1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
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.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 167 |
| 2002 | 144 |
| 2003 | 78 |
| 2004 | 86 |
| 2005 | 66 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 100 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 31 |
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, 2019-03-03
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, 2005-02-10
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Vehicle speed control
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
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, 2006-02-02
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.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.