ALLSTATE & COMMERCE WEST CRIMINAL INTENT CARFAX FOR SLANDER PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11219156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles Saraland, AL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS ISSUED ON JANUARY 27, 2005. THE SPEED CONTROL FUNCTION FAILED TO PROPERLY SHUT OFF PERTAINING TO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE THAT THE VEHICLE COULD OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000. .*BF CONSUMER STATED WHEN ENGAGING SPEED CONTROL, THE ENGINE WOULD MISSFIRE SO BAD, THAT I WOULD CUT THE SPEED CONTROL OFF BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

NHTSA complaint #11195825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Hoskins, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JUL 15, 1998 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V161000 COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , SUSPENSION MY REAR SUSPENSION IS BAD - HAS THIS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ON MY VEHICLE? GEM MODULE IS HAVING TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN READING THIS PART HAS CAUSED A LOT OF TROUBLE FOR THIS FORD MODEL.

NHTSA complaint #10864573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Monterey, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SHOCK UPPER MOUNT SIMPLY FELL OFF CAUSING DRIVER SIDE REAR SHOCK TO DRAG GROUND. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION ALSO NOTICED AT THE LOCATION OF THE RUSTED OUT MOUNT LOCATION THAT THE REAR WIRING FOR THE TAIL LIGHT WERE SEVERED CAUSING TRUCK TO NOW BE STUCK IN PARK. ALSO WHILE INSPECTING NOTICED REAR FRAME IS SIMPLY FALLING APART AND OTHER AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FRAME ARE WEAK AS WELL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AFTER DOING RESEARCH I AM FINDING MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ONLINE BUT NO MANUFACTURE RECALLS. WHY ISN'T FORD DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE? I'VE NEVER SEEN FRAMES DO THIS. TRUCK NEEDS FULL FRAME REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10716950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Julian, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT AT/OR NEAR THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH. MOST NOTICEABLE AT COLD START, AND COMING FROM UNDER/INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER COVER CASTING. WITH THIS MAKE & MODEL, YEAR, THE HAZARD SWITCH IS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER COVER CASTING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE YET TO SEE ANY SMOKE, THERE IS A MORE THAN SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ELECTRICAL SHORTING NOISE COMING FROM WITHIN THE COLUMN ITSELF. DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CANNOT REMOVE THE COVER MYSELF TO TARGET LOCATE THE ISSUE, I HAVE LEFT IT UP TO A FEW MECHANICS AND DEALERS, BUT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE (PROBABLY BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS WARMED UP BY THE TIME I GET IT TO A DEALER) ISSUE USUALLY IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT COLD START, AND MORE AGGRESSIVELY WHEN OUTSIDE/INSIDE CAB TEMPS ARE AT OR BELOW FREEZING, BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE DURING WARMER WEATHER. I CAN GET THE SOUND/NOISE OF THE ELECTRICAL SHORT TO STOP BY TOUCHING OR ENGAGING THE HAZARD SWITCH A FEW TIMES. AND USUALLY WHEN THE ISSUE STARTS THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WILL IMMEDIATELY FLASH SUPER FAST AT THE SAME TIME, ALL ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ME ENGAGING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. WHEN THE TEMPS REACH AROUND OR BELOW ZERO OUTSIDE, IT'S MORE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET THIS ISSUE TO STOP, THEN I HAVE TO RESORT TO PULLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER AND PHYSICALLY MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL UP & DOWN BY HAND. SOMETIMES WHILE AT A STANDSTILL AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION. IT ALMOST SEEMS THE COLDER AND MORE STIFF THE WIRES ARE INSIDE THE COLUMN, THE MORE AGGRESSIVE THIS ISSUE IS. IT SOMETIMES FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THAT IT'S GOING TO CATCH FIRE IF I CAN'T GET IT TO STOP SHORTING OUT IN TIME. IT SEEMS LIKE TWO WIRES ARE COMING IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER OR ONE WIRE MAY BE RUBBING UP AGAINST METAL OR SOMETHING IT'S NOT DESIGNED TO. I'M LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER AND VIABLE SOLUTION TO THIS POSSIBLE DANGER. FORD HAS NO ANSWERS YET.

