Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.)
While attempting to back up my vehicle(1998 Ford f-150 4 x 4 6 cyl) I thought I was hung up on something as there was a great deal of resistance in doing so. When I got out to check for obstructions in the roadway, I was horrified to see that both of my front tires were facing each other (toed in). After much ado, and many men stopping to see what my problem was, I learned that the front passenger side tie rod had let go without any warning! With only 60,000 miles on my truck, everyone told me to investigate why this happened because it should not have occurred. It is my understanding that Ford used to have a greased fitting holding the tierods and has switched to a nylon fitting that is non-greasable to save money>.... …
I had just turned off interstate 287 onto intervale road (a local road). I was approaching an intersection with a very sharp left hand curve. As I proceeded to enter the curve I had no steering. The steering wheel would turn, but the vehicle did not respond. This happened without any warning or noise. I attempted to brake, but there was loose sand and gravel and I ended up sliding into a utility pole straight ahead, without airbag deployment and only minor damage to the right front side of the vehicle. I was secured by the seat belt, but my head struck the sun visor. Police at the scene examined the vehicle and confirmed loss of steering. Subsequent investigation by the shop to which my truck was towed revealed that the sector shaft was broken where the pitman arm is attached. After further investigation I was told that this part should never fail in a vehicle, regardless of mileage. …
Vehicle: 1998 Ford f-150 4x4 with 68,000 miles. Original and sole driver of vehicle which is in excellent shape with no driveability issues prior to incident. Events: traveling down a straight road at 35 MPH failure: catastrophic failure of driver's side tie rod resulting in loss of control of vehicle. Correction of failure: Ford dealer, sunnyside motor company, holden,ma 01520, [phone] , invoice # 103830 dated 6/3/04 replaced failed part along with all other tie rods and idler arm. I have in my possession all replaced parts. This incident could have cost my life plus other's while in my vehicle. Ford is ambivalent about the situation. I need your help. This vehicle has never been abused or used for off roading. Operation of steering and vehicle tracking down highway was excellent prior to incident. …
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
Steering shaft cracked at the base where connected to the steering box. I lost my steering completely. Thankfully I was pulling into my parking space at work and was not driving on a road or traveling at a higher rate of speed. I have the old part and was told by the mechanic who is fixing the vehicle to report the incident as in their opinion it is a mechanical defect that May have had deadly consequence. My vehicle is a 1998 Ford f150 and has approx 99,000 miles on it. Although the vehicle is older, it certainly is not the oldest vehicle on the road and I have always maintained it and have never used the vehicle for any off road or hard use.
The prn12 shift lever has been slowly loosening over a period of 6 months, and has resulted in not being able to start the vehicle in park. Also, when shifting into park, the shifter will not engage, and will allow the vehicle to roll forward or backward. No accidents have been caused as a result of the excess play in the shifter. I checked the internet for possible causes and found many threads explaining the cause as two star bolts that have either loosened, or completely fallen out in some cases. I have tightened the bolts myself, but I believe this is a situation that the dealers should address.
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.
During normal street driving, the left outer tie rod end popped off. It caused the tire to veer left and shattered the left rim. Ford refused to do anything to the vehicle,as it was out of warranty. I replaced both inner and outer ends on the left and right, out of fear of failure at a later time or worse, a failure at highway speed. After discussion with Ford, they wouldn't admit this was a problem ( abnormally rapid wear!) and refused to compensate me for the parts and time.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed while driving 5 MPH. The contact was able to maneuver the steering wheel however, the vehicle would not change direction when the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering column
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford F-150, 7% of the model year's 1,381 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (60 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to steering 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.