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 Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Ranger. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed while depressing the pedal multiple times. The vehicle finally came to a stop. The failure recurred and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 214,299.
While backing my 98 Ford Ranger 4.0 supercab with tow package (which has the beefier brakes) the aluminum bracket that holds the bar that the brake and clutch hinge on, broke away from the truck. This left me heading in reverse with no brake or clutch. I was in shock, imagine the steering wheel coming off in your hands while driving; that's how I felt. I didn't think to hit the emergency brake, but I was already halfway into the garage and had very little time to react properly before I crashed into the back wall (cinderblock) punching a hole in the wall which killed the engine. This happened at the fire station where I work! The police did a report. He saw and reported the brakes were broke although he didn't look very closely. Many of my superiors at the job saw that the brakes had broke away and were now dangling, useless. …
Everytime I press my brake pedal, there is a grinding/pulsating and the vehicle slowly "skids" to a stop, usually only 10-15 feet after I intended on stopping. Less than one (1) year ago, the brakes went out on my 1998 Ford Ranger. The mechanic told me that the ABS on the vehicle is where the problem was occurring, yet he didn't know how to fix it. He said the unnecessary pressure being applied by the ABS system caused my master cylinder's seals to crack. I paid over $400 for all brake repairs. Ten (10) months later, I'm driving on a freeway at 60 m.p.h. And my exit is approaching. When attempting to stop, I was again left with no brakes. I narrowly avoided a major accident. Thankfully I had the sense of mind to push my emergency brake (which is awkwardly located on a pick-up truck) and avoid a numerous car pile-up on a busy los angeles freeway. …
1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Pulsating brake pedal,l suspected warped front brake rotors. I had similar problem with 1991 Ford explorer. First occurance in March 2001 Ford replaced rotors under warranty on 2/12/2001, vehicle had 24,170 miles at time of repair.second time with similar problem at 42717 miles only 18547 miles after first problem on 5/27/2004. Rotors had to be replaced again they were rusty and pitted. I paid for this repair the dealer was going to take it up with Ford rep but claim was denied. I have had numerous conversation with dealership service rep to no avail. One service rep I talked to insinuated that Ford rangers are prone to this problem. I have called Ford and opened a complaint file. I am convinced Ford has a quality problem with brake rotors on this model. Everyone agrees rotors shouldn't wear this fast. I take very good care of my vehicles.
My pickup had undiagnosed braking difficulties since a mileage of 150. The brake pedal will not depress, then breaks free, greatly increasing my reaction time. This occurs up to 25 times per day in varying degrees. Freeway Ford Mercury has attempted to diagnose the problem with the help of the manufacturer representative. They have replaced the power brake booster twice, the proportioning valve, linkage, and other suspected faulty parts to no avail. On the third visit it was found that my right rear brake cylinder has never worked. This was replaced, but had no affect on the sticking brake pedal. Following this visit, the Ford hotline advised that I drive the truck 1,000 additional miles in hopes that it would
My 1998 Ford Ranger xlt so far had 2 complete brake failures due to corroded brake lines. This is a systemic problem caused by the spiral protection of the brake lines which keeps the humidity trapped and thus corrodes the lines. When this happens, brake fluid is leaking out when the pedal is pushed down yet no brake function is experienced. As this problem has a clear technical reason in the form of the brake lines, it is systemic in all such vehicles. This has been confirmed by my car mechanic shop which is frequently repairing Ford vehicles with this problem. The problem has no early warning indication and is not detected by the yearly inspection.
When attempting to stop brake pedal gets hard and truck stopping distance is increased. My son experenced problem at about 25 MPH, and ran off road into a home owners yard. Owner has also experenced same problem. Dealer has attempted to fix 3 times. Adjusted all components/turned/faced drums/rotors; replaced master cyl; replaced all pads/shoes. Now problem always happens for first few stops after sitting over night or about 1 hr. Service tech. Has experienced problem, but did not fix. Owner will now claim lemon law rights.
While applying the brakes pedal would go to the floor. Failed to bounce back like ABS brakes were suppose too. Took to dealership & master cylinder/front brakes were replaced. Brake problem was not solved. Dealership informed owner brakes work with pedal to floor. Due to lack of braking power, vehicle was involved in a wreck.
The consumer experienced problems with anti- lock brakes and airbag. During an accidentanti-lock brakes failed to work. When the consumer applied their brakes, the pedal went to the floorboard. In addition, driver's and passenger's side airbags failed to deploy. The manufacturer has been contacted.
Consumer was involved in a 5 car pile up accident, consumer's car was the last car hit. When pressing on brakes body went forward and driver's side seat belt broke. Consumer feels this should not have happened, and is very unsafe.
Brake complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 10% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Ranger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Ford Ranger, though it has 5 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 Ranger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 3 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.