MYRModel Year Report

1998 Ford Explorer

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Ford Explorer
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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
1,959
Recalls
14

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Tires

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1998 1,959 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1993 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1998 1,959 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2005 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2011 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2017 2018: 727 complaints 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1992 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1994 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1998 1,959 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2000 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2004 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2010 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2012 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2016 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2018 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2022 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2024 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints

1998: 1,959 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991616
1992640
1993944
19941,231
1995843
19961,450
19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
20041,304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,197
2012826
20132,233
20141,679
20151,786
20162,455
20171,690
2018727
2019296
20201,224
2021432
2022267
2023110
202421
2025100
202639
20270

Known problem areas

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

Tires

36% · 696 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Tire blew up on a highway. Driver lost control of the car, veered to the right, missed a couple of cars on the right lanes and hit the side of the hill on the left of the road. Car spun and rolled over several times.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

Vehicle speed control

14% · 284 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The Explorer brake peddle went to the floor to stop the vehicle . There was smoke coming from under the hood . In a few seconds , the truck was in flames. Police and firemen were called to the location . They put the fire out in a few minutes .

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-02

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and steering

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 200 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

6% · 118 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My Explorer had been parked in my driveway for well over 15 hours when I heard my neighbor screaming. The SUV was fully ignited into flames.just out of no where.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-15

Vehicle was parked outside of home and without prior warning it caught on fire. Dealership was aware of problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-06

Suspension

6% · 115 reports

Most commonly citing front and wheel bearing.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

While driving on a dirt road right front tire got sucked into car. Vehicle swerved, and hit a tree and exploded. Vehicle occupants were able to exit from vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

While driving 50 MPH wide left curve and right side tire went on the shoulder of the road and right rear tire skidded out, tried to straighten out the vehicle, the vehicle fishtailed and tried t correct the fishtail, had a rollover.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-23

Safety timeline

14 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-12-19Electrical system97V215000 Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles, eddie bauer and limited editions. The key-in-ignition/door open warning chime may not function when the door is opened. This does not fully…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper wire to provide the necessary ground circuit in these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 1,959 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    1998-04-20Fuel system, gasoline98V060000 Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0L single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1998-11-03Recall queryClosed 2000-11-15 Fuel line damage from jump starting
  5. I
    1999-01-07Engineering analysisClosed 2001-02-09 Throttle sticking
  6. R
    1999-03-27Vehicle speed control99V062001 Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd Explorer equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from May 29, 1996 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 Explorer/mountaineers equipped…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    1999-06-09SQClosed 2000-02-22 Vehicle hesitation/stalling
  8. I
    1999-07-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-29 Steering knuckle separations
  9. R
    1999-07-14Latches/locks/linkages99V164000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    1999-07-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-04-24 Windshield wiper malfunction
  11. R
    2000-07-19Exterior lighting00V168000 Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the…

    Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2000-08-26Tires00T005000 Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size P235/75R15, produced at the decatur, Illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx ii tires, size P235/75R15. Operation of these…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2001-03-05Vehicle speed control00V422000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L sohc engines and still retain the original throttle body (Part numbers 97JF-9E926AB or 97JF-9E926-ac). Some of the original…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. I
    2003-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-05 Front seat back recliner attachment
  16. R
    2003-08-29Seats03V281000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. I
    2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
  18. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  19. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. R
    2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  23. R
    2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 Windstar, 2000-2003 Excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 SD through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 Explorer, 1997 and…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 696 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 284 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 200 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V215000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 98V060000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 99V062001 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 99V164000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 00V168000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 00T005000 · Tires
  • Recall 00V422000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 01X001000 · Tires
  • Recall 03V281000 · Seats
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Explorer is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Explorer have?
14 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.