Model year record

1998 Ford Ranger

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 744 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V336000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-08-03
Owners notified
2007-08-13

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V204000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
326
Reported to NHTSA
1999-07-28
Owners notified
1999-07-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Safety risk

IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V062001

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
898,739
Reported to NHTSA
1999-03-30
Owners notified
1999-03-27

Defect description

VEHICLE 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; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Safety risk

IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V021000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
11,500
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-02
Owners notified
1998-07-06

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OFF-ROAD OPTION. THE TIRE AND RIM IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Safety risk

THE 16" TIRES COULD NOT BE INFLATED ON THE SPECIFIED 15X7.0J RIM.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE SENT A SAFETY CERTIFICAITON LABEL PARTIAL OVERLAY WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE CORRECT RIM SIZE, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THIS LABEL TO THE VEHICLE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR FORD DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V186001

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-10-28
Owners notified
1997-12-01

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES. THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE LINE COULD CONTACT THE MANIFOLD.

Safety risk

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP TO HOLD THE FUEL LINE IN THE INTENDED DESIGN POSITION.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires83
Vehicle speed control51104,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt47
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip24
Air bags: frontal23166 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline23
Suspension22120,000 mi
Interior lighting1932,000 mi
Unknown or other18115,000 mi
Electrical system1550,000 mi
Structure: body14116,000 mi
Suspension: front1466,111 mi
Power train: automatic transmission1344,045 mi
Tires: sidewall1350,580 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1281,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1235,000 mi
Structure: frame and members12118,214 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1270,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields9126,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission8
Exterior lighting740,000 mi
Power train7150,000 mi
Seats6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components6
Structure: body: door6
Suspension: rear680,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal6
Wheels6198,000 mi
Air bags540,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling585,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control5
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch527,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly5
Power train: clutch assembly5
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)5125,628 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic583,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor530,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings5
Visibility: power window devices and controls5
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery4
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood448,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline4117,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system425,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit4
Seat belts4160,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder4
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer4
Engine3250 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys3
Exterior lighting: turn signal373,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages3125,628 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm3
Steering: rack and pinion3
Structure345,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm358,864 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing358,864 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire3
Vehicle speed control: cables320,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages3
Air bags: on-off switch assembly2
Air bags: side/window2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator2
Electrical system: ignition2
Electrical system: ignition: module2
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift2
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack2
Exterior lighting: headlights230,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap2170,000 mi
Fuel system, other2
Latches/locks/linkages2
Parking brake: conventional2
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable2
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Steering2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint246,200 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf2153,500 mi
Visibility230,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core233,290 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior2
Visibility: windshield2
Wheels: hubcap/cover2140,000 mi
Wheels: rim2108,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module155,842 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module186,000 mi
Child seat: harness buckle: infant1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system150,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1187,964 mi
Equipment1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Equipment: other: labels1
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Parking brake1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: axle hubs143,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)143,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes1214,299 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock1
Service brakes, air: antilock: interconnecting assembly(wiring)1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Steering: column1185,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection1
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly158,864 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1125,628 mi

The 1997 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.