Vehicle experiences a violent shaking in the steering and front suspension called "the death wobble". occurs as speeds between 40 and 70 mph. Occurs if road is somewhat bumpy. Occurs often and could result in loss of control. It requires that I slow down to about 5 mph before it stops. This immediate need to slow down if dangerous if someone is following me (especially a large truck.)

- Hazard, KY, USA

Report receipt date: Jul 15, 1998 NHTSA campaign number: 98V161000 component(s): Fuel system, gasoline, suspension my rear suspension is bad - has this been taken care of on my vehicle? GEM module is having trouble. I have been reading this part has caused a lot of trouble for this Ford model.

- Hoskins, NE, USA

Shock upper mount simply fell off causing driver side rear shock to drag ground. After further inspection also noticed at the location of the rusted out mount location that the rear wiring for the tail light were severed causing truck to now be stuck in park. Also while inspecting noticed rear frame is simply falling apart and other areas throughout the frame are weak as well. This is a huge safety concern after doing research I am finding many accounts of the same issue online but no manufacture recalls. Why isn't Ford doing anything about this issue? I've never seen frames do this. Truck needs full frame replacement.

- Monterey, TN, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the retaining clips that supported the front and rear leaf springs were missing. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 98V161000 (fuel system, gasoline, suspension). The recall expired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Lecanto , FL, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 15 mph, the contact heard a snapping sound from the rear of the vehicle. After coming to a stop the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the bracket that connected to the leaf spring on the rear passenger side was fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate mileage was 146,000. Updated 5/11/12 the shackle assembly needed to be replaced. Updated 05/15/12

- Swampscott, MA, USA

The steering wheel locked up and the tierod end leaned out to far.

- Smithville, WV, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that one of the fuel tank straps was fractured due to corrosion. The two remaining fuel tank straps were experiencing corrosion as well, but were not fractured. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The contact expressed concern because only the fractured strap was replaced under the recall. The contact was informed that according to the recall, they were only obligated to replace the fractured strap. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would only replaced the strap which fractured. The contact also stated that the rear leaf springs fractured and pierced through the truck bed due to corrosion. In addition, the frame under the front driver side also exhibited rust and corrosion. The failure mileage was 175,000.

- New Albany, IN, USA

Failure was immediate, Ford F150 fuel tank straps. While driving down the road apparently the tank straps gave way and the fuel tank dropped. Before coming to a stop and after catching some uneven pavement, fuel tank was pealed open and losing about 8 gallons gas. Fire dept was called and they cleaned up spill. Both straps broke and fuel tank is un-repairable. Updated 08/05/11 the consumer stated he experienced other problems with the vehicle, such as a leaking power steering gear box, brake lines had to be replaced, there was a leak in the 4-wheel drive gear box, the muffler hangers, ball joints, tie rod ends and shocks all had to be replaced. Updated 08/11/1

- Painesville, OH, USA

Left rear spring hanger broke and came lose from frame and went up hitting the truck bed underside. This part holds the rear end in place

- West Seneca , NY, USA

1998 F-150 5.4L Triton I've owned this truck for 2 yrs. And put 30,000 miles on it. Currently at 124,000. Other than maintenance (not including spark plugs) have changed both cv shafts and bearings in the front. Feb. 3, 08 without any warning or precursor it blew a spark plug from the head stripping the threads. It occurred very quickly while coasting down hill at 55 mph. Not hardly working the engine. I knew what it was immediately, I had been with a friend when his 2000 F 150 4.6L blew a spark plug for the second time in 6 months. This action almost stalled my truck out being at low RPM to begin with it rattled violently. I was afraid my 10 yr old brother and I would have to walk for help. Not fun in NY in Feb. A passerby came to our aid. I had the truck towed home by a friend. Still trying to find a suitable and affordable repair. Thousands of these incidents have been reported to various websites, dealers, and even to Ford. Some instances have resulted in fires destroying the whole vehicle. Ignited by a stray spark plug and fuel mist from the cylinder. Something must be done by Ford. Most repairs run $2,000 - $4,000 each time a plug a spit. Many vehicles have under 100,000 miles.

- Rockstream, NY, USA

Left tie rod on my 1998 Ford F150 broke while driving. I bought truck new in 1999. Mileage on truck was 29900. Had truck towed to dealer, they informed me that right tie rod needed to be replaced too along with the lower ball joints and idler arm. I was on the highway just 20 minutes before. I was lucky. Service manager told me he has needed to replace them after 15000. From the factory there are no grease fitting for lubrication. Also none on replacements. Please call or E-mail with any questions, thank you.

- Parma Hts., OH, USA

Front inner tie rods on right side broke while vehicle was parked. Consumer has taken vehicle twice before to dealer, and the dealer still did not do anything for consumer taken it again to dealer. Consumer stated there is a noise in front end when steering wheel is being turned, there is a noise when attempting to start engine, headlights stay on until the parking brake is applied, engine is using 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, the dealer replaced the outer tie rod ends.

- Riceville, TN, USA

Suspension failed.

- Canoga Par, CA, USA

When driving at 60 mph there is vibration within the steering wheel, and the dealer or the manufacturer can't determine the problem.

- Gibsonia, PA, USA

Vehicle experiences extreme vibration on concrete highways going at high speeds resulting in difficulty in maintaining control over vehicle.

- Poway, CA, USA

Suspension malfunction.

- Poway, CA, USA