1998 Ford L8501 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
The fix: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 L8501.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V120011.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS:RIM
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
Remedy: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
Notes: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 27, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR WHEELS REPLACED FREE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACCURIDE/KAISER AT 1-888-665-9189. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1998 Ford L8501 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
01/29/2002 · Brakes
BRAKES FEEL "SPONGY" OR "SOFT" WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK *JB