Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Amtran FE
The 1998 Amtran FE has no known owner complaints, but it does have seven recalls, primarily concerning structural and brake issues. Due to limited complaint data, inspecting for recall-related issues is crucial. Check for correct tire pressures, seat stability, body integrity, and brake performance during evaluation.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Amtran FE has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of . try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1998 Amtran FE. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #04V492000 IC CORP/SEAT PEDESTAL CRACKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V010000 IC CORP/SHARP EDGES UNDER MODESTY PANEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V354000 IC/FMVSS 221/JOINT STRENGTH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V057000 AMTRAN/FMVSS 120/TIRE PRESSURE LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V232101 INTERNATIONAL/ABS ECU/AMTRAN BUSES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V331000 NAVISTAR/AIR BRAKE LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V061000 AMTRAN/FLIP SEATS NHTSA notice
Known issues to inspect
Modesty panel gap
How to check: Inspect gap between modesty panel and wheel well.
Unwanted ABS activation
How to check: Test brakes at low speeds for any ABS activation issues.
Brake line proximity to exhaust
How to check: Ensure brake lines are away from exhaust pipes.
Cracked seat pedestals
How to check: Check driver seat stability for potential cracks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds.
Red flag: Loud knocking noises
- 02
Low speed braking
What to check: Check for unintended ABS activation.
Red flag: ABS activates unnecessarily
- 03
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear changes.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 04
Cornering
What to check: Feel for steering stability.
Red flag: Excessive understeer or oversteer
- 05
Final parking
What to check: Test seat stability and comfort.
Red flag: Seat wobbles or is unstable
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Can you explain any past brake issues?
- Have the seats been replaced or repaired?
- Were there any recent structural repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Brake inspection reports
- Structural repair documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Amtran FE at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1998 Amtran FE? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.