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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,549 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Ford Ranger engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Ford Ranger Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #31

Sep 112000

(reported on)

Ranger

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When the consumer holds the brake down the engine accelerates at a high rate, possible failure in the throttle linkages.

- La Puent, CA, USA

problem #30

Jul 251999

Ranger

  • miles
On going/intermittent problem in hot weather condition when applying transmission to stop or decline from a hill. It causes rmps to increase to 1500. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on two occasions, and problem still reoccurring.

- Van Burea, AR, USA

problem #29

Apr 301999

Ranger 4WD

  • miles
My complaint is against NHTSA counsel. I wrote by email the NHTSA counsel on 2 May 1999 detailing my problem. I received no answer. I wrote again on 7 Jul 1999, and received no answer. I would like to know if NHTSA really does answer consumer complaints. I would be happy to fax you copies of my original emails to NHTSA counsel if you so desire. No safety defect listed in summary.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

problem #28

Mar 221999

Ranger 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

problem #27

May 012000

Ranger

  • miles
Consumer was traveling 50-55 mph with cruise controlon. Reached down to turn A/C to a lower fan speed & disengage cruise control, and vehicle accelerated from 50-85mph. Consumer pulled over to call hotline & will call Ford in the morning.

- Kingsville, TX, USA

problem #26

Sep 011999

Ranger

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has been experiencing intermittent problem with engine acceleration while in stop / go traffic. Vehicle been in /out of dealer shop, and consumer was informed that nothing can be founed. Dealer wants consumer to take vehicle back.

- New Castle, PA, USA

problem #25

Oct 121999

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While applying the clutch the vehicle would accelerate without indications. Dealer has been contacted.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #24

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cruise control disengaged on steep hills at high elevation.

- Independen, CA, USA

problem #23

May 151999

Ranger

  • miles
The throttle box linkage sticks and makes the accelerator difficult to depress...especially when starting out. The throttle box has been replaced three times and is starting to stick again

- Strawberry Point, IA, USA

problem #22

Mar 011999

Ranger

  • miles
Consumer had trouble with dealership during the recall repair (99V-062). Mjs

- Yankton, SD, USA

problem #21

Jul 131999

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer received recall 99V062001 concerning speed control cable. Contacted dealer, an D no parts available to remedy problem.

- Anthony, MN, USA

problem #20

Jun 011998

Ranger 4WD

  • miles
Making right hand turn to enter freeway onrap the vehicle accelerated to wide open throttle of its own Accord. Cruise control had been identified as defective via recall notice from Ford. Deales had performed recal repait previous month. Cruise control had been activated previous to accident but disengaged by applyinf brake. Vehicle spun wildly and went out of control causing damage to left side tires, wheels, brakes and possibly axle. Potential existed for mush more serouse damage and injury. Only self injured to the extent of stiff neck, sore back and left knee.

- Long Beach Ca, CA, USA

problem #19

Jan 191999

Ranger

  • miles
On starting engine hesitated, almost stalled then raced with high RPM, while huge amounts of white thick smoke and heavy gasoline smell present.truck stalled.restarted same problem with the addition of a large black cloud of smoke from tail pipe on pushing accelerator.throttle sticks causing surging.dealer replaced throttle valve.probelm persists. Brakes make grinding noise when applied, dealer could not replicate after 4 visits they finally ackowledge problem and had to do a complete brake job.brakes are hard now and it appears that the anti locks do not engage.rear slider leaks water into extra cab when it rains. Vibration heard from ex haust area, had to have the heat shield tightened. Noise has returned./

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #18

Jan 031999

Ranger

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Was driving 35mph with the cruise control on. The vehicle hit a patch of ice. The throttle became stuck. Vehicle took off. Spun around in the opposite direction. Hit the median. This caused the vehicle to flip over 3 times.

- Poplar Bluff, MO, USA

problem #17

Jan 031999

Ranger

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driving 35mph, with cruise control on, vehicle hit a patch of ice. The throttle stuck. Vehicle took off. Spun around in opposite direction & then hit the median. Vehicle then flipped 3 times.

- Poplar Bluff, MO, USA

problem #16

Oct 051998

Ranger 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle maintained a constant speed after releasing pressure from gas pedal. Another example: Vehicle was at 58 mph @2000rpm, foot taken off gas, vehicle put in neutral, vehicle coasted to stop, but rpms had increased to 2500rpm and stayed there for over.4 miles. At worst time vehicle rpms had increased to 3650rpm. Occurs when placed in neutral or clutch is depressed at any speed, any time, but not consistent and quite random. Vehicle has been in to two different Ford dealerships, 3 times. Both dealerships claimed there was nothing to fix, as they do not know what to fix. Ford tech line states there is nothing to fix. Current dealership (where purchased) has had vehicle for over four weeks, which does not include the first time it was taken in.

- Moscow, ID, USA

problem #15

May 311999

Ranger

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #14

May 311999

Ranger

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #13

Mar 031999

Ranger

  • miles
Vehicle continually experiencing sudden acceleration, repaired throttle valve assembly, reprogrammed computer and replaced idle air control valve. Mjs

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #12

Apr 201999

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
Truck won't decelerate after removing foot from accelerator. Continues to travel 25-30 mph in second gear. Sunday April 18, 1999, I was traveling on us 30 West came to intersection of us 30 and us 39 at traffic light at 50 mph on wet rainy roads, and took foot off accelerator and truck wouldn't slow down. Very hazardous. They are being very slow at resolving this matter, approaching 1 yr anniversery of first complaint.

- Bucyrus, OH, USA

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