Ford Ranger 1998 - Power train - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Ford Ranger 1998

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
99V204000	FORD MOTOR COMPANY	from 12/02/1997 to 12/16/1998	V (Vehicle)	326	07/28/1999	MFR	FORD MOTOR COMPANY	07/28/1999	07/29/1999
Defect Summary	Vehicle description: electric vehicles. the transaxle may have been manufactured with the park detent spring misaligned. if the spring is misaligned, the park mechanism may not engage when the shift lever is placed in the park position.
Consequence Summary	If the park mechanism does not engage and the vehicle operator has not applied the parking brake, the vehicle could roll free as if in neutral.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will inspect the transaxle and any with misaligned park detent springs will be replaced.
Notes	Owner notification began july 28, 1999.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Replacement Bulletin	Item no.	Summary	Added
POWER TRAIN
0332	02/17/2003		10002479	Thump type noise/vibration heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop. *tt	09/03/2003
0282	04/29/2002		637922	Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking in manual 1st and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements. *tt	12/09/2002
15887	05/01/2002		637755	Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio). *tt	12/04/2002
12152	11/01/1998		613171	Some vehicles with 4 x 4 option operating in 4 x 2 mode may exhibit a ping sound on slight to moderate acceleration in forward or reverse. *mjs	06/19/2000
12153	11/01/1998		613172	Some 3.0l and 4.0l rangers with 4 x 4 operating in 4.2 mode may exhibit a slight or a rolling thump/bump on slight to moderate acceleration. *mjs	06/19/2000
12102	11/01/1998		613088	Some manual transmissions may exhibit a concern of engine idle high during deceleration. *mjs	06/16/2000
13745	01/01/2000		612742	Some vehicles may experience a condition of no 4 x 4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4 x 4 low range. *mjs	06/12/2000
13794	01/01/2000		612815	Vehicles equipped with m5od r1 transmissions mat exhibit a 2-3 upshift grind. *mjs	06/12/2000
0036	02/07/2000		612387	Vehicles may experience buzzing and or grinding noise during 2-3 shift- vehicles equipped with m50d transmission and built before 11/1/99. *mjs	06/07/2000
7885	01/01/2000	7885	612270	The vehicle may exhibit the speedometer/odometer inoperative as well as malfunction indicator lamps illuminated or flashing after the generic electronic module (gem), central timer module (ctm), or for wheel anti-lock brake system (4wabs) m	06/07/2000
991813	09/06/1999		6090076	Experiencing an inoperative or inaccurate odometer / speedometer readings. *tt	03/06/2000
9943	03/08/1999		604751	Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt	05/11/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
99152	07/26/1999		608431	Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt	01/05/2001
985174	11/01/1998		613304	Some vehicles with 4x4 option in 4x2 mode may exhibit a ping sound on slight to moderate acceleration in forward or reverse. *tt	06/20/2000
985175	11/01/1998		613305	Some vehicles with 4x4 option operating in 4x2 may exhibit a slight or a rolling thump / bump on slight to moderate acceleration. *tt	06/20/2000
8008	01/01/2000	8008	612506	Buzzing and grinding notchy noise when shifting(2-3 upshift).	06/08/2000
0015	01/10/2000		612203	Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs	06/06/2000
7353	11/01/1999		610785	Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module. *tt	05/15/2000
13412	10/01/1999		609668	Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem. *tt	04/06/2000
9986	05/03/1999		606406	Some vehicles may exhibit an overdrive (o/d) light flashing with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0741 and / or p1740. *tt	08/19/1999
9946	03/08/1999		604762	Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at radiator. *tt	06/01/1999
982312	11/23/1998		603740	Issues regareding diagnostic trouble codes ( dtcs ) p0705, p0708, p1704, and / or p1705 may be stored in memory. *yc	03/04/1999
9888	04/27/1998		601238	Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc	07/10/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
042107	12/13/2004	042414	10014086	General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt	04/28/2005
04217	11/01/2004		10013369	General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt	04/15/2005
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
03148	07/21/2003		10003748	New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt	10/29/2003
