1998 Ford Explorer Sport
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Explorer Sport › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
121 complaints5 involved a crash13 involved a fire13 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
My vehicle will not run on reverse. I can shift perfectly fine to all my gears without any fussing or clunking noises coming from the gear shifts/transmission. But as soon as I try to put it on reverse my vehicle does not move, it seems like it's in neutral instead of reverse. At the moment of…
My vehicle will not run on reverse. I can shift perfectly fine to all my gears without any fussing or clunking noises coming from the gear shifts/transmission. But as soon as I try to put it on reverse my vehicle does not move, it seems like it's in neutral instead of reverse. At the moment of discovering my vehicle does not move in reverse it was stationary in park. I tried turning the vehicle on and off and tried messing with all the gears but to no avail.
- Service brakes
After changing the front wheel bearing hubs, the vehicle ABS light came on. This has been going on for about a year. The vehicle does stop, but the ABS function doesn't work. This has not been a problem for me, but, sometimes the ABS light stays out for a while and then comes back on. Dealer stated…
After changing the front wheel bearing hubs, the vehicle ABS light came on. This has been going on for about a year. The vehicle does stop, but the ABS function doesn't work. This has not been a problem for me, but, sometimes the ABS light stays out for a while and then comes back on. Dealer stated that the ABS control module and motor assemblies would cost about $2300 for parts, sans labor to repair. Dealer also stated that there were only about 12 new parts available, and nothing refurbished. dealer also stated that if this were a few months earlier, the total cost would be about $300 for new parts. the vehicle has approx. 167,000 miles on it. No accidents have occurred at this time. just thought someone should know.
- Tires · Wheels
These tires are still under warranty. When they were first installed, we noticed a strange sound. We did not assume it was from the tires, but thought it was related to the rotors. This IS not our only vehicle and we don't drive it all of the time; in fact it IS parked much of the time. We did not…
These tires are still under warranty. When they were first installed, we noticed a strange sound. We did not assume it was from the tires, but thought it was related to the rotors. This IS not our only vehicle and we don't drive it all of the time; in fact it IS parked much of the time. We did not get the rotors replaced until august of 2013. The sound continued even with the new rotors, to our surprise. So we went back and checked a second mechanic who then removed all of the tires. After inspecting the tires, the mechanic showed us where they were defective. he physically pointed out some areas where they were deformed. He told us to take them back to where we purchased them for replacement. in short, we were not able to get them replaced at wal mart where they were purchased. I would like these tires independently inspected so that we can verify that they are indeed defective. Thank you. *tr
- Tires
General tire tread separation ford explorer. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Running boards are so badly corroded you could see right through to the road. Rust spreading badly through undercarriage. had to have running boards removed before they fell off. *Tr
- Seats
Subject: defective seat frame caused by faulty seat recliner bolt comments: I have a 1998 ford explorer sport that was recalled by ford for a faulty drivers seat recliner bolt. on june 2ND 2010 I took my explorer to future ford of concord ca to have the recall repair work performed, which…
Subject: defective seat frame caused by faulty seat recliner bolt comments: I have a 1998 ford explorer sport that was recalled by ford for a faulty drivers seat recliner bolt. on june 2ND 2010 I took my explorer to future ford of concord ca to have the recall repair work performed, which it was, but with a "note to the customer" from the ford mechanic that the seat frame was damaged as a result of the faulty drivers seat recliner bolt for which my explorer was recalled for. upon being informed I asked my ford service advisor "d.t." how ford planned to repair the damaged seat frame, and he referred me to the future ford service manager j.h., who in turn said that his "computer said" the parts are not available, and that I was welcome to voice my concerns to ford motor company?!?! can someone at the dot please evaluate my case and if warranted, approach ford motor co. With an order to replace the faulty part(s) at no cost to me since the damage to the seat frame was caused by the faulty drivers seat recliner bolt? driving on a damaged drivers seat seat frame doesn't sound too safe to me! No doubt this IS why the mechanic at future ford noted this on his work order, and the service advisor then notified me. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Seats
I have had my driver's seat recliner mechanism repaired before, but the recliner driver's seat has broken again. now the recliner driver's seat reclines totally, until it touches the back seat cushion. the dealership told me the part to repair the seat IS no longer manufactured. I was told I…
