1998 Ford E-450 problems

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The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

1998 Ford E-450

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Common 1998 Ford E-450 problems

The Ford E-450, particularly the 1998 model, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems: The second most common problem for the Ford E-450 is related to the vehicle's service brakes, hydraulic system. This can include issues such as leaks, worn brake pads, and malfunctioning brake calipers. These problems can lead to reduced braking performance, increased stopping distances, and, in some cases, complete brake failure.
  • Engine and Engine Cooling Problems: The third most common problem for the Ford E-450 is related to the vehicle's engine and engine cooling system. This can include issues such as overheating, coolant leaks, and engine misfires. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a damaged water pump, and worn or damaged spark plugs.
  • Power Train Problems: The fourth most common problem for the Ford E-450 is related to the vehicle's power train. This can include issues such as slipping or jerking during acceleration, difficulty shifting, and transmission failure. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged clutch components, low transmission fluid levels, and faulty solenoids.
  • Structure Problems: The fifth most common problem for the Ford E-450 is related to the vehicle's structure. This can include issues such as rust, corrosion, and damage to the vehicle's frame or body. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to the elements, accidents, and poor maintenance.
  • Transmission Problems: The Ford E450 is known to have transmission problems, especially with the 4R75E, 4R100, and 5R110W transmissions. These problems can include a lack of power after the 1-2 shift, which can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch.
  • Spark Plug Problems: The Ford E-450's V10 engine, particularly the 2007 model, is known to spit out spark plugs, usually #10, which can lead to costly repairs.

It is important to note that these are common problems reported by Ford E-450 owners, but not all vehicles will experience these issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these problems before they become more serious.

1998 Ford E-450 engine

Is the Ford E 450 a good engine?

2022 E-450 Performance & Capability

The Ford E-450 is known for its capability, bringing high-end power and strength to the roadways. This begins with one of two engines: 7.3L V8 Premium: This standard powertrain gives you 350 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 10,000 pounds.

What transmission does a E450 have?

Ford Torqshift® Automatic Transmission

The Ford TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission handles the high-performance demands of the standard, Premium-rated 7.3L V8 (325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft . of torque at 3,800 rpm).

Is the E450 a V10?

there is only one tranny offered by ford with a v10 e 450. I have owned by both and there is no comparison... Behind the V10, the 4R100 torque converter is normally locked at cruising speeds regardless of gear.

Why won't my e 450 start?

The most common reasons a Mercedes-Benz E450 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

Is the Ford E 450 a good engine?

2022 E-450 Performance & Capability

The Ford E-450 is known for its capability, bringing high-end power and strength to the roadways. This begins with one of two engines: 7.3L V8 Premium: This standard powertrain gives you 350 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 10,000 pounds.

What engine does the E 450 have?

7.3L V8

The standard 7.3L V8 Premium-rated engine with TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission with the 2024 E-350/E-450 is rated at 325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm.

Is the Ford e450 gas or diesel?

7.3L V8 Gas Engine

*Horsepower and torque ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.

Is the e450 a V10?

there is only one tranny offered by ford with a v10 e 450. I have owned by both and there is no comparison... Behind the V10, the 4R100 torque converter is normally locked at cruising speeds regardless of gear.

1998 Ford E-450 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E-450 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Ford E-450 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Ford E-450 complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Ford E-450.

2004-06-28

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-27
  • VIN: 1FDXE40S2WH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I HAVE HAD TWO BLOWOUTS OF FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRES, P235/75R16 ON A 1998 FORD ECONONLINE WITH A WINNEBAGO RV COACH MOUNTED ON THE CHASSIS. UNDER BOTH CIRCUMSTANCES, THE TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED (AT 80 PSI PER THE MANUFACTURE INSTRUCTIONS), AND IN BOTH SITUATIONS THE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED WITHIN HOURS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WEIGHED ON CERTIFIED SCALES AND DOES NOT EXCEED TIRE RECOMMENDED LOAD CAPACITIES. IN BOTH SITUATIONS, THE TIRE TREAD SEPEARATED FROM THE INNER CORE. THE FIRST TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT WENT, AND THE MOST RECENT ONE HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TREAD LIFE LEFT AND THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE FROM ROAD HAZARDS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES.*AK
2001-08-10