002310	11/13/2000		616522	Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt	03/05/2001
981613	04/07/2000		609748	Transmission fluid leaks at radiator. yd	04/07/2000
9946	01/01/1999		606733	Concerns with transmission fluid leaking at the radiator. *tt	09/01/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
13505	11/01/1999		614630	All 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt	11/29/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
01181	09/17/2001		625715	Brake shift interlock.*jb	11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
030508	04/01/2005	05620	10017891	Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt	12/06/2005
0358	03/17/2003		10001922	Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. tt jb	07/25/2003
0242	03/04/2002		636056	Certain vehicles with 4x4 or all-wheel drive may have a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. *tt	11/04/2002
14847	04/01/2001		619330	Concerns with vehicles exhbit fluid leakage from the front axle vent tube. *tt	05/23/2001
0186	04/30/2001		619276	On some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube. *tt	05/22/2001
12521	03/01/1999		6091767	Vehicles with limited slip / traction-lok rear axles may exhibit a chatter noise while turning. *tt	11/14/2000
6032	05/01/1999		6091736	Some vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph. *tt	11/14/2000
12843	06/01/1999		606905	Some 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph. *tt	11/08/2000
8377	03/01/2000		612775	Experience a growling noise from the front axle in 4x2 or 4x4 mode after engaging 4x4 mode and then disengaging within 40 seconds. *tt	06/12/2000
983074	02/27/1998		607369	Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers. *tt	09/21/1999
12905	06/01/1999		606937	Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode. *tt	09/08/1999
6408	06/01/1999		606833	Some vehicles with 4x4 option while operating in 4x2 mode may exhibit a light or a rolling thump / bump sensation on slight to moderate acceleration and deceleration. *tt	09/03/1999
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
14056	04/01/2000		613704	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion oil seal area. **mr	07/27/2000
8512	04/01/2000		613657	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the front axle pinion oil seal area. **mr	07/26/2000
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - BANJO HOUSING
00151	07/24/2000		618574	Vehicles may experience vibration felt at high speeds which may cause the transmission extension housing seal to leak or the transmission extension housing blushing to move out of position or become damaged on some vehicles. *jb	04/17/2001
00242	11/27/2000		616530	On some vehicles there may be a vibration at high speeds which may cause the transmission extension housing seal to leak or the transmission extension housing bushing to move out of position or become damaged. *tt	03/02/2001
13543	11/01/1999		610921	Some vehicles equipped with 3.0l engine and automatic / manual transmission may exhibit transmission fluid leakage from the transmission extension housing. *tt	05/18/2000
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
0057	03/06/2000		612953	Some vehicles may experience a squawking/eeking noise that may be heard from the clutch on acceleration from a stop or when under load in first gear. *mjs	06/14/2000
13442	11/01/1999		610880	Vehicles equipped with 4.0l ohv engine and manual transmission may exhibit a squawk noise from the clutch on take off. *tt	05/16/2000
13289	10/01/1999		609610	Owners of vehicles equipped with 4.0l ohv engine and manual transmission may exhibit a squawk noise from the clutch on take off. *tt	04/04/2000
7206	10/01/1999		6090799	Vehicles equipped with 4.0l ohv engine and manual transmission may exhibit a squawk noise from the clutch on take off. *tt	03/30/2000
7119	10/01/1999		6090714	Some vehicles equipped with 2.5l manual transmissions may exhibit a high engine idle condition on deceleration or when disengaging the clutch. *tt	03/27/2000
13175	09/01/1999		6090528	Information regarding clutch squawk noise on take off. *mjs	03/21/2000
6991	09/01/1999		6090299	Vehicles equipped with 4.0l ohv and manual transmission may exhibit a squawk noise from the clutch on take off. *tt	03/14/2000
982521	04/01/1998		603546	Information on the parts catalog book references an incorrect clutch part number for some vehicles with the 3.0l engine. *yc	02/24/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - BELL HOUSING
14072	04/01/2000		613719	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak at the rear seal of the transmission extension housing. *tt	08/07/2000