I have had my driver's seat recliner mechanism repaired before, but the recliner driver's seat has broken again. now the recliner driver's seat reclines totally, until it touches the back seat cushion. the dealership told me the part to repair the seat IS no longer manufactured. I was told I could go to a salvage yard to look for the part. on researching the problem on the internet I came upon the recall notice for the exact problem I have had with this vehicle. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Large fuel leak from braided steel fuel lines where they were rubbing against their brace on the top front of engine. They were cut, with a splice put in, and the brace removed, rather than a replacement. The reason being the replacement part cost of $600. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
I was going approximately 50 mph, in my 1998 ford explorer, eddie bauer, this afternoon ; I was about 10 to 15 miles off the interstate. All of a sudden my gas pedal broke off and was just hanging there. It was a very busy state hwy where the speed limit IS 55 mph. Luckily a chp officer came by and…
I was going approximately 50 mph, in my 1998 ford explorer, eddie bauer, this afternoon ; I was about 10 to 15 miles off the interstate. All of a sudden my gas pedal broke off and was just hanging there. It was a very busy state hwy where the speed limit IS 55 mph. Luckily a chp officer came by and pushed my car forward to a wider spot on the side of the road then the tow truck came and towed me to a shop. it really scares me to think about if my wife or son had been driving and not knowing what to do or what was wrong. Also, I was very lucky it did not happen to me while on the interstate. After I got the car towed and came home I went on the internet to research this problem. On www.aboutautomobile.com I found 11 other cases listed with very similar stories. *Tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that the tail lights failed and the fuses would continuously blow out. an independent mechanic installed new fuses in the vehicle and made the necessary repairs, but the fuses blew out again the same day. the vehicle was taken…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that the tail lights failed and the fuses would continuously blow out. an independent mechanic installed new fuses in the vehicle and made the necessary repairs, but the fuses blew out again the same day. the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic. while at the repair shop, the vehicle caught fire due to the master cylinder. the mechanic was able to extinguish the fire, but the vehicle was partially destroyed and would need to be rebuilt. the manufacturer stated that there were three open recalls, one of which could result in a fire. nhtsa campaign ID numbers 06v286000, 03v281000, and 98v060000 were referenced. the current and failure mileages were less than 132,000.
- Equipment · Latches/locks/linkages
In 2007, my 1998 ford explorer driver door lock stopped working. It really didn't bother me all that much until one day by accident the door locked and would not come open. I had to push with all my force and pull up on the interior door handle at the same time. Finally it came open but the door…
In 2007, my 1998 ford explorer driver door lock stopped working. It really didn't bother me all that much until one day by accident the door locked and would not come open. I had to push with all my force and pull up on the interior door handle at the same time. Finally it came open but the door handle broke. Now it was to the point of disgust. Didn't have the money to fix it so we waited until we did. In 2008, I took my explorer to the local dealership. I was quoted $197 for everything, installation, parts, and labor. But when I came to pay the bill I was informed it was going to be about $100 if not more when completed. So my aunts boyfriend, who does auto body work, fixed it. It was working fine, we still had to jiggle to lock from the outside to get the locks to unlock. And then about a week ago, I was getting out and the door handle broke again. This time the handle IS stuck. I now have to roll down the window and open the door from the outside or crawl across the passenger side. Which we have had to do that in the past and it IS embarrassing. So now I've e-mailed ford about my complaint and that IS where I was informed you done the recalls. I really learned that there IS alot of people with this same complaint, www.carcomplaint.com. I really hope you can help resolve this matter. What should I do next? I guess just be out $200 more when I have to go back to the dealership....hope you can help. Thank you for your time. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the vehicle caught fire while parked. the police and fire departments were notified. the entire front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and damaged. the vehicle was towed to an impound. the dealer stated that the vehicle was not on fire…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the vehicle caught fire while parked. the police and fire departments were notified. the entire front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and damaged. the vehicle was towed to an impound. the dealer stated that the vehicle was not on fire when they disconnected the cruise control. there was no power running through the vehicle. the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed. a police report was filed. the failure and current mileages were 158,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
1998 ford explorer driver side door lock won't open. It won't open if you use the key, remote, or manually try to pull up on it while inside. However, the other doors and tailgate unlock ok. I am forced to enter the car on the passenger side and climb over a console in the middle to get into driver…
