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1998 problems

FaultScore report

1998 Ford F-250 problems

Owners have filed 76 complaints about the 1998 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2018. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 22 of 22 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Ford F-250 All 1998 cars

FaultScore 18/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford F-250.

How this is worked out

The numbers

Complaints

Crashes reported

Fires reported

Injuries reported

114,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 15: Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 20: 3.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 22: 13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1998 compares with every other Ford F-250

Click any bar to open that year's report.

1 14 5 145 149 183 156 238 212 348 76 702 417 269 189 151 201 207 332 84 255 92 109 384 423 153 236

79 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Ford F-250

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 14 18.4%

Median failure at 114,500 miles

Brakes 14 18.4%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

Body & Structure 9 11.8%

Median failure at 102,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 9 11.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 78,166 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 8 10.5%

Median failure at 104,786 miles

Tires 4 5.3%

Median failure at 149,050 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 3.9%

Steering 3 3.9%

Median failure at 190,000 miles

Airbags 3 3.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Lights 2 2.6%

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 2.6%

Electrical System 2 2.6%

Median failure at 35,890 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 2.6%

Wheels 1 1.3%

Median failure at 220,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 7 21.2%

Torsion BAR 6 18.2%

Gasoline 4 12.1%

Frame AND Members 4 12.1%

Glass, Side/Rear 3 9.1%

Engine 3 9.1%

Front 3 9.1%

Door 3 9.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 4.3%

25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 8.7%

50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 8.7%

75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 8.7%

100,000 – 149,999 miles 12 52.2%

150,000+ miles 4 17.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 1998 peak 9 Nov 2018

NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Ford F-250

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP05005 Opened 22 Sep 2005 Closed 4 Jan 2006 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...

EA05005 Opened 22 Mar 2005 Closed 2 Aug 2006 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...

Recalls on the 1998 Ford F-250

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019420 21 Aug 2019 5,327 units in Canada

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Recall 2011281 1 Aug 2011 166,282 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250, and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the fuel tank straps could corrode and fail. This could allow the fuel tank to contact the ground, which may compromise the tank's integrity and permit fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install fuel tank straps with improved corrosion protection.

Recall 2005028 14 Feb 2005 304,417 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.

Recall 2004164 18 May 2004 305,024 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. The vehicle owner is asked to place the tie-rod end inspection procedure supplied with this maintenance guide update in the vehicle's glove box for reference and safekeeping. The vehicle owner is to provide the inspection procedure to their repair facility to help properly identify worn tie-rod ends. Performing the vehicle scheduled maintenance, including maintenance inspections, is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Failure to replace worn tie-rod ends may eventually result in a tie-rod end separation that could adversely affect steering control. If the inspection reveals that a tie-rod end is worn and must be replaced, the repair will be at the owner's expense unless the vehicle is still covered by the basic vehicle warranty, or has an extended service plan coverage that includes these components.

Recall 1998095 12 May 1998 141,580 units in Canada

Suspension

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. CORRECTION: WHEEL STUDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND WHEEL LUG NUTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REVISED VERSIONS.

Recall 1997180 17 Oct 1997 72,763 units in Canada

Structure

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITION INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK". THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET. CORRECTION: SHIFT CONTROL CABLE WILL BE PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND A TIE STRAP WILL BE ADDED TO THAT CONNECTION AS A REDUNDANT MEASURE TO SECURE THE ATTACHMENT.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Filed 1 Aug 2011 at 153,169 miles Gladwin, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THE EVENING OF JULY 26TH, 2011 APPROXIMATELY 10:00PM EST, AN ENGINE FIRE OCCURRED IN OUR 1998 FORD F-250 TRUCK (EXT CAB, TRITON V-8 ENGINE, LARIAT ED). THE F-250 HAD BEEN PARKED IN A REMOTE PARKING AREA ON THE INTERIOR AREA OF THE MASON COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS. DUE TO COUNTY FAIR ACTIVITIES DURING THAT DAY, THE TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN STARTED FOR OVER 10 HOURS WHEN THIS FIRE OCCURRED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. IT TOTALED THE ENGINE, BUCKLED THE HOOD, BLISTERED THE PAINT, ETC. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO PROPERTY DAMAGE, NOR WAS THERE ANY BODILY INJURY. WE HAD PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN APRIL OF 2010. THIS TRUCK WAS IN PRISTINE (EAT OFF THE ENGINE) CONDITION. SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT, IT HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES (MOBIL-1 SYNTHETIC ONLY). ASIDE FROM THAT, AND OTHER NORMAL MAITENANCE, THERE HAD BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAD STOCK EQPT WHEN WE PURCHASED IT. NO-OFF ROADING, MY SON BABIED THIS TRUCK. HE DID NOT EVEN LIKE GOING TO HIS GIRLFRIEND'S HOME WITH IT, BECAUSE SHE LIVED ON A DIRT ROAD. HE IS MORE THAN JUST LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE, HE IS HEARTBROKEN, TO SAY THE LEAST. I HAVE CHECKED THAT THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT. 911 WAS CALLED, BUT ULTIMATELY IT IS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT MADE THE REPORT. I NOTIFIED FORD ON JULY 27TH, 2011. ON JULY 30TH, 2011 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MARIA AGUILERA, PRODUCT CLAIMS LEGAL ANALYST, FORD'S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNCIL IN DEARBORN, MI. WE ARE WORKING TO GATHER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY HER AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10416605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 25 Jun 2002 ELK City, ID Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #8012630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 5 Sep 2000 Callaway, MD Crash

