Body problems of the 1998 Ford Ranger

Eight problems related to body have been reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2021

I bought this truck new, I have had transmission problems but now my frame is in bad, bad, bad rusting condition and my mechanic said it will not pass inspection. This truck only has 82,000 miles on it!!! Toyota stood behind their frames why isn't Ford?.

2 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2018

Vehicle back bumper fell off due to excessive rust (while in motion). Ball joints, tie rods, upper and lower control arm brackets rusted out as well as holes in the frame (all identified while stationary).

3 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2015

Frame/ chassis is rusting. I heard Toyota was fixing this problem with their trucks. Why doesn't Ford and or have you checked these trucks out. You are welcome to come and see mine. Thanks,.

4 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2015

Took my 1998 Ford Ranger in for an inspection on 01/13/2015 only to find out that the back of the frame is almost completely rotted away. I bought the vehicle only two days earlier from a dealership in va(01/11/2015) that's run by a mechanic. I contacted the dealership as soon as I saw my mistake, and they told me they didn't see the rust, and that the vehicle passed inspection in va only two months prior to my purchase. The frame is about to split in half its so badly rusted and now I cant register it, not to mention drive it, out of fear of it snapping and me losing my life. Oh and did I mention I paid $3650 for this pos?.

5 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2014

The rear frame of the truck has rotted away. The rear suspension and bumper are about to fall off. The body itself is in excellent condition. I didn't find out until I stepped on the rear bumper and it began sagging down and then realized that a large majority of the frames cross members were already gone!.

6 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2014

I was driving on the freeway and the truck started smoking and caught on fire, I pulled off the freeway and the whole front of the truck burst into flames.

7 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2013

While in bed at 2:00 am truck caught fire.

8 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2001

I hit a deer while comming home from work at 45 mph and bent bumper, dented left quarter panel,broke left turn signal lens and cracked plastic grile. Airbags did not apply or engage. I also have taken my truck to the local dealership 4 times to get my door alarm chip replaced @ 50 dollars each time. On last attempt my extended waranty had expired and they refused to honer the problem and promise to replace. Even though it was an exsisting problem. This was prior to hitting the deer.


Other Structure related problems of the 1998 Ford Ranger



Safety Ratings of Ranger Cars
Fuel Economy of Ranger Vehicles
Ranger Service Bulletins
Ranger Safety Recalls
Ranger Defect Investigations