8560	04/01/2000		613676	Some vehicles may exhibit an oil leak at the rear seal of the transmission extension housing. **mr	07/26/2000
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
0255	03/18/2002		636047	Hooting, eeking or moaning noise coming from the clutch when shifting gears. *tt	11/04/2002
9811479	04/01/1998		613388	The parts catalog book references an incorrect clutch part number for certain vehicles with the 3.0l engine. *tt	07/10/2000
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
6603	07/01/1999		610704	Some vehicles may exhibit an audible pinging or creaking noise that may be heard from the driveline when engine torque is initially applied to the driveline. *tt	05/11/2000
99161	08/09/1999		607653	Experiencing an audible pinging or creaking (not a clunking noise) heard from the driveline when engine torque is initially applied to the driveline such as when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse. *tt	10/04/1999
98514	03/16/1998		601303	Concerns with a whistling or hissing noise from the main control area occuring while idling in drive and / or reverse on some vehicles. *tt	07/20/1998
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
04237	11/29/2004		10013414	Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop. *eh	04/18/2005
02192	09/30/2002		10008587	Driveshaft-thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.	08/09/2004
03048	01/05/2003	03262	10008280	Thump/clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop on certain 4x4 super cab equipped with automatic transmission and steel driveshaft. *tt	07/26/2004
030302	02/01/2003		10002516	Driveshaft - thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop. *tt	09/04/2003
011111	06/11/2001		622656	Some 4x4 super cab vehicles may exhibit a low frequency driveshaft thump type noise / vibration on light acceleration from a stop, and / or when coming to a stop with light to moderate braking. *tt	10/22/2001
0196	05/14/2001		620159	Some 4x4 super cab vehicles may exhibit a low frequency thump type noise / vibration on light acceleration from a stop, and / or when coming to a stop with light to moderate braking. *tt	07/19/2001
7886	01/01/2000	7886	612273	The vehicle equipped with a3.0l and automatic/manual transmission may vibrate at high speeds which may cause the transmission extension housing seals to leak or the transmission extension housing abuishing to spin.	06/07/2000
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
02138	11/10/2003	032210	635998	Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt	11/04/2002
13835	02/01/2000		612428	Some 3.0l manual transmission equipped vehicles may exhibit a concern of engine idle high (1500-2000 rpm) during deceleration. *tt	06/08/2000
7366	11/01/1999		610793	Some vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise (a light metallic rattling sound from the transmission) which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral clutch engaged (clutch pedal up). *tt	05/15/2000
13423	10/01/1999		609688	Vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral and clutch engaged. *tt	04/06/2000
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
98813	04/27/1998		601244	Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent or no 4x4 engagement , even while the 4x4 illuminated, and/or a clunking noise heard while shifting into 4x4 on the fly. *yc	07/14/1998

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
POWER TRAIN
			05/01/2002
	On 2-14-02 odometer read 54250--------on 3-15-02 odometer read 4,862. *ak
03/24/1998		2	03/24/1998
	Transmission failed twice. yh
		1	03/01/1998
	Transmission gears failed. mjs
		1	07/04/1998
	Vehicle rolled backward while parked hitting another vehicle. mjs
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
07/21/2003	44045	1	04/22/1998
	Our 1998 ford ranger xlt with the 4.0l v-6 and the 5-speed automatic transmission experienced intermittent problems with shifting. on occasion the vehicle would hesitate when being shifted into park and would on occasion attempt to surge forward when the vehicle was stopped while in drive. the problems recently became worse after only 44k miles and began to impact the driving performance of the vehicle. the shifting of the automatic transmission while in drive would sometimes hesitate and had become unpredictable. the vehicle was taken to an aamco dealer and upon inspection of the transmission found that the center support had stripped and that the broken teeth were being circulated throughout the transmission. when the broken pieces came in contact with the other gears it would cause them to hang and create a pressure loss. the service repair technician stated that this failure was most likely due to the part being improperly cast during manufacturing. the failure of this part and the collateral damage caused by the circulation of the broken teeth in the transmission required a partial rebuild of the transmission. transmission type: 5r55e production date: 02-98. *ak