AIR BAGS

DURING A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ABOVE 15 MPH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY . I AM IN DOUBT AS TO THE RELIABILITY OF THE SYSTEM. THE DEALER SAID IT DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE ANGLE AT WHICH THE BUMPER WAS HIT.

NHTSA complaint #729010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Filed 5 Nov 2018 at 220,000 miles Hillsboro, OH

WHEELS:RIM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE STORE AND THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO MOUNT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BECAUSE THE RIM WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. ALL OF THE OTHER RIMS WERE IN THE SAME CONDITION, INCLUDING THE SPARE THAT WAS NOT EVEN MOUNTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11145301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Jan 2018 at 149,050 miles Washington Terrace, UT

TIRES

SAILUN IS NOT A CURRENTLY A VALID CHOICE AS A TIRE BRAND NAME:, NOR IS TARRAMAX H/T A VALID CHOICE AS A TIRE LINE:, WHY I HAVE SUBMITTED THIS REPORT UNDER THE UNKNOWNCATEGORY FOR BOTH OF THESE CELL INPUTS. PURCHASED (4) NEW SAILUN, TARRAMAX H/T, LT265/75R-16 TIRES (IN JANUARY 2016). AFTER APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES OF USE, STARTED EXPERIENCING AN UNUSUAL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER MANY HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING THE VIBRATION PROBLEM, IT WAS FINALLY REVEALED AT ANOTHER TIRE CENTER (USING A HUNTER ROAD FORCE TEST/BALANCING MACHINE...AT AN EXTRA COST) THAT 3 OF THE 4 TIRES WERE ACTUALLY DEFECTIVE (RED (75 LBS, 73 LBS AND 43 LBS) CONDITION, REPLACE TIRE) AND THE 4TH TIRE USABLE (YELLOW (15 LBS) CONDITION, SLIGHTLY OUT OF ROUND, BUT ARE STILL USABLE...FOR HOW LONG, IS ANYONE GUESS). ROAD FORCE TESTING REVEALED THAT THE INTERNAL BELTS HAD SEPARATED AND ARE THE CAUSE FOR THE OUT OF ROUND TIRE CONDITION. THIS IS WHY THE VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN SIGNIFICANTLY WORST OVER THE PAST MONTH...MORE BELT SEPARATION WITH EACH USE. ACCORDING TO THE TIRE EXPERT TECHNICIAN AT DISCOUNT TIRES, "THE TIRES ARE EGG SHAPED RATHER THAN ROUND LIKE A DOUGHNUT AND THIS CONDITION IS WHAT IS CAUSING THE VIBRATIONS EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES ARE SHOWING BALANCED ON OTHER BALANCING MACHINES AT OTHER SHOPS. OTHER BUYERS HAVE COMPLAINED ON-LINE ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT I SUSPECT THEY HAVE NOT OFFICIALLY REPORTED THESE PROBLEMS TO THE NHTSA. TBCBRANDS CUSTOMER SERVICE IS CLAIMING THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY REPORTED PROBLEMS AND THAT IF THERE WERE ANY ISSUES, THE NHTSA WOULD HAVE REPORTS OF THIS. TIRES WERE IMPORTED BY TBCBRANDS OR TBC CORPORATION AND A PRIMARILY SOLD BY LES SCHWAB TIRE STORES. DRIVER'S REAR; DOT 535TLE50 1615, MADE IN CHINA (DEFECTIVE, 73 LBS) PASSENGER'S REAR; DOT 535TLE50 1815, MADE IN CHINA (DEFECTIVE, 43 LBS) DRIVE'S FRONT; DOT YJ5TLEV2 2815, MADE IN VIETNAM (YELLOW, CURRENTLY AT 15 LBS) PASSENGER'S FRONT; DOT 535TLE50 1615, MADE IN CHINA (DEFECTIVE, 75 LBS)

NHTSA complaint #11063491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Jan 2018 at 149,050 miles Washington Terrace, UT

TIRES

NHTSA complaint #11063497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Jan 2018 at 149,050 miles Washington Terrace, UT

