10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 21,572 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. The contact stated that a 7 year old child entered the vehicle and was able to shift gears without starting the engine. As a consequence, the vehicle rolled onto the roadway and crashed into another vehicle. The child sustained moderate injuries to the ankle. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 111,403.
- Bethelham, PA, USA
What isn't wrong with this truck? with less than 80,000 miles on it...spare tire fell off while being driven, interior lights randomly stay on, both doors are rusting out from the bottom, knob to regulate temperature fell off and assembly needed replacement, front brakes calipers stuck and caught on fire, exhaust system has rusted off twice, transmission went up and was replaced under warranty at less than 20,000 miles, radiator rusted through, and the headliner is falling down off the ceiling. I've probably missed something but can tell you that I will never own another Ford.
- Stewartstown, PA, USA
Service guide indicates transmission fluid change every 30,000 miles ( except E$od transmissions ) my transmission failed and almost caused me to wreck. Mechanic relates failure due to dirty transmission fluid. I have to replace E4od transmission.
- Cincinnati, OH, 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
The 1998 Ford F150 pick up truck 4.2 liter V6 engine threw a rod during startup one morning. The engine had 70,000 easy miles on it. No towing, racing or hard driving. I had the engine replaced at a cost of $4200 with a jasper engine at Mr. Engine because Ford would not help at all unless I paid them $7500 for a new Ford engine. I had already replaced two automatic transmissions in this same vehicle. The first time it cost me $2200 at 50,000 miles to rebuild the original, and the second time $1800 to replace the original with a remanufactured jennings transmission at 160,000. From all I have heard Ford knew about the engine gasket defect and still has done nothing about it. I have all documentation, and believe this needed to be remedied by Ford. We are talking about thousands of 4.2 liter 1997 through 1999 engine failures. I love my truck, but will never buy another Ford product.
- Rolesville , NC, USA
The transmission in my 98 F-150 failed at 36400 mi and 36 months. Ford, the dealer and I split the cost of repair. Now, approximately 36000 mi and three years more and the transmission has failed again. Dealer recommends that I purchase a re-manufactured trans for $2200. Odd coincidence that the same transmission failed at the same mileage and time. Vehicle is used for transportation and is rarely used to tow or carry loads. Both incidents happened with the vehicle in drive and moving forward at a very moderate rate in a parking lot.
- Sierra Madre, CA, USA
Shift cylinder keeps going out causing transmission not to shifting or to slip. The part has been replaced more than once, coasting me a lot of money. Sometimes it would get in an intersection and hesitate, almost causing an accident.
- Hiawatha, KS, USA
I have a 1998 F150 I bought new. I have been a Ford person for many years but will not buy another Ford until the problems with the motor and transmissions are corrected. At 72,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. ($2,200), at 92,000 miles check engine light came on, idling was rough but drove fine. Took it to the mechanic he said tune-up would correct it. $400 later, still check engine light and idle rough. It just stopped and wouldn't start back up. I'm having to replace the block ect.. having to continue to pay a nice vehicle payment each month and insurance and still not having a vehicle to drive is ridiculous. Very disappointed with Ford!! kl.
- Lithia, FL, USA
Transmission failed at 64,400 miles while on express way traveling 60 mph. Dealer recommends full replacement with re-manufactured unit. Incident occured after 60K extended mileage warranty expired. Estimates for repair exceed $2,000 on a vehicle which is less than 5 years old.
- Tacoma, WA, USA
Transmission is no good.
- Methuen, MA, USA
While shifting the vehicle there is a loud noise. The slave cylinder into the transmission is defect. The dealership is aware of the problem.
- Kneeland, CA, USA
While driving 60 mph rpms suddenly went way up and accelerator pedal did not respond anymore. Consumer was able to coast to side of road. Had vehicle towed to dealer, who stated transmission went out. This is a rebuilt transmission installed by Ford at 19000 miles when original transmission went out.
- Willoughby, OH, USA
When vehicle is put into neutral it starts to reverse.only way to drive is to put it in drive. Contacted dealer.
- Douglasville, GA, USA
Transmission has failed 2 times in 6 months. And the problem is still there the fly wheel now makes noise. The dealer stated that they replaced the transmission. I dont believe they did so. Because of the way the truck runs.
- Hudson, FL, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Evergreen, NC, USA
When putting car into park locking pin in transmission does not engage. Therefore, vehicle will roll forward. Consumer has to use parking brake to stop car. Consumer states this part fails 95% of the time.
- Mt. Vernon, WA, USA
Transmission failed at 48000 miles.
- Mayslanding, NJ, USA
No summary listed for above vehicle.
- Louisville, KY, USA
When car was shifting it banged down to a lower gear, like it was down shiffting when accelerating. Took to dealer 3 times, and they couldn't duplicate the problem. When vehicle down shifts from high gear to lower gear transmission sups and bangs.
- Boothwyn, PA, USA
- Charleston, WV, USA