07/08/2003		1
	While traveling on the highway and without prior warning. the gear shift fell out of the case. *ak
06/27/2002		1	06/01/2099
	I was driving my 98 ford ranger at hiway speed when the transmission case and transfer case exploded. it appeared as though the transmission had locked up for no reason at all. when it locked up it sounded just like a tire had blown out. i called the local dealer and explained the problem. i told them that i was out of time on my warranty but, i wasn't over on the allowed milage. they told me that they were quite sure if my truck didn't have obvious abuse that ford would still cover it under warranty. after they disassembled my transmission they told me that it looked like i had put it in park while going down the hiway, which is totally ridiculous. the truck has been well taken care of. ford decided not to help with the repair bill because of what the dealer had told them. i guess the bottom line is, if the transmission had completely locked up at that speed, instead of blowing apart, they could have been several injuries because i was driving in heavy traffic on a six lane hiway. there is no doubt in my mind that this was due to some kind of part failure. i was just driving on my way to work when it went.*ak
05/01/2000		1	09/01/1998
	Problem 1: transmission clunks when starting out from stop, or when slowing down. while this is a problem that does not develop overnight,rather manifests itself over a peroid of time, when i reported it to the dealer, the mileage was past warranty but the time( 3 years ) was not. my complaint is that this involved a part that ford knows to be defective in design. ford has since redesigned the part, but will not replace the original because it was out of warranty. however, the poorly designed parts, known to be problem plagued, was installed as original equipment, well under the warranty-i.e. 0 miles, 0 months.problem 2&3 involve the electrical system-lane changer had bad contacts ( i could hear noise when engaging ) from almost day one, but finally failed completly after warranty. in addition the door ajar indicator has come on in wet conditions since less than 6 months old. the dealer has tried to fix many times, often failing to duplicate, until i drove directly to dealer with door ajar on. even then they have failed to fix. i have an appointment to fix this under warranty, but the other problems they refuse to correct without charge or compromise. *ak
08/28/2001		1	05/01/1998
	My truck was just 3 months now out of warranty.i went to start it to go to work and it would not stay running:just would not.i called gordie boucher service and got an appointment to have it checked out.i was afraid to drive it out there,so i had my husband do that and his father followed in his vehicle. my husband said he had a heck of a time.truck kept killing and wouldn't stay running.i told him to go in the morning so as not to get caught in heavy traffic and stall out and cause an accident!bottom line:needed mass air flow sensor:cost:$360.00.i believe this to be a manufacturer defect regardless of being only 3 months out of warranty.i believe this part should last longer than 3 years,3 months and i want to be reimbursed by ford for the $360.00 i had to pay. i could have had an accident had that happened on my going to work or getting off work or my husband on his way to take it to be repaired!*ak
06/18/2001
	Intermittently transmission locks up when coming out to a stop or from reverse to drive. dealer has inspected vehicle, and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak
03/15/2001		1
	Transmission is experiencing a clunking noise whenever accelerator pedal is applied from a stop position. dealer was notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a recall. ak the driveshaft has been redesigned and dealer stated consumer should have his replaced with the new design, recall 99v204. slc
03/27/2001		1	05/01/1998
	Complaints of vibrations in front end began 9-98. this tranamission was serviced at 16321. complaints of the same vibration continued and was never eliminated. at about 50300 the vibration be came more violent and caused the transmission seals to leak. the the results was a complete break down at highway speeds.
