MYRModel Year Report

1998 Ford Explorer Sport

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:03.902Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
121
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Latches/locks/linkages

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 121 complaints 1998 121 1999: 93 complaints 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 1998: 121 complaints 1998 121 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 1998: 121 complaints 1998 121 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005

1998: 121 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19935
199737
1998121
199993
200071
2001188
2002133
200365
200418
20055

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Latches/locks/linkages

27% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

INJURY
Show 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, 2002-12-18

Electrical system

15% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE

Seats

12% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

Vehicle speed control

10% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

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 →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 121 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Latches/locks/linkages: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 14 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.