Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford f-150. While driving approximately 30 MPH the contact depressed the brake pedal. The brakes did not respond and the contact crashed into a vehicle. A report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the mechanic stated the brake line was rusted. One of the fuel tank straps were covered with rust and the other strap was broken. The brake lines were replaced. The fuel tank straps were not repaired because the part was not available and had to be ordered. There was a NHTSA recall campaign number: 11V385000 ( fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) that May be related to the failure. The contact was unaware if the VIN was included in the recall. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford f-150. While parked, the contact discovered that brake fluid was leaking from the master cylinder onto the speed control deactivation switch and the electrical connector without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05V388000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford f150. While idling at a traffic light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle began to roll until it crashed into another vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. Aaa towed the vehicle and the brake lines were replaced. He has not notified the manufacturer. The contact has pictures of the defective brake lines. The current and failure mileages were 68,700. Updated 01-11-08. Updated 12/12/07
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford f-150. While the vehicle was parked the contact stated a fire started on the front drivers side of the vehicle. The fire department was called and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto shop. The mechanic determined the fire May have started within the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Dt: speed control deactivation switch caught on fire. White smoke was coming out of grill . Consumer got out of car and put fire out. That morning brake warning light came on, and he had to pull the emergency brake a few times, and it went off. Took vehicle to repair shop, and had it repaired. Has not called manufacturer.
1998 Ford f-150 vehicle was parked in work parking lot for 6-1/2 hours. Flames began coming out from under hood and was put out with fire extinguisher. When the hood was opened the area around brake fluid reservoir had completely burned away.
At some point the cruise control on my 1998 Ford f150 pick-up stopped working. As I seldom use it I'm not sure how long it was out. Next the #13 fuse failed. The replacement fuse failed immediately. With this fault I was unable to get the truck out of park if started in park. The ABS light was flashing and the brake lights did not work. Took truck to earnhardt's Ford dealer for repairs. They traced problem to shorted brake pressure safety switch and speed control servo. Due to the defective brake switch the wiring harness was saturated with brake fluid. All three defective parts were replaced. These repairs cost $3,100 dollars. The mechanic (ken tueffel) stated I was very fortunate the truck did not catch fire. …
While traveling in the right hand lane, I noticed an abandoned vehicle in the road ahead of me. I attempted to slow down and pull behind the vehicle to my right to avoid a collision. When my truck did not noticeably begin to slow, I attempted to bring my truck to a complete stop. I increased pressure on th brake pedal. The truck began very difficult to control and slowly began to decrease speed. After approx 100 yds I felt the brakes began to grab and was pulled forward against the seat belt. I had already traveled an excessive distance, and once the brakes began to work there was nto enough space left to bring my vehicle to a complete stop. This resulted in my truck ramming into the abonded vehicle at 5-15 MPH.
1. Driving with my fiancee to go out to eat in evansville 2. Loss of rear brakes(found out later a pinhole in brakeline) 3. Damage front in due to traffic stop quickly and I could not, so I went offroad to avoid a car in a soybean field. To correct the failure I am not installing the recycled brake lines that I think was used when the f150 was made shouldn't they last more than 7 years since this is a safety for the driver,all passangers and other motorists, I have had a garage order stainless steel, and the front body parts. I don't know the cost of the bill yet..but I'm without my truck..for awhile. And a honey that has had a headache all day and a sprain wrist...hope it goes away(the headache).
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
Brake complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 114 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford F-150, 8% of the model year's 1,381 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (58 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford F-150 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Ford F-150, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford F-150 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 4 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.