03/18/2001		1	11/01/1997
	Trani 3rd/4th gears failed. required rebuilt (warranty just expired). *ak
07/25/1998			07/01/1998
	The transmision torque converter seems to whine from aprox. 2,500 rpm until gear shift when accelerating. when overdrive is disengaged above 50mph the transmision slams. the wheel lug nuts were not torqued correctly upon delivery of vehicle resulting in 1 elongated rim. air conditioning has been returned to dealer 3 times. told nothing was wrong with the system that it was within ford specs, yet miraculously it is cold again for approx 1-2 months.
			07/01/1998
	Rear end (?) whines at various speeds,transmission slips. dealer rebuilt differential, problem persists, dealer now has vehicle installing a new transmission trying to fix problem. brake pedal pulses (not abs)and steerings wheel shudders (left/right) when brakes are applied at all speeds. (not reported to dealer, have since found out that this is a common problem with this vehicle). oil filter- to remove filter it must be wedged past the solenoid/starter. it come in contact with the exposed wires/lugs? on the starter. there is nothing protecting this exposed area. my dealer has been extremely courteous and understanding in dealing with the transmission/differential problem. i have not received any information from ford regarding these problems.through research on the internet i have come to believe that the problems described here are not limited to my experiences. thank you. *ak
06/29/1999
	Vehicle would lose power. engine felt like it had died. an intermittent problem. when in lower gear only, would die out. have been to dealer's twice. *ak
			07/01/1998
	While shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear there is a grinding noise. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
09/26/2001		1
	While traveling approximately 65 to 70 mph vehicle jumped into 4-wheel drive unexpectedly. no determination has been made as to the cause of this problem. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak

	4- wheel drive has quit working, it has only been used 3-4 times. also horn has failed, cause unknown. please provide further information.*ak
07/25/1998			07/01/1998
	The transmision torque converter seems to whine from aprox. 2,500 rpm until gear shift when accelerating. when overdrive is disengaged above 50mph the transmision slams. the wheel lug nuts were not torqued correctly upon delivery of vehicle resulting in 1 elongated rim. air conditioning has been returned to dealer 3 times. told nothing was wrong with the system that it was within ford specs, yet miraculously it is cold again for approx 1-2 months.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
07/28/1999
	Consumer's vehicle was in park outside of store . parking emergency brake wasn't on, and vehicle was in first gear. vehicle rooled out of the parking lot into the street. then rolled back to the same street and then ran into a 12foot drainage ditch. no injuries reported. *ak
02/16/1999			05/21/1998
	Vehicle had been off for 5 hours and suddenly started up by itself. then took off and hit a garage. owner had to jump in vehicle and and take car out of first gear. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
			05/01/2098
	Only 55,000 miles of highway usage no hauling/off road axle and bearings must be replaced. dt
		1
	Consumer states the transmission keeps going from overdrive to a higher gear as if it does not know what gear it is supposed to be in, also the rear axle seal was replaced at 60,000 miles due to it leaking.*jb
12/07/2001			07/01/1998
	Rear axel broke. *ak

	When applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor ,the driver tried to pump the brakes, but vehicle kept going. owner had to use emergency brakes to stop the vehicle. dealer said the axle bent, causing the brakes to go out. *ak
08/03/1998
	Consumer said that his truck is all messed up due to transaxle failure. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
07/10/1998		1	07/03/1998
	Wheel bearings failed. *yc
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
05/13/2004		4
	While applying the brakes, a loud noise was heard coming from rear. consumer drove the vehicle to a repair shop for inspection, and mechanic determined that both front axles needed to be replaced due to a broken seal. also, machine did not calibrate the front axles properly. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
12/14/2002	43000	1	08/22/1998
	Front wheel drive intermittent even when 4x4 light is on and 4x4 switch is engaged. most notable when below outside temperatures are 30 degrees fahrenheit and below. multiple ford dealers have tried but cannot duplicate condition. this condition is increasing in frequency and has created some dangerous driving situations due to lack of traction when driver thought 4wd system was engaged. *cb
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
		8	09/01/1998
	The hydraulic clutch had tp be lubricated every time. yh
12/01/1999		1	11/01/1998
