The problem
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.
The risk
The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
The fix
Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-060 (98V060000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 98S09 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | March 19, 1998 |
| Owners notified | April 20, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 320,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-060 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 320,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.