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 cam phaser issues (various models with ecoboost engines): noted as a past concern for some ford engines, potentially affecting long-term reliability. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Ford Ranger vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 9 Ranger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 27 (2025) to 656 (1998). With 656 complaints, the 1998 Ranger sits abovethe model's median of 235.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, 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 06E056000CERTAIN 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 09E012000SABERSPORT 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 07V336000ON 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.
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Ranger. See the full Ranger owner picture and every model year.
Used Ranger listings typically run $30,399–$36,030 across 2019 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Ranger year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.