1998 Ford Mountaineer Problems & Complaints

Average25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mountaineer at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1998 Ford Mountaineer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Mountaineer at the same age. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (2 complaints). One recall covers this model year.

5complaints
1recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1998 Ford Mountaineer problems

  • Wheels & tires
    240%
  • Electrical system
    240%
  • Suspension
    120%
  • Body & structure
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Mountaineer complaints by model year

199719981999200275611
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Mountaineer. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Mountaineer years: 1998. Compare all years →

1998 Ford Mountaineer recalls (1)

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA recall 06V-286 · Aug 1, 2006 · 1,200,000 vehicles

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 a possible defect involving the 1998 Ford Mountaineer:

Engine compartment fires

NHTSA investigation EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006 · led to recall 05V-388

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…

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Ford Mountaineer a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Mountaineer rates average: 25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mountaineer at the same age. It is one of the best Mountaineer years by this measure. 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 Mountaineer?

The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the electrical system (2) and suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Mountaineer have?

There is 1 recall for the 1998 Ford Mountaineer, the most recent from August 1, 2006 (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 Mountaineer?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998. See the full Ford Mountaineer years comparison.

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.