	Clutch slave cylinder bolts came out knocking hole through transmition case.transmission cross member had to be cut out after speed nuts broke loose.heater failed three times.thermostat replaced twice didn't help.bolts holding cooling fan on came out.switch for dome light failed, and brake rotors warped.*ak
10/25/1999		1	03/01/1998
	Clutch would not fully disengage while driving, and transmission would slip. dealer representative stated clutch assembly failed, due to way i drive, which is a wear item and not covered by warranty, and $623.00 to repair. truck has only 32,000 miles on it. previous two trucks i owned had manual transmissions and over 140,000 miles on them when i sold them and both had original clutches. i have not changed way i drive, and i drive in same area. brought to aamco for second opinion and was told pressure plate and clutch failure. was told by aamco it was probably design defect due to only 32,000 miles and pressure plate failure. also, aamco rep. stated new ford ranger and f-150 manual transmission uses automatic transmission fluid, and has 3 rubber plugs in transmission housing. auto trans. fluid eats away rubber plugs, which allows dirt in and fluid out, another design defect.
08/07/1999		2	05/01/1998
	Load sqeal heard when starting out from a stop and i think i can hear it in second and third gear, but not certain as the engine noise covers the sound. in searching the internet i did find another customer complain similar to mine. also i found a service bulliten #2521 that states that the parts catalog book references an incorrect clutch part number for some vehicles with the 3.0l engines. is it possible that my truck had the wrong part in it originally or they put the wrong part in ( througout bearing replaced july 1999) when they fixed it. this is the second time that i am having this problem and i will be contacting another dealer with this problem, as i was not completely satisfied with the service that i got from the dealer that i bought the truck from. please advise. thanks, jay grover
02/18/1999		1	06/15/1998
	Clutch slave unit failed resulting in engine racing and throttle sticking. mjs
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
12/19/2006	125628	1
	While backing my 98 ford ranger 4.0 supercab with tow package (which has the beefier brakes) the aluminum bracket that holds the bar that the brake and clutch hinge on, broke away from the truck. this left me heading in reverse with no brake or clutch. i was in shock, imagine the steering wheel coming off in your hands while driving; that's how i felt. i didn't think to hit the emergency brake, but i was already halfway into the garage and had very little time to react properly before i crashed into the back wall (cinderblock) punching a hole in the wall which killed the engine. this happened at the fire station where i work! the police did a report. he saw and reported the brakes were broke although he didn't look very closely. many of my superiors at the job saw that the brakes had broke away and were now dangling, useless. the vehicle had to be towed to a ford dealership where the brake assembly was replaced. the dealership acknowledged on the bill the state of the brakes and clutch assembly. i requested the broken parts and they are now in my possession. i contacted ford customer service, they stated the obvious, that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. they also stated their were no recalls on my vehicle which was not true; i knew about the cruise control and has had the firestones replaced. i guess they meant on the brakes. i said yes, but certain things should never happen on a vehicle. this is a safety issue on a vehicle only eight years old you would not accept that the steering wheel may fall off. just like you would not accept that the brake pedal assembly may brake away under your feet. today i received a letter from ford saying they could not help me because the vehicle was not under warranty. i wonder if there has been other incidents like mine and they are in the form of service bulletins secret recalls that keep ford and other companies from having to fix many of their problems. jb the consuner had to have 2 bad lug nuts replaced on the right front wheel. updated 01/10/07. jb
05/16/2000		4	11/01/1998
	Clutch pedal about 1 1/2 free play. warranty work performed @ airport marina ford on 05/16/00, 05/22/00,08/16/00, 08/24/00.clutch pedal now feels spongy. according to paperwork, slave cylinder, master cylinder, bleed, slave cylinder replacement. *ak
03/09/1999		3	06/01/1998
	Load 'squeal' heard when releasing clutch pedal between 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd, 2wd & 4x4 high. will be serviced for the 3rd time march 1999. first two inspections resulted in replacement of pressure plate(2) and flywheel (1).rear drum brakes failed to release after emergency lever pulled. owner had to apply unacceptable gas pedal pressure to move vehilce, resulting in a loud 'clunk' when drum brakes finally released.
