Model year guide

1998 Ford E-250

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Ford E-250 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1998 Ford E-250 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Ford E-250 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints28
Combined11–15 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Ford E-250 recalls 5

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #09V399000 · manufacturer #09S09 · 13/10/2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN O…

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control NHTSA Campaign #08V051000 · manufacturer #08S01 · 04/02/2008

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #07V336000 · manufacturer #05S28 · 03/08/2007

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2…

Equipment Adaptive/mobility NHTSA Campaign #04V562000 · manufacturer #04E-058 · 26/11/2004

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #00V284000 · manufacturer #00L07 · 21/09/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON T…

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WI…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1998 Ford E-250 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1998 Ford E-250 MPG & running costs

Combined11–15 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway15 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,600
EPA size classVans, Cargo Type
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$11,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Ford E-250 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,000
Fuel only$23,000
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
211.8–231.9 in
Width
79.5 in
Height
81.1 in
Wheelbase
138.2 in
Curb weight
5,033–5,613 lb
Front track
70.1 in
Rear track
66.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Ford E-250 — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

HVAC Switch Failures Closed

This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures. ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle. After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the…

NHTSA #EA10003 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2010 · closed Mar 2012

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES. ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECT…

NHTSA #DP05005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2005 · closed Jan 2006

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 30

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 30.

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible…

Bulletin DOR-X8B9R-11 · Steering · Apr 2018

VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT

Bulletin 05248 · Suspension · Jan 2005

A BUMP STEER STEERING FEELING, NOTED WHEN THE VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEELS/TIRES CONTACT ROAD SURFACE IRREGULARITIES. *TT

Bulletin 17211 · Steering · Sep 2003

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH NO HARD FAULT. *TT

Bulletin 17009 · Electrical System · Aug 2003

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH. *TT

Bulletin 15799 · Power Train · Apr 2002

CONCERNS WITH BUMP STEER STEERING FEELING NOTED WHEN FRONT WHEELS / TIRES CONTACT ROAD SURFACE IRREGULARITIES. *TT

Bulletin 15634 · Steering · Feb 2002

SOME VEHICLES WITHOUT FRONT BRAKE DUST SHIELDS MAY EXHIBIT PREMATURE WEAR OF THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT

Bulletin 15591 · Suspension · Jan 2002

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL FILL VALVE SEALING CONDITION. *YD

Bulletin 15113 · Fuel System, Other · Aug 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING OVERVIEW OF BI-FUEL CNG VEHICLE PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION DATA (PID), INPUTS AND OUTPUTS AS A DIAGNOSTIC AID FOR BI-FUEL VEHICLES. *TT

Bulletin 01136 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2001

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A DRIVELINE VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50 - 55 MPH. *TT

Bulletin 14992 · Power Train · Jun 2001

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the E-250. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1998 Ford E-250 trims & engines on record

Trims
Econoline
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl 200 hp · 5.4L 8-cyl 230 hp

1998 Ford E-250 vehicles on record

Other Ford E-250 model years

1998 Ford E-250 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Ford E-250 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford E-250. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford E-250?

Across all 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford E-250 get?

The 1998 Ford E-250 has U.S. EPA estimates of 11–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.