NHTSA complaint #10584786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antonio, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INCIDENT #1 INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN ENGINE BAY AFFECTING CHARGING SYSTEM, EMISSIONS, AND DRIVE SYSTEMS. FORD DEALER DIAGNOSED AS "BAD ALTERNATOR" AND "BAD WIRING HARNESS". AFTER I BROUGHT IT BACK WITHOUT HAVING REPAIRS DONE, I CLEANED AND LUBED ALL CONNECTORS. ALL PROBLEMS WENT AWAY. I ENDED UP HAVING TO BUY A NEW BATTERY DUE TO DAMAGE DONE BY THE FAULTY CONNECTIONS. THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN INTERMITTENT AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE BEFORE I CLEANED AND LUBED ALL CONNECTORS, THIS PROBLEM COST ME A BATTERY, AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AS THE BATTERY DIED AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH NO BATTERY AND NO ALTERNATOR, THE VEHICLE STALLED, LIGHTING DIED, ETC. INCIDENT #2 LEAKING TIMING COVER GASKET AND LOWER INTAKE GASKETS. AT THIS MOMENT THE VEHICLE HAS 127K APPX MILES ON IT, AND IT IS CURRENTLY SITTING AS I WILL NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED, ALL MILES PUT ON VEHICLE HAVE BEEN "LIGHT" MILES (NO HEAVY TOWING, NO OVERLOADING OF VEHICLE, NO EXCESSIVE SPEED, ETC). FORD ISSUED A BULLETIN STATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH GASKETS UP UNTIL ROUGHLY 1/16/98. THEY THEN ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REMEDY THAT DID NOT COVER THE FULL GASKET SET OR ALL AFFECTED ENGINE MODEL YEARS. ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN, MY ENGINE (MFG DATE PRIOR TO 9/97) IS AFFECTED, ACCORDING TO THEIR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REMEDY IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE. IN MY BOOK, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE THE BASIS OF A RECALL. ENGINES HAVE DIED WITH AS LITTLE AS 50K MILES ON THEM, I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT I WAS HONESTLY SCARED TO DRIVE UNTIL NOW. I WILL MOST LIKELY BE PERFORMING MY OWN REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO FORD'S INCOMPETENCE.

NHTSA complaint #10543335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,440 miles Okeechobee, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE HORN AND SPEED CONTROL HAVE GONE OUT ON THIS TRUCK AND I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED I AM TIRED OF REPLACING THE SAME PARTS IN 2 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #10493106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 126,000 miles Muskegon, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE MY TRUCK WAS PARKED, IT STARTED ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE TRUCK IS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10475725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Menoken, ND Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAD ELECTRICAL FIRE AFTER BEEN PARKED FOR 2 WEEKS.

NHTSA complaint #10457722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muskegon, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

1998 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE AND PROBLEM WITH CHARGING SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE FUEL STRAPS REPLACED AT THE DEALER UNDER THE RECALL, A FEW DAYS LATER, HE BEGAN TO SMELL GAS. WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GAS AROUND THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP, THAT WAS JUST REPLACED DAYS BEFORE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED TO THEM, THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT LEAKING WHEN HE FIRST BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO THEM. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE.

NHTSA complaint #10435734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 219,761 miles Hull, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OUR TRUCK, A 1998 FORD F150, LOST USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL BACK IN APRIL OF 2011. WE BOUGHT IT USED IN 2008 AND SINCE WE DID NOT USE IT MUCH ANYWAY, WE DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT. THEN IN LATE JUNE WE STARTED THE TRUCK AND COULD NOT GET THE GEAR SHIFTER TO MOVE. WHEN TRYING TO PULL IT INTO DRIVE, REVERSE, OR ANYTHING, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. MY HUSBAND CAME HOME FROM WORK THE NEXT MORNING AND CHANGED A FUSE AND IT WORKED FOR WEEKS. THEN I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR APROX. 45 MINUTES ONE AFTERNOON, CAME HOME SHUT IT OFF WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE, HEAR A LOUD POP, LOOKED OUT THE DOOR AND THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10414735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Fort Leonard Wood, MO Fire 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY 1998 FORD F-150 STARTED ACTING UP WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS WERE SET ON. THE CAR WOULD HESITATE AND NOT WANT TO PULL. ONCE WE GOT HOME WE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND DID NOT THINK ANYTHING MORE ABOUT IT. THE FOLLOWING DAY WE WENT FOR A DRIVE AND NOTICED WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND LIFTED THE HOOD TO INSPECT IT. WHEN I LIFTED THE HOOD I WAS ENGULFED IN FLASH FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY DROPPED TO THE GROUND TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. WHEN MY FRIEND HELPED ME OFF THE GROUND THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL VIA LIFE STAR HELICOPTER. I SUFFERED 1ST AND 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON MY FACE AND FOREARMS AND HANDS. I SUFFERED 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON MY RIGHT ARM AND HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TO REMOVE THE DEAD TISSUE AND THEN HAD TO HAVE SKIN GRAFTS TO FIX MY ARM. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HOSPITAL AND THE SENT IMMEDIATELY TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BURN CENTER. I WAS IN VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BURN CENTER FOR 7 DAYS.

NHTSA complaint #10360850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Champaign, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WOKE UP TO SOMEONE BEATING ON MY HOUSE ALERTING ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE AT ABOUT 7:30 AM . I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT. NO ONE WAS INJURED. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FROM OFF MY HOME ON THE STREET.