10/01/1997			09/01/1997
	Clutch pedal is spongy. travels half its normal distance when dwpressed before engaging transmission.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
03/22/2000			05/31/1998
	Strong odor of gear oil was found coating some of the exhaust system and much of the underside of the truck floor and other components in the area of the differential. pontential of fire or an accident resulting from seizure of the differential (from lack of oil ) is feared.
			07/01/1998
	Rear end (?) whines at various speeds,transmission slips. dealer rebuilt differential, problem persists, dealer now has vehicle installing a new transmission trying to fix problem. brake pedal pulses (not abs)and steerings wheel shudders (left/right) when brakes are applied at all speeds. (not reported to dealer, have since found out that this is a common problem with this vehicle). oil filter- to remove filter it must be wedged past the solenoid/starter. it come in contact with the exposed wires/lugs? on the starter. there is nothing protecting this exposed area. my dealer has been extremely courteous and understanding in dealing with the transmission/differential problem. i have not received any information from ford regarding these problems.through research on the internet i have come to believe that the problems described here are not limited to my experiences. thank you. *ak
03/01/1999			04/01/1998
	Driving on i90 west with no problems nor warning the rear end suddenly locked up completely, severing the driveshaft and rotating the differential so that it embeded itself in the spare tire (mounted under the vehicle). result was an immediate loss of control, vehicle swerved to the left and ran off the freeway into the median. rear wheels were completely locked up and un-movable. investigated by wsp (report # 0570977). clearly an extremely unsafe vehicle defect. ford dealership (evergreen in issaquah, wa) mechanics all concurred they had never seen anything like it.
07/13/1998
	Rear differential locked up at 50mph, causing vehicle to skid and throw it off road down into an embankment. one occupant was injured. vehicle was totalled. dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
03/10/2009	35000	1	07/07/2008
	1998 ford ranger, drive shaft broke on vehicle. bf after the drive shaft broke, it went through the gas tank can caused the vehicle to catch on fire. ohio traffic crash report #10-0294-89 updated 05/03/10 bf updated 05/24/10 *bf the rear axle pinion froze, the drive shaft twisted and broke in two. updated 05/28/10
06/07/2004		4
	While driving a loud knocking noise was heard from the rear. consumer applied the brakes and vehicle jerked uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it home. then, took it to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rear driveshaft needed to be replaced. a recall was not issued on this vehicle. *ak
09/17/2003		1
	Vehicle's drive shaft broke resulting in lost of control. mr sc *jb
01/01/2001		2	01/01/2099
	Purchased truck used with 18,000 miles. i immediately started feeling a bumping from the drivetrain upon acceleration. dealer replaced driveshaft under warranty. by the time the truck reached 40,000 miles i started to feel it again. i have been driving it that way since and it now has 55,000 miles on it. the dealers will not fix it again as it is out of warranty and it is a costly repair. i have talked with others that have the same problem and can not understand why there is no recall for this problem. mr
04/15/2001		2	10/01/1998
	In this vehicle driveshaft does not fit on the transmission far enough which causes it to fibrate out of balance and knocks the oil seal out of the transmission. is this a common problem with ford?*ak
09/02/1999		2	11/09/1998
	Vehicle experienced a thump in the driveshaft, the dealer fixed the problem according with pdf 99-13-4 and the vehicle was under warranty, the problem has since started again and the dealer will not repair the problem because the vehicle is no longer under warranty. *slc
		1	09/15/1997
	Driveshaft failure. *slc
12/01/1999		1	06/01/1999