1998 ford explorer driver side door lock won't open. It won't open if you use the key, remote, or manually try to pull up on it while inside. However, the other doors and tailgate unlock ok. I am forced to enter the car on the passenger side and climb over a console in the middle to get into driver seat. I believe this IS a serious safety issue as there IS no way to get in or out of the car on the driver side. I am 76 years old and this IS extremely difficult to get in over the console on passenger side. There are numerous complaints on internet for this exact problem. *Tr
- Tires
I have had two flat tires as a result of defective valve stems. Bf goodrich radials were installed at sears on my 1998 explorer sport in 12/06. The first valve completely deflated my tire 4 or so months ago while sitting overnight in my garage. I assumed I had caused the slice in the valve by…
I have had two flat tires as a result of defective valve stems. Bf goodrich radials were installed at sears on my 1998 explorer sport in 12/06. The first valve completely deflated my tire 4 or so months ago while sitting overnight in my garage. I assumed I had caused the slice in the valve by driving, but hadn't hit anything. On 11/26/08 at 7:00 p.m. I was driving I-95 s at highway speeds, and noticed unusual driving sensations. After several miles, I figured out it was a tire going down, and took appropriate action--slowing, being acutely aware of traffic, and seeking a safe exit. when I exited into a grocery parking lot, I immediately got out and discovered my rear passenger tire was completely flat, and once again, the valve was sliced. I searched the internet for defective valves after recalling hearing about defective valve stems manufactured in china several months ago. I learned dill air controls products and the nhtsa had issued warnings regarding same after a death of an orlando, fl man. I am returning to sears to have all 4 of my tires inspected for faulty valves. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
There were no events leading up to this failure I was driving to go see a movie. the door lock on the drivers side stopped working (even with a key it will not unlock). no parts have been replaced on this door except for the door itself over 7 years ago. *tr
- Seats
Ford issued a recall for a bolt replacement in the seat. safety recall 03s04 refers. beach ford dealership has declined to conduct the repair due to time of the recall (5 years). the dealership stated that the bolt had already sheared and since the recall was so old they would not repair. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. while driving 10-15 mph, the vehicle began smoking around the steering column. the contact felt that the vehicle speed control caused the failure. there IS a recall for the vehicle speed control (nhtsa campaign ID 00v422000, 06v286000, 99v062001)…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. while driving 10-15 mph, the vehicle began smoking around the steering column. the contact felt that the vehicle speed control caused the failure. there IS a recall for the vehicle speed control (nhtsa campaign ID 00v422000, 06v286000, 99v062001) however the dealer stated that her vin was not included. the current and failure mileages were 127,577. the purchase date was not available.
- Latches/locks/linkages
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the driver side door locks malfunctioned. as a result, the contact cannot open the driver side door. the fuse relay of the vehicle IS located in the driver side door, which prevents the contact from changing any of the fuses. prior to the failure…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the driver side door locks malfunctioned. as a result, the contact cannot open the driver side door. the fuse relay of the vehicle IS located in the driver side door, which prevents the contact from changing any of the fuses. prior to the failure, he experienced issues with manually unlocking the doors with the vehicle key. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 70,300.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
My name IS [xxx] and I just purchased a vehicle from hwy 100 & loomis rd auto sales (414-617-5673) in franklin wisconsin on dec 13TH. On the way home from the dealership the brakes failed and I almost didn't make it home. I took it to my local mechanic in evansville wisconsin who fixed the rear…
My name IS [xxx] and I just purchased a vehicle from hwy 100 & loomis rd auto sales (414-617-5673) in franklin wisconsin on dec 13TH. On the way home from the dealership the brakes failed and I almost didn't make it home. I took it to my local mechanic in evansville wisconsin who fixed the rear brakes and I had to pay over 250 dollars to repair it. The dealer wouldn't help me with this cost or even acknowledge that they failed to find that problem on their safety check. After I picked up my truck this thursday the 20TH, the check engine light came on and all power to the vehicle has now ceased. My mechanic also informed me when he fixed the brakes that not only the brakes should have been discovered by the dealer but I will also need a new exhaust system as someone has obviously fixed it enough to get it off the lot. That will be another 300 dollars. The power just failed on my way home from my aunts and now the truck IS dead in my driveway at home. It wont start and I don't know what to do. The owner of the dealership will not return any calls so I can solve this. I just want them to come get this lemon and give me the money I paid for it back plus all the expenses I have put into it in less than a week. This IS ridiculous and I need to know my rights and if I can just get my money back .... I cant afford to not to drive to work and be stuck continuously paying for a truck that had such intense problems mechanically and safety-wise and now its just dead. