MYRModel Year Report

1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

○ Not enough data
1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:30.726Z

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints 2010
1998: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19976
19985
19990
20003
2001167
2002144
200378
200486
200566
20065
2007100
200823
20096
201031

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

TAKATA RECALL.. THE LIGHTS INSIDE WILL CUT ON FOR NO REASON. THE RADIO AND OTHER COMPONENTS WILL CUT ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WANT..THE BRAKE PADDLE WORKS WHEN IT WANT .

NHTSA ODI report, 20190303

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

I OWN A FORD EXPLORER 1988 BOUGHT NEW IN 1999. I HAVE ONLY 36.000 MILES ON IT AND LAST MONTH I WAS JUST DRIVING FOR ABOUT 2 MILES WHEN I SENSED A POWERFUL SMELL OF GAS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050210

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ON JANUARY 26TH, 2006 AT 3AM OUR 1998 FORD EXPLORER EXPLODED IN 33 DEGREE WEATHER AFTER SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 15 HOURS. THE FIRE CAUSED MY VEHICLE, A 1994 BUICK CENTURY TO CATCH FIRE AS WELL. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060202

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 5 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ● 2005 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ● 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.