1998 Ford F-250 Reliability ReportKeepScore 82/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1998 Ford F-250
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1996 Ford F-250 earns a 88.
- The system most likely to surface first: rust & corrosion (major severity).
- Has 9 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting.
1998 Ford F-250: Buy or Avoid?
The 1998 Ford F-250, particularly with the iconic 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, stands as a testament to durability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a robust and capable workhorse. While it demands proactive maintenance and attention to age-related wear, its fundamental strength and repairability offer immense value. If you prioritize raw utility and a truck built to last, a well-maintained example of this generation F-250 is an investment you can make with considerable confidence.
Biggest Strengths
- Legendary 7.3L Power Stroke engine durability (if maintained)
- Heavy-duty frame and drivetrain components
- Simple, robust mechanical design (easier to repair than modern trucks)
1998 Ford F-250 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1998 Ford F-250. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1998 Ford F-250
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
What breaks on the 1998 Ford F-250?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford F-250 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford F-250. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1998s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1998 Ford F-250
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