NHTSA complaint #10350577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Lakewood, NJ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F150. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE CAB AREA AND WITHIN SECONDS THE FIRE SPREAD THROUGH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE.THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE TOMS RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORT NUMBER IS 10-133 AND THE LAKEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT NUMBER IS 10-44389. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10340756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Elderton, PA Fire 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PULLED MY 1998 F150 4X4 XLT SUPERCREW INTO MY DRIVEWAY, TURNED EVERYTHING OFF AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AND ENTERED MY HOUSE. THREE HOURS LATER, I WENT TO GAIN ENTRY TO MY TRUCK AND WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR, SMOKE BILLOWED OUT. IT MELTED MY INSTRUMENT PANEL FROM JUST ABOVE STEERING WHEEL TO THE DRIVERS DOOR. A WIRING HARNESS WAS ON FIRE AND BURNT CLEAR TO DRIVER SIDE RUG. ALL THE COATING WAS BURNT OFF THE HARNESS AND WAS IN FLAMES. I BURNT MY FINGERS TRYING TO GET IT OUT. THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM IT. I THEN DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TERMINALS AND GOT THE FIRE UNDER CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #10315733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Portland, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DOOR LOCKS, AND THE DOOR CHIMES FAILED TO OPERATE WHICH IS RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ALSO NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IS NOT SEALED AND WHENEVER IT RAINS WATER SEEPED INTO THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THERE WAS NO RELATED WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #10301930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Duncan, 00

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY 1998 F150, FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE DOME AND BOX LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON AFTER REMOVING THE IGNITION KEY. BY RESEARCHING ON THE NET, I FOUND THE CURE. APPARENTLY THE MAGNETIC CONTACTS IN THE DOOR POSTS WERE DIRTY AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION. USING WINDEX WHICH REMOVED THE WAX AND DIRT, CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOPE THIS HELPS OTHERS.

NHTSA complaint #10301759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,000 miles Lansing, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F150. THE STARTER WOULD ENGAGE AND SEEM TO RESTART ITSELF AS IF SHE WERE TURNING THE IGNITION. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DOME LIGHTS INSIDE WOULD TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE RADIO COMPARTMENT ALSO MADE A LOUD CLICKING SOUND. WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THE HEATER WOULD STILL RUN WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE FIREWALL. HE SPECULATED THAT THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE (ACCORDING TO SIMILAR VEHICLES HE REPAIRED). SHE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD AT A GLASS COMPANY BUT REALIZED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT THE CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC WHO INSTALLED THE WINDSHIELD TOLD HER THAT HE COULD SEE DAYLIGHT WHERE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LOCATED AND HE BELIEVED THAT WAS THE LOCATION WHERE THE WATER WAS COMING IN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 174,000. UPDATED 02/1710 *BF UPDATED 02/19/10

NHTSA complaint #10296197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,571 miles Vacaville, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OVERHEAD INTERIOR LIGHTS WONT SHUT OFF AND ALSO BACK BED LIGHT, HAVE TO SLAM DOOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LIGHT WILL GO OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10269759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,000 miles Coeur D Alene, ID

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE WINDSHIELD ON MY 1998 F150 FORD PICKUP HAS LEAKED FOR YEARS AND NOW THE WATER HAS CORRODED THE GEM MODULE TO THE POINT WHERE I AM EXPERIENCING UNWANTED ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY WHEN THE CAR IS UNATTENDED AND WORRIED THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE OR CAUSE A DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHILE I AM DRIVING THE TRUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY AT FIRST WOULDN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM UNTIL I MENTIONED THE FORD BULLETIN ##15773. THEN THEY SAID THAT THE ONLY THING THEY WOULD DO IS REPAIR THE PROBLEM FOR $1,300 DOLLARS. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND IT IS CLEAR THAT FORD MANUFACTURED A FAULTY WINDSHIELD AND THAT IT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA complaint #10218779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,523 miles Floresville, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

1998 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER HOOD NEAR BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR, BURNING WIRES, PLASTIC COMPONENTS, HOOD AND FENDER BEYOND REPAIR. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN DRIVEWAY FOR OVER 20 MINUTES UNATTENDED, TURNED OFF, KEYS OUT OF IGNITION. FLAMES WERE 2 FEET HIGH AT TIME OF NOTICE; NEIGHBOR SAVED FURTHER DAMAGE TO TRUCK AND HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10217721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Casco, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A WIRE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SWITCH, BUT THE CONTACT STILL HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. THE DEALER FINALLY DISCONNECTED THE SWITCH, BUT IT CONTINUES TO TAKE FOUR OR MORE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS PAID $200 IN REPAIRS. THE FAILURE OCCURS IN BOTH COLD AND HOT WEATHER AND THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE DISCONNECTED WIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 229,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #10202888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

