1998 Ford Ranger: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Ford Ranger has 656 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are tires and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag *10-speed automatic transmission failures (2019-2023 models) — major internal failures, burnt fluid, fault code p07f7, requiring full replacement; linked to technical service bulletins (e.g., tsb 24-2209). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

656
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
69
Crash reports
35
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Ford Ranger vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

tires
150
vehicle speed control
77
power train
66
suspension
57
service brakes
57

Recalls affecting the 1998 Ranger

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 09E025000

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 REQUIREMEN…

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 06E056000

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 CONNECTOR…

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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 REQUIREMEN…

vehicle speed control

Campaign 07V336000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the generation discussed. For older models (pre-2011), there is a strong, positive consensus on their durability, simplicity, and value, with specific engines praised for exceptional longevity. The 2019-2023 generati

  • *10-Speed Automatic Transmission Failures (2019-2023 models) — Major internal failures, burnt fluid, fault code P07F7, requiring full replacement; linked to Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., TSB 24-2209). Frequency: very frequent.
  • *High Recall Volume (2019-2023 models) — Numerous manufacturer recalls cited as a significant concern. Frequency: very frequent.
  • *Cam Phaser Issues (Various models with EcoBoost engines) — Noted as a past concern for some Ford engines, potentially affecting long-term reliability. Frequency: recurrent.
  • *Transmission Reliability Concerns (Pre-2011 models, specific engines) — The 4.0L SOHC V6 cited for problematic timing chain guides and tensioners requiring expensive, engine-out service. The 3.0L Vulcan V6 noted for cam synchronizer failures. Frequency: recurrent.
  • *Poor Fuel Economy (Older models, especially V6 engines) — The 4.0L OHV and 4.0L SOHC V6 engines specifically criticized for high fuel consumption. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Ranger.

Typical used price

Used Ranger listings typically run $30,399–$36,030 across 2019 to 2026 model years.

Other Ranger model years

2025 Ranger2023 Ranger2022 Ranger2019 Ranger2011 Ranger2009 Ranger2006 Ranger2001 Ranger
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