1998 Ford Ranger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Ford Ranger: 5 recalls, 576 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #97V186001 · 1997 · 2,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional clip to hold the fuel line in the intended design position.
Equipment Vehicle recall #98V021000 · 1998 · 11,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The 16" tires could not be inflated on the specified 15x7.0j rim.
The fix: 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #99V062001 · 1999 · 898,739 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V204000 · 1999 · 326 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transaxle and any with misaligned park detent springs will be replaced.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #07V336000 · 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in an underhood fire.
The fix: 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…
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Tire recall #00T005000 · 2000 · 14,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. Operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Why it matters: If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 29 mention a fire, 40 injuries and 7 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (136): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (136).
- Speed control / throttle (71): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (60): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), hard / delayed shifting (8).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (54): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (11), noise or vibration (6).
The 1998 Ford Ranger has 576 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 33 Ranger model years for complaints (2.3× the average Ranger year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (160 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (411 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (755 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Ford Ranger.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Ford Ranger, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Ford Ranger problems?
Owners have filed 576 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (136), speed control / throttle (71), transmission & drivetrain (60).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Ranger get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Ford Ranger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.