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Equipment · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The drivers side door began malfunctioning, locking and unlocking itself. This continued until it just locked and will not open at all. both the outside and inside handle have just stopped working and I can't get out on the drivers side at all. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that when he turns the key in the unlocked door of his vehicle, the doors become locked. when he turns the key in the opposite direction, the doors still remain locked. when he presses the power lock/unlock button from inside the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. the contact stated that when he turns the key in the unlocked door of his vehicle, the doors become locked. when he turns the key in the opposite direction, the doors still remain locked. when he presses the power lock/unlock button from inside the vehicle, it will lock the doors but fail to unlock them, causing passengers to be trapped in the vehicle. the contact has had to exit through the window. he has not taken the vehicle to a repair shop because he would have to pay for the repairs and he feels the failure should be recalled. the current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
The locks on my doors keep locking by themselves and the driver side door wont unlock unless you beat it to death the back latch does not open at all it IS locked and won't unlock. *tr
- Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
I spoke with 3 other mothers that have 1998 explorer and on each the middle seat belt won't work, I have three little grandchildren, and because of the problem I could not take all three anywhere. They could not seat up front. Why do 4 out of 4 1998 explorers have the same problem? At first I…
I spoke with 3 other mothers that have 1998 explorer and on each the middle seat belt won't work, I have three little grandchildren, and because of the problem I could not take all three anywhere. They could not seat up front. Why do 4 out of 4 1998 explorers have the same problem? At first I thought I would just order a new one, but I didn't have the $80.00 for part and installation. Upon talking to these other explorer owners I really felt that inferior belt buckles were used. My dad was a ford man and we were ford people. Please help. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Driver's side power door lock did not unlock either with the key or lock button. It took many attempts to get the door unlocked, leaving me no choice but to exit out of the passenger's side. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. front driver seat lever will not stay in place. driving on the road one afternoon, the seat reclined out of control. The seat must be reclined in a reasonable position when driving. however, it was unsafe for him to operate the vehicle. he stated…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer sport. front driver seat lever will not stay in place. driving on the road one afternoon, the seat reclined out of control. The seat must be reclined in a reasonable position when driving. however, it was unsafe for him to operate the vehicle. he stated that he IS experiencing the same failure as listed in recall number 03v281000. The recall stated that on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats the upper bolt on the driver's side that attached the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame could fracture. the driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash. the manufacturer stated that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin, and that there was nothing they could or will do to fix it. the manufacturer was advised to call the national highway safety administration (nhtsa). the contact did not know the name of the dealer where he purchased the vehicle. the current mileage was 116,000, and the failure mileage was 95,000. *Ak updated 06/14/07. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 637803Concerns with brake vibration, roughness and / or grinding noise, and excessive brake rotor corrosion.
- 637710Some vehicles with 4wabs may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes c1233 and c1234 (anti-lock brake sensor output failure).
- 636212Some vehicles with 4wabs may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes c1233 and c1234 (anti-lock brake sensor output failures) in slippery conditions.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 630636Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L SOHC engine may exhibit a check engine light on with diagnostic trouble codes p0300 (random misfire) or p0301.
- 630418Concerns with rear wipers that do not sufficiently clean the back glass.
- 630022Some vehicles including 1997 through 1999 explorer sport trac equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine may exhibit a start-up noise from the left front of the engine.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 622817Some vehicles with 4.0L SOHC engines may make a start-up noise from the left front of the engine.
- 619276On some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube.
Every Ford Explorer Sport model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.