1998 Ford Explorer Sport
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS CHANGING FUSES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF OUR 98 EXPLORER AND THE HOOD SLAMMED SHUT ON MY HAND AND FINGERS. THE PISTONS THAT HELD THE HOOD UP FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021218
15% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
FIRE12% of complaints: seats — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
FIRE10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (14 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport 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.