TIRES

NHTSA complaint #11063503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 18 Jan 2018 at 149,050 miles Washington Terrace, UT

TIRES

NHTSA complaint #11063507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Feb 2012 at 104,786 miles Roanoke, VA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FORD F-250 4X4 FORD RECALL 11S21(NHTSA 11V385) FUEL TANK STRAP CORROSION INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT WAS CONDUCTED. THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE RUSTED UNDER THE STRAP AREA ONLY. AFTER THE OLD STRAPS WERE REMOVED THE TANK STARTED TO LEAK FUEL AND FORD NOR THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE TANK. IF THE STRAPS ARE COVERED FOR CORROSION THEN THE TANK SHOULD BE ALSO DUE TO THE CORROSION TRANSFERRING TO THE TANK SURFACE. THE DEALER PLACED NEW STRAPS OVER A RUSTED TANK. THE TRUCK WILL NEED OVER $1200.00 IN REPAIRS FOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO REMEDY THE NOW LEAKING FUEL.

NHTSA complaint #10448582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 20 Feb 2012 at 104,786 miles Roanoke, VA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

NHTSA complaint #10448582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 1 Aug 2011 at 153,169 miles Gladwin, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

NHTSA complaint #10416605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 9 May 2011 at 102,000 miles Orland Park, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ON APRIL 9TH 2011 MY FUEL TANK STRAPS BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THE TRUCK WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE TANK WAS HANGING BY THE FUEL LINES AND TANK NECK. THE TRUCK IS A FORD F-250 LIGHT WITH A 24 1/2 GALLON FUEL TANK, THAT HAS 102000 MILES. I REPLACED BOTH STRAPS AT A COST OF $34.00. I PAINTED THE NEW STRAPS TO PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10399672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 9 May 2011 at 201,992 miles Naperville, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1998 FORD F-250 (EARLY BUILD) WITH 201,992 MILES, HAD THE GAS TANK STRAP RUST AND BREAK RESULTING IN THE GAS TANK DROPPING TO THE PAVEMENT. THE FORWARD (FRONT) GAS TANK STRAP FAILED AND THE GAS TANK FELL TO THE PAVEMENT CAUSING THE RELEASE OF APPROXIMATELY 22 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE RESULTING SPILL REQUIRED A CLEANUP BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE SPILL CLEANUP RESULTED IN A $453 CHARGE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AT A COST OF $112. THE FUEL TANK AND STRAPS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $978.00. TOTAL COST OF EVENT $1,500.

NHTSA complaint #10399711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 9 May 2011 at 99,068 miles Valatie, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

THE METAL STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK ON MY 1998 F250 (REGULAR DUTY) RUSTED TO PIECES ONE AT A TIME UNTIL THE LAST STRAP BROKE AND THE GAS TANK DROPPED ON TO THE ROAD. IT IS A MIRACLE THE TANK DIDN'T GET WEDGED UNDER THE VEHICLE OR EXPLODE FROM BEING DRAGGED ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #10399622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 9 May 2011 at 102,000 miles Orland Park, IL

STRUCTURE

NHTSA complaint #10399672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 15 Sep 2010 at 116,000 miles Plymouth, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I RECENTLY READ THAT NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING FORD F 150 FROM 1997 TO 2001 FOR RUSTING GAS TANK STRAPS THAT EFFECTED 1.4 MILLION TRUCKS. I HAVE A FORD 1998 F-250 THAT HAD RUSTED GAS TANK STRAPS. ONE STRAP LET GO AND THE TANK MOVED OUT OF POSITION. I REPLACED IT MYSELF, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS DONE CORRECTLY OR WITH THE PROPER SAFETY PROTECTION. DID FORD ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS? WILL THEY INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF IT WAS DONE CORRECTLY? IS THERE A COST TO THE OWNER FOR ANY OF THIS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THE STRAPS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/25/11

NHTSA complaint #10355761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 15 Sep 2010 at 116,000 miles Plymouth, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

NHTSA complaint #10355761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 19 Apr 2010 at 96,833 miles Holley, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SPARK PLUG GETS BLOWN COMPLETELY OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK AND DESTROYS THE ENGINE COIL. THE ENGINE THEN NEEDS TO BE REBORED TO BE REPAIRED TO BE DRIVABLE. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAS NOW HAPPENED TO US TWICE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER NO LOAD.

NHTSA complaint #10326286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 15 Oct 2008 at 190,000 miles Pepperell, MA

STEERING

STEERING GEAR BOX. IT HAS BECOME DISENGAGED AT THE PITMAN ARM. AND LEAKING FLUID. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE 97 AND 99 VERSIONS OF THIS TRUCK HAVE HAD PROBLEMS AND RECALLS FOR THIS. I WAS TOLD A WHILE BACK ( ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO) BY A CAR DEALERSHIP OWNER THAT THIS TRUCK IS ACTUALLY A 99 I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY VEHICLE YEAR TO THIS LIST. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS "POPPING OUT" WHICH IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE TRITON ENGINES.

