Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
One day my 1998 Ford f-150 with only 37,000 miles (I am the original owner)was working just fine. Several days later I get into the truck and I noticed the electric windows wouldn't go down,I assumed it was a fuse. No luck on that, all fuses good except the lighter fuse,which I don't use. When I got to my destination I couldn't get it into 4-wheel drive. When I was getting ready to leave I couldn't get the windshield wipers on when it was raining. I had no choice but to drive 30 miles home with no wipers in the rain,extremely hard to see to drive and very dangerous. I found info on the internet that pointed to the generic electronic module. A lot of other people were complaining of the same problem and worse on a online forum. This problem goes back to 1994 when Ford first started using this device. …
The windshield on my 1998 f150 Ford pickup has leaked for years and now the water has corroded the gem module to the point where I am experiencing unwanted electrical activity when the car is unattended and worried that it could possibly cause a fire or cause a dangerous life threatening situation while I am driving the truck. I have contacted the local Ford dealer and they at first wouldn't even acknowledge the problem until I mentioned the Ford bulletin ##15773. Then they said that the only thing they would do is repair the problem for $1,300 dollars. I researched the issue and it is clear that Ford manufactured a faulty windshield and that it is the root cause of this dangerous situation.
Dt: water infiltration around the windshield causing the electrical system to malfunction. When it rained water leaked into the vehicle around the windshield and soaked the interior panel which holds the fuses. The fuse panel also rusted. The owner was not sure about other damage. This has been a problem for about 6 months. The owner took the vehicle to the dealership and to a glass company. The dealership had not experienced that problem before. Owner made his own temporary patch from silicone. The patch worked. Owner called Ford and filed a complaint. When it rained electrical components like the windshield wipers, power windows , headlight etc would not function properly.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the blend door for the air conditioning system swings vertically, which prevents heat and/or air to circulate properly. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it would cost $700 to replace the component. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 60,000. Updated 05/13/09 the consumer stated the air conditioner, heater and defroster were not working properly. Updated 05/13/09.
1998 Ford 150 lariat truck outside mirrors discolored rendering them useless. You can barely see in them during the day and at night it is almost impossible to see anything out of them. The mirror type has the turn signal built in behind the mirror. Ford replaced them once and now says that they no longer make that type because of their defective nature but will not or has not offered an alternative. Their newer version has the turn signal built on the outer perimeter of the mirror body instead of behind the mirror glass.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford f150. The contact stated that the windshield wipers, door locks, and the door chimes failed to operate which is related to the electrical system. The vehicle speed control also no longer functions. The front windshield is not sealed and whenever it rains water seeped into the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. There was no related warranty. The failure mileage was 70,000.
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.
While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers failed. This caused poor visibility to the driver. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and he replaced it. However, the problem recurred.
While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. Driver was unable to see and was forced to pull over until the storm passed. Took it to dealer and the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and he replaced it. However, the problem has recurred twice to date.
Window & Wiper complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Ford F-150, 4% of the model year's 1,381 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.