Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
When doors are closed the dome light, door ajar light, and exterior light above truck bed remain on. The problem has been recurring for the last 3-4 years. I have asked different repair shops concerning the problem and get many replies from bad door switch, bad relay switch to it's a recurring problem with 1998 Ford f-150's and you have to live with it. The lights can stay on for 1 minute or 30 minutes, occasionally I have to remove the fuse. The problem seems to occur most frequently when the outside temperature goes from cold to warmer weather. I have discussed the problem with other owners and they all seem to have the same problem. It is especially dangerous at night because of the interior light remaining on. I am also concerned with wear on the battery. I feel this is a design flaw and manufacturer should take care of the repair.
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.
Dt*: the contact stated the rear window leaked when it rained causing the rear seat to become wet. The interior lights and the brake lights failed to turn off when the ignition was turned off. Also, there was a humming noise coming from the rear end as the vehicle traveled 10 MPH. The rear end was replaced 1 years ago including the suspension, rear axle, chassis, rings, pins and rear differential. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified.
1998 Ford f-150 super cab with third door. Interior lamps and 'door ajar' indicator lamp stay on when vehicle is driven, running lamps off, whether vehicle is on or off, and all doors a securely closed. This problem goes away on very hot days.
It started with dome light staying on constantly - so we go without a dome light and it is unsafe and quite the nusance. Next the door ajar light stayed on constantly - weather seems to play a factor. Next the ignition switch chime started staying on constantly when keys aren't even in the ignition...again weather seems to be a factor. Initially wiggling the ignition switch would sometimes get the chime to stop but now I had to remove the gem fuse(15) as it was the only way to get the chime to quit. I haven't checked yet what else that fuse is used for. It seems that this is a problem for all f150 owners - so Ford needs to fix it!!!!
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.
The door ajar switch does not function properly. The door ajar dash light & interior lights remain on even when the door is fully closed. This causes a very dangerious situation, especialy at night when the interior lights are on and won't go off. I know that this is a wide spred problem and I have been adviced that Ford has a TSB on it. Everyone that I have talked to with a 97', 98', or 99' f-150 extended cab has had problems with this.
Ongoing problem with ABS brakes causes rear wheels to lock up when applying brakes on wet/damp road. It also causes extended stopping distance. Also, a problem with courtesy lights, and running tail lights momentarily remain on from 2 minutes up to 2 hours before turning off, even after vehicle was turned off. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Both headlights of the consumer's 1998 Ford f150 have discolored to the point that it's no longer safe to operate the vehicle at night. The consumer also experienced this same problem with his 1996 Ford crown victoria. The dealer had no suggestions as to how to correct the problem.
While waiting at an intersection consumer was informed that the brake lights were inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the bolts needed to be replaced,. They replaced them four times however the problem recurred.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Ford F-150, 2% of the model year's 1,381 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford F-150 headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-168 (exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford F-150 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to lights 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.