1998 Ford Ranger: engine knocking or ticking

5 of the 575 complaints about the 1998 Ford Ranger describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 52 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

2026
1
2025
2
2022
1
2021
2
2020
2
2019
5
2008
1
2007
3
2004
1
2003
1
2002
2
2001
1
2000
5
1999
6
1998
5
1997
1
1996
1
1992
1

What owners say

Filed May 17, 2017 · Body · 169,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford ranger. While driving various speeds, a knocking type noise was present coming from the bed of the vehicle when the brakes were applied. The contact indicated that the vehicle failed inspection due to rusting and corrosion of the subframe and cross members. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Transmission · PA

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.

Filed Aug 28, 2001 · Transmission · FL

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?

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Body, Brakes · IN

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.

Filed Feb 2, 1999 · Engine · VT

Engine knocking, diagnosed as carbon build up, carbon remover added, engine seized, dealer replaced engine, 9000 miles on second engine. Same knocking noise is present. Ford service bulletin recommends same treatment as previously done. The bulletin also suggested revving engine to 3000 RPM on daily basis. I am concerned about long term affect carbon build up will have on the engine. Ford does not have a solution for this problem.