NHTSA complaint #10245531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 2 Aug 2006 Saint Louis, MO

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

1998 FORD F-250 STEEL TIE-ROD WERE SUFFICIENTLY WORN, LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE ALSO WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *KB ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CAUTIONARY LETTER FROM THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHICH STATED IT WAS NECESSARY TO HAVE THE STEERING LINKAGE INSPECTED EVERY 15,000, WHICH PROMPTED THE CONSUMER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. AFTER THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW AND IMPROVED STEERING COMPONETS, THE LEFT OUTER STEERING TIE ROD SOCKET DISENGAGED FROM THE BALL ON THE LEFT WHEEL ASSEMBLY WHILE MAKING A SLOW GRADUAL LEFT TURN. THIS FAILURE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL THE TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10164778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 2 Aug 2006 Saint Louis, MO

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

NHTSA complaint #10164778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 31 Mar 2005 at 55,000 miles Reinholds, PA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR

BROKEN FRONT TORSION BAR. STARTED MOTOR, SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE, AND WITHOUT MOVING FROM THE SPOT, HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THE TORSION BAR HAD SNAPPED. MY GARAGE WAS TOLD BY THEIR PARTS SUPPLIER THAT, UNTIL THIS PAST MONTH, THEY NEVER HAD A REQUEST FOR THIS PART BEFORE. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND REQUEST IN THE PAST MONTH. KEPT THE BROKEN BAR AFTER REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10116154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 1 Nov 2004 at 59,500 miles Portage, WI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE TRUCK WAS STARTED AND THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT FROM THE ENGINE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY STATED IT WASN'T A PROBLEM. THE NEXT TIME, THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #10099084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 21 Jul 2004 at 35,890 miles Anchorage, AK

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

WHILE STARTING MY FORD TRUCK WITH THE 5.4 L ENGINE I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP AND THE ENGINE RAN AS IF THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. A NON-FORD MECHANIC VERIFIED THE NO. 3 SPARK PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OUT AND STRIPPED THE THREADS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD INSERT THAT THIS FORD DEALER INSERTED TO REPAIR AN EARLIER BLOWN SPARK PLUG. THE OLD INSERT FOR THE PREVIOUS FAILURE WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW TYPE ACCORDING TO THE FORD MECHANIC. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. ON JULY 10, 2003, APPROXIMATELY 1 YR AND 2 DAYS BEFORE THIS FAILURE THE NO. 3 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT STRIPPING THE TREADS IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. NUMEROUS NON-FORD MECHANICS I'VE TALKED TO HAVE VERIFIED THIS BEEN A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE 5.4 L FORD ENGINE IN TRUCKS AND SUV'S. AN INDIVIDUAL THAT I WORK WITH HAD THE SAME SPARK PLUG (NO. 3 PASSENGER SIDE) BLOW OUT FROM HER FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 5.4 L ENGINE APPROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS AGO.

NHTSA complaint #10082335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 21 Jul 2004 at 35,890 miles Anchorage, AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

NHTSA complaint #10082335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 14 Nov 2003 at 115,738 miles Plaistow, NH

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM:SPRINGS/BAGS

WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR SUSPENSION SNAPPED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ONCE BEFORE, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK THREE AIR SUSPENSION BAGS HAD BLOWN OUT SINCE THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. (RIGHT AIRBAG ON THE REAR SUSPENSION) *SCC

NHTSA complaint #10047999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 22 Aug 2003 Fort Collins, CO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

RIGHT TURN SIGNALS WOULD FAIL TO STAY ON IF ROAD BEARS OPPOSITE OF SIGNAL. INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN REPLACED TURN SIGNAL. BUT, PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, UNABLE TO BE FIXED. DEALER STATED NEED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. IT WILL COST CONSUMER $310.00.

NHTSA complaint #10034352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 10 Jul 2003 Camanche, IA

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

REAR WINDOW CRACKS AND LEAKS WATER INTO THE CAB. THIS IS EVIDENTLY A MAJOR PROBLEM AFTER TALKING TO TWO AUTO GLASS PLACES. TALKING TO FORD IS NO HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10025779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford F-250 years

1998 Ford F-250 by part

Where owners filed from

Illinois 12
California 8
Florida 7
Utah 5
Ohio 4
Colorado 4
Massachusetts 3
New Jersey 3

Read this carefully

A complaint is an allegation by one owner, not a proven defect. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them.

Popular cars collect more complaints simply because more of them exist, which is why the grade here only ever compares this year against the other years of the same model.

If you believe your vehicle is unsafe, stop driving it and contact your dealer or NHTSA.