Most common 1998 Ford E-450 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-450 complaints by model year
Best E-450 years: 2009, 2012, 2010. Years to avoid: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000, 2005. Compare all years →
1998 Ford E-450 recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 Mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair…
Vehicle speed control
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05V017 and 05V388)
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1998 Ford E-450:
HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No…
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
What 1998 Ford E-450 owners say
Wheels & tires
I have had two blowouts of Firestone steeltex tires, p235/75r16 on a 1998 Ford econonline with a winnebago rv coach mounted on the chassis. Under both circumstances, the tires were properly inflated (at 80 psi per the manufacture instructions), and in both situations the pressure was checked within hours of the failure. The vehicle has been weighed on certified scales and does not exceed tire recommended load capacities. In both situations, the tire tread sepearated from the inner core. The first tire had approximately 20,000 miles on it when it went, and the most recent one had 22,000 miles on it. There was plenty of tread life left and there were no visible signs of damage from road hazards prior to the failures.
In both incidents, the tires were inflated to 80 psi as recommended by manufacturer. Tires were mounted on the inside rear of the vehicle and vehicle is equipped with rear dual tire configuration. Out side temp was around 85 degees fahrenheit in both incidents. Tires were sent to Firestone for evaluation. Initially Firestone claimed that I (consumer) had operated tires improperly and therefor was the cause of the blowouts. Eventually, after several phone calls and letters, they did reimburse me for my out of pocket expenses. I have digital pictures of both tires that failed and will be happy to provide you with these upon request.( dot number: vd1l1xd287 tire size: lt22575r16 )
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Ford E-450 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 E-450 rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E-450 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford E-450?
The wheels & tires — 5 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford E-450 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 Ford E-450, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford E-450?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2012 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000 and 2005. See the full Ford E-450 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford E-450 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 22,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.