AS I SLEPT THIS PAST SATURDAY MORNING (11/18/2006), MY 1998 F-150 PICK-UP BURNED TO THE GROUND ABOUT 4:00AM. THIS WAS MY SECOND FORD PICK-UP OWNED, AND I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH FORD UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. MY TRUCK WAS PAID FOR AND I WAS COMPLETELY HAPPY WITH IT. I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE UNTIL I HEAR FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY, WHOM SAYS I DIDN'T HAVE ANY RENTAL CAR COVERAGE ON MY POLICY. I HAVE HAD TO MISS THIS WEEK IN WORK WAGES DUE TO NO WAY TO GET TO MY JOB 30 MINUTES AWAY, AND WILL BE FORCED TO MISS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WITH MY FAMILY IN ARKANSAS. CAN FORD REIMBURSE ME FOR ANY OF MY LOST WORK WAGES OR A REBATE OFF A NEW PURCHASE? I REALLY FEEL THAT DUE TO A MAJOR FAULT BY FORD, THAT THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME WITH A VEHICLE TO DRIVE SO THAT I CAN GET TO WORK. I AM CURRENTLY STUCK AND MISERABLE, AND DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS FAIR FOR ME TO HAVE TO SUFFER ONE MORE DAY BECAUSE I PUT MY TRUST IN FORD MOTOR CO. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD AT LEAST DO SOMETHING ON THEIR PART, TO MAKE THIS RIGHT! REGARDS, SCOTT HOWARD.

NHTSA complaint #10174023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Prairie Grove, AR Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FIRE, TOTAL LOSS TO FORD F150 PICKUP. PICKUP SAT IN DRIVEWAY FOR 4 HOURS SINCE DRIVEN AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND SAID IT WAS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR ENGINE RELATED.

NHTSA complaint #10168660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,900 miles Pickerington, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

I OWNED AND OPERATED A 1998 FORD F150. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN SEPTEMBER, 2005 AS THE FAULTY SWITCH HAS BEEN LINKED TO FIRES IN F150 TRUCKS. IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR, I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A DEALER SO THEY COULD PERFORM THE MODIFICATION TO FIX THE PROBLEM, WHICH THEY DID COMPLETE. IT APPEARS FORD'S FIX IS NOT WORKING. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE 6/15/06 AFTER I HAD DRIVEN IT TO WORK. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE FIRE HAS DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. I REQUEST THAT ONE OF YOUR EXPERTS COME OUT AND INSPECT MY TRUCK. IT IS CLEAR FROM THE INFORMATION I HAVE GATHERED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW IF THE FORD'S RECALL AND SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY WORKING OR NOT.

NHTSA complaint #10160001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Plattsburgh, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

I CHANGED MY SPARK PLUGS AT THE RECOMMENDED MILEAGE AND SINCE THAT TIME THEY DO NOT STAY TIGHT IN THE CYLINDERS. THEY LOOSEN UP AND I HAVE TO RE-TIGHTEN THEM EVERYDAY SO THAT THEY DO NOT BLOW OUT OF MY CYLINDER HEAD.

NHTSA complaint #10138447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Whitewood, VA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1998 FORD F-150 VIN # [XXX], PARKED AT 9:00 PM ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. AT 4:30 AM ON SEPTEMBER 28 NEIGHBOR NOTICED VEHICLE FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPT UNABLE TO SAVE THE VEHICLE, IT COMPLETELY BURNED UP. ALSO DAMAGE TO THE GARAGE IN FRONT OF WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TO A 1990 FORD TAURUS PARKED BESIDE OF THE VEHICLE.*JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #10138215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,000 miles Mount Vernon, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

1) STARTER WENT OUT, TRUCK WAS SURGING WHILE DRIVING, GASOLINE WAS RUNNING OUT OF TAILPIPE. 2) WIRING HARNESS WAS RUBBING THE AC DRYER WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL INJECTORS TO STAY OPEN, WHICH FILLED THE CYLINDERS UP WITH GAS AND LOCKED THE MOTOR UP, BENDING THE RODS. 3) MOTOR AND STARTER WERE REPLACED BY SMITH FORD IN CONWAY, ARKANSAS. THIS COST US $5,500.00. ORIGINALLY, TRUCK WAS SENT IN FOR STARTER REPLACEMENT ONLY. THE NEXT DAY THE MOTOR WENT OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10137689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,000 miles Rogers, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

TURN SIGNAL WORKED AS EXPECTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS NEW,THEN SOON THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BECAME SPORADIC AS TO WHEN IT WOULD WORK. LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THAT THEY COULD DISCOVER. HOWEVER,NOW THE RIGHT SIGNAL DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. I DON'T MEAN THE BULB-- I MEAN THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN. LEFT WORKS FINE;RIGHT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO LET OTHER DRIVERS KNOW WHERE I'M GOING,COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10135883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1998 Ford F-150 problems

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