1998 Ford E-250 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
92,300 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1998 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 15 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 20.0% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 20.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 3 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 2 |
| Power Train:Manual Transmission:Shift Pattern Indicator | 2 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 2 |
| Suspension:Front | 2 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Steering: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 2; Power Train:Manual Transmission:Shift Pattern Indicator: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 2; Suspension:Front: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
2000: 3; 2001: 2; 2002: 3; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2006: 1; 2008: 2; 2010: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10219055 · 2008-02-25 (February 25, 2008)
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS FOR MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN AUGUST AND HAD THE WORK DONE. NOW I HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE WHICH STATES THAT FOMOCO "HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS THE WAS INSTALLED IN YOUR VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS SERVICED." THIS APPEARS TO BE A RECALL OF THE HARNESS THAT WAS INSTALLED AS PART OF THE FIRST RECALL. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF A SECOND RECALL AND SAID THEY H…
Owner-reported narrative. 64,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10219055 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10373205 · 2010-12-29 (December 29, 2010)
1998 FORD ECONOLINE VAN 5.4L ENG. ABS BRAKES: WHILE APPLYING BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL RESPONDS WITH FORCEFUL BACK PRESSURE TO PROHIBIT BRAKES FROM OPERATING. OPERATOR THEN EXERTS EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO FORCE BRAKING, STILL YET VEHICLE BRAKES VERY SLUGGISHLY. OPERATOR NOTES THAT WHEN THE CONDITION OCCURS, IF HE RELEASES THEN RE-APPLIES BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE THE BRAKES TEND TO GRAB AND TRY TO LOCK UP. OPERATOR HAS TAKEN THE VAN IN FOR SERVICE, REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR ON REAR DIFF, PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR 2 DAYS RECURRING THERE AFTER. SHOP MGR …
Owner-reported narrative. 128,085 miles reported. Look up ODI 10373205 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10040145 · 2003-09-12 (September 12, 2003)
POWER STEERING UNITS MAY BE CAUSE OF VEHICLE ROLL OVER PROBLEM.*MR *TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040145 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 551142 · 2000-02-28 (February 28, 2000)
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 551142 at NHTSA ↗