Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Pulled my 1998 Ford Ranger into a store parking lot. I was getting ready to park when I could smell something burning. Stopped the truck. Smoke was coming from under the hood. I popped the hood and saw an electrical plug burning with flames. I was able to blow the flames out before much else was damaged. I was able to drive it to a Ford dealership. They told me that the cruise control plug is what caught fire. It also damaged my reservoir for the brake fluid. They are replacing the master cylinder and the cruise control plug. Of course, this is at my own expense, not fords.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated and the water reservoir was abnormally low. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic, who stated that the number four spark plug was burned. The hatch had cracked and leaked water to the number four spark plug. The failure recurred frequently and had to replace the spark plug every 3,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000. The current mileage was 146,329.
Carbon monoxide leakage into cab of 1998 Ford Ranger caused severe sleepiness while driving to and from work and while at home. Each day for about a month I was experiencing dizziness, sleepiness and nausea. I had a small accident when I feel asleep while stopping for a red traffic light and ran into the back of another vehicle. I reported my dizziness and sleepiness to my supervisor who notified our medical department and they sent me home. I had a medical stress test performed; it was OK', a sleep study performed and the cardiologist increased my dosage of a beta blocker. I was finally released to return to work two months later. I had taken my vehicle to my local Ford dealer shortly after I was sent home and they reported there was no co leaking into my cab. …
At maintenance oil and filter change, attempted to remove filter by conventional method out through bottom of engine compartment. Filter contacted starter and chassis frame which created a electrical short circuit resulting in fire involving plastic wheel well and parking brake cable housing. Also destroyed two ground straps and main battery ground wire before battery could be disconnected and fire extinguished with dry chemical extinguisher. Ford of hyannis told us that no other similar incident had been reported. No caution or information was included in the owner's manual or in the dealer orientation which would have alerted the owner to the necessity of removing the filter through the top of the engine compartment. Had it not been for the immediate availability of large dry chemical extinguisher, the vehicle would have been destroyed and garage attached to home severely damaged.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shutter rapidly and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. He drove approximately eight minutes to a local dealer and they stated that the cam shaft sensor became loose. The dealer tightened the clapping screw on the shaft sensor as a temporary repair. They also stated that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not yet been completely repaired. The contact was informed that there was a service bulletin for his vehicle (item number 10000592). He filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 60,300. Updated 04-09-08 the consumer stated there was a loose cam shaft sensor
I started the truck, all gauges read OK, backed it out onto the road and proceeded t drive to my destination. I shifted into 3rd and it felt sluggish, (like brake drag) I looked down at the instrument panel for information, and found no response from the oil pressure gauge. I proceeded to push in the clutch and shut off the motor, but by the time I pushed in the clutch the engine shut down and wouldn't proceed to run. I checked the oil dip stick to find the oil level is acceptable, but the motor refuses to turn over. Problem still occurs to this day.
Dt: the consumer stated that the 1998 Ford Ranger engine was making noise and the spark plug had blew out of the cylinder. This happened while driving 20 MPH. The vehicle had considerably less power after the loss of the spark plug. The consumer replaced the spark plug earlier today. When the consumer found that the spark plug failed it was hanging by its wires. The consumer had not contacted Ford at this time. The dealer had not been contacted at this point. (11/15/05)
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Ranger. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a snapping sound coming from the engine and then the vehicle shut off without warning. As of September 24, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. She stated that the crankshaft pulley snapped, which she believed was the cause of failure. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.
The harmonic balancer separated, which made contact with the transmission and front u-joint. The rear end of vehicle tore apart when the front portion of the drive shaft made contact with the road. Dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recalls so there was nothing they could do about it. Ph
While changing oil filter, exhaust pipe burned consumer's hand. This caused the oil filter too touch the bar wire of the starter, causing a spark to ignite the oil, resulting in a fire. Consumer was able to put out the fire. Dealer notified the manufacturer.
Engine complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 9% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Ranger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.