Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked it caught on fire. The entire front end of the vehicle burned and the vehicle was totaled. The fire did originate from under the hood. Prior to the fire the cruise control would not engage properly. An independent mechanic determined the vehicle needed a cruise control switch and it was ordered. However, the contact was awaiting the switch when the fire occurred. The fire department was alerted.
The worst 1998 Ford Navigator problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Brakes1
- Tires1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Brakes1
- Tires1
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
- Risk
- The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
- Remedy
- Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Recall number 00V168000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1998 Ford Navigator
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v‑017, 05v‑388, and 06v‑286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
EA05005
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Ford Navigator 18
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at idle and/or engine droaning noise on acceleration from a stop
- Some vehicles may exhibit a driveline vibration at speeds between 60-70 mph
- Some vehicles may exhibit courtesy rail lamps above the 2ND row seats that do not operate properly or...
- Transmission- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart
- Steering -alignment-toe set procedure service tip
- Fuel may leak from the spring lock couplings
- Transmission fluid leaks at radiator
- Expedition and navigators equipped with four wheel air suspension may require a ride height adjustment...
- Servicing trailer hitch.
- Diagnostic information for compact disc player probles, no disc or cd will not eject
What 1998 Ford Navigator owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
On 9/25/2005 about 2:30 am my lincoln navigator caught on fire. I was told by the fire inspector that the truck was involved in a recall by ford. Apparently the cruise control switch was the cause of the fire. The truck was not on it was just sitting in front of my townhouse villa and it just caught on fire. I notified ford company their reply "get a lawyer".
While opening the rear door, the hinges broke causing the door to fall off. The consumer was unable to use the rear door. There were no recalls found.
The left rear tire experienced tread separation.
Brakes defective and frame rusted
Compare the 1998 Ford Navigator
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Questions about the 1998 Ford Navigator
Is the 1998 Ford Navigator reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1998 Ford Navigator, close to a typical Navigator model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford Navigator?
Acceleration and speed control, with 2 complaints. Next is body (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Navigator have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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