The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles May have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm.
The risk
Increased brake stopping distance can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-296 (98V296000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages |
| Report date | November 17, 1998 |
| Owners notified | December 30, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 4,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-296 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 4,000 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.