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-08
  • VIN: 1FDXE40F0WH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITH THESE TIRES THAT THE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS A REAR TIRE AND THERE WERE 15 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE BUS BECAUSE OF THE DUAL WHEELS ON THE REAR BUT THE TIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE BUS. THE SECOND TIME WAS THE LEFT FRONT, THE DRIVER WAS JUST MINUTES FROM PICKING UP GEORGE STIENBRENNER'S WIFE AND GUESTS. THE BUS WENT UP ONE TWO WHEELS BUT THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLEATLY OFF AND DAMAGED THE SIDE OF THE BUS. *AK
2001-08-10

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-08
  • VIN: 1FDXE40F0WH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITH THESE TIRES THAT THE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS A REAR TIRE AND THERE WERE 15 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE BUS BECAUSE OF THE DUAL WHEELS ON THE REAR BUT THE TIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE BUS. THE SECOND TIME WAS THE LEFT FRONT, THE DRIVER WAS JUST MINUTES FROM PICKING UP GEORGE STIENBRENNER'S WIFE AND GUESTS. THE BUS WENT UP ONE TWO WHEELS BUT THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLEATLY OFF AND DAMAGED THE SIDE OF THE BUS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 25434 UR TIRESIZE: LT225/75R1)
2000-10-23

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-20
  • VIN: 1FDXE40F8WH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: THIS WAS ON A AMBLUANCE WITH A PATIENT ON GOING TO A HOSIPTAL. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VDIL1XD347 TIRESIZE: LT225R75/1)
2000-09-25

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-16
  • VIN: 1FDXE40SXWH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. FIRESTONE STEET FLEX RADIAL RS#,LT225/75R16, #DOT VD111XL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, AND HE HAS CONTACTED FIRESTONE. *AK
2000-08-27

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-12
  • VIN: 1FDLE40S9VH
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: IN BOTH INCIDENTS, THE TIRES WERE INFLATED TO 80 PSI AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER. TIRES WERE MOUNTED ON THE INSIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH REAR DUAL TIRE CONFIGURATION. OUT SIDE TEMP WAS AROUND 85 DEGEES FAHRENHEIT IN BOTH INCIDENTS. TIRES WERE SENT TO FIRESTONE FOR EVALUATION. INITIALLY FIRESTONE CLAIMED THAT I (CONSUMER) HAD OPERATED TIRES IMPROPERLY AND THEREFOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BLOWOUTS. EVENTUALLY, AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS AND LETTERS, THEY DID REIMBURSE ME FOR MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF BOTH TIRES THAT FAILED AND WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THESE UPON REQUEST.( DOT NUMBER: VD1L1XD287 TIRE SIZE: LT22575R16 )

1998 Ford E-450 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Ford E-450.

2009-10-13
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
  • Remedy: 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 ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
2006-08-01
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
  • Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Ford E-450 problems:

1998 Ford E450 Super Duty Triton V10- opinions?! - Good Sam ...
1998 Ford E450 Super Duty Triton V10- opinions?! - Good Sam ...
https://community.goodsam.com/t5/motorhome-group/1998-ford-e450-super-duty-triton-v10-opinions/td-p/1867743

I've heard stories of those motors spitting spark plugs, but I've yet to talk to a real live person who has experienced that problem with this engine. I had ...

Q&A: 2007 Ford E-450 V10 Engine - Common Problems & Head ...
Q&A: 2007 Ford E-450 V10 Engine - Common Problems & Head ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/evmhh-2007-ford-e-450-v-10-engine-140-000.html

Aug 13, 2020 ... On a 2007 Ford E-450 with a V-10 engine with a 140000 miles, we are losing coolant and it's not leaking on the ground.

1998 E450 7.3, sometimes just stalls out while driving. Halp! | Ford ...
1998 E450 7.3, sometimes just stalls out while driving. Halp! | Ford ...
https://www.powerstroke.org/threads/1998-e450-7-3-sometimes-just-stalls-out-while-driving-halp.1400831/

Mar 17, 2023 ... Usually key off/on will get it to start right back up. Very intermittent, sometimes she can drive all day an no problem, sometimes it will die ...

Common Problems with 2003 E450 Ford Vans: Spark Plug Blowout ...
Common Problems with 2003 E450 Ford Vans: Spark Plug Blowout ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/1vptg-known-problem-2003-e450-ford-vans-blowing.html

Mar 6, 2009 ... Is there a known problem with 2003 E450 Ford vans with blowing spark plugs out of cylinder head. We've had this happen - Answered by a ...

E450 6.0 turbo | Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
E450 6.0 turbo | Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
https://www.powerstroke.org/threads/e450-6-0-turbo.178220/

Nov 26, 2010 ... Turbo issues are also common repair points with the 6.0. People like to complain that it's because the VGT turbos are pieces of junk. This is ...

Other years of Ford E-450

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1998 Ford E-450 photo