	On take off and stopping there is a jurking in the vechicle upon taking it to a ford dealer near me ( jeffers ford in new lexington ohio) first time it was in they told me they fixed it . on the second time the head maintance man told me he called ford and they was aware of a problem with the drive shafts being bad (to long ) is what i think he said from 1997-2000 ford rangers .so then he wanted to charge me to install a new one at my cost.at which he did say my warrenty was over miles so it was expired but it wasnt at the first time i had it in to them which they said they fixed. i just hope not to many more people have this experance and have to pay for it out of there pockets ..isnt this something that needs to be recalled they are aware of the problem?oh i did ask the maintance if it was safe to drive he responded they (ford motor co.) didnt say. that made me feel real good and safe out on the road ..thank you . edwin w halsey
07/17/1999			07/01/1999
	This failure happened immediately after i purchased the vehicle. i took it back immediately and it was checked by ford, and koons mechanics. they stated everything was good. all koons did for me was replaced 4 tires that were worn on different parts of all tires. i have continued notifing koons about the same proble since the day i bought the vehicle, and they have not done anything. i finally found out from a back yard mechanic that the proble was the drive shaft. i told koons' mechanics that ,and i ordered thru an extended plan the shaft two months ago 2/10/00 .i have not heard from koons yet. i feel that the jumping and swaying will cost me to have a serious accident. thank you. *ak
08/01/1999		1	07/01/1999
	Rear driveshaft exhibits a clunking noise/feeling upon acceleration from stop. begins at around 10,000 miles on new vehicle.
03/01/1998		3	02/07/1998
	Drive shaft failure.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
		1
	Consumer states the transmission keeps going from overdrive to a higher gear as if it does not know what gear it is supposed to be in, also the rear axle seal was replaced at 60,000 miles due to it leaking.*jb
		1	03/13/2000
	The consumer stated that while driving the vehicle, first gear is at least 30% to fast, and 80% to fast on reverse gear and it is impossible to go back. *yh
		1
	The transmission is beginning to fail although it has been properly maintained. nlm
01/06/2001		2	11/03/2000
	Door ajar and light staying on for 45 minutes or more before shuting off. dealer/manufacturer notified. feel free to provide any further details on this matter. ak a seal in the transmission keeps leaking and has been replaced twice, place where car was purchased is going to replace vehicle because in order to fix the problem, the transmission, computer chip, and driveshaft would have to be replaced. slc
07/25/1999
	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. please provide further details. *ak
09/23/1998		2	02/01/1998
	Grinding noise when shifting between 2, 3. and 4. rebuilt transmission. vehicle lost 1st & 2nd gear. towed. dealer said nothing wrong with transmission. happened again. dealer replaced transmission. failure happened again. dealer said it was the driver not the transmission. failure part is the main blocker ring. breaks and causes damage in transmission. ford say's it's only my vehicle that is having this problem. that is a lie. please check out www.fordranger.com. website for ranger owners. go to main tech boaard. see how many people are having the same problem i'm having. it took me 8 months just to get a new transmission. the did not have a transmission for my truck in the us from sept 98 until may 99. that is ridiculus. please address this problem. the same problem is evident in 99 rangers also. thank you.
10/01/1998		1	06/20/1998
	Standard transmission model is parked on a slight grade the vehicle will roll, neither the transmission nor the engine will hold the vehicle
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
12/14/2002	43000	1	08/22/1998
	Front wheel drive intermittent even when 4x4 light is on and 4x4 switch is engaged. most notable when below outside temperatures are 30 degrees fahrenheit and below. multiple ford dealers have tried but cannot duplicate condition. this condition is increasing in frequency and has created some dangerous driving situations due to lack of traction when driver thought 4wd system was engaged. *cb