1998 Ford Explorer Sport Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, 7% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,700 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Not a safety item. However there is a radio display problem with the Ford explorer's. I was told by the dealer that the radio display was a common problem in the explorer's. The cost to repair is $275. If this is a common problem, I wonder why it is not a recall item. I wonder how many people Ford has screwed out of $275 for a problem caused by their faulty radios and not by fault of consumers.”
NHTSA complaint #10023594, filed 2003-06, 33,243 miles“Blend door in the ventilation system does not operate. Leads to heat in the summer and difficulity defrosting the winshield in the winter. From what I have read this is a common problem on the 1998 explorers. I also had the evaporator tank replaced last year. This is a manufacturing problem and should be recalled to fix. I also had two sets of brakes and rotors on this vehicle and the radio still does'nt work right.”
NHTSA complaint #10014516, filed 2003-04, 63,400 miles“In 2007, my 1998 Ford explorer driver door lock stopped working. It really didn't bother me all that much until one day by accident the door locked and would not come open. I had to push with all my force and pull up on the interior door handle at the same time. Finally it came open but the door handle broke. Now it was to the point of disgust. Didn't have the money to fix it so we waited until we did. In 2008, I took my explorer to the local dealership. I was quoted $197 for everything, installation, parts, and labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256522, filed 2009-01, 122,700 miles“Over the last year my 1998 Ford explorer 2 door sport has been loosing some interior electrical features. The first was the display lights on the radio. They would come and go..... Now the display is totally gone. However the radio, cd player and tape deck still work. I just can't see what track, station, or the time. Then the next electrical problem was the driver side power unlock switch. I can lock all the doors but I cannot unlock the doors, next the lights went out on the left side of my dash..... …”
NHTSA complaint #10047615, filed 2003-11“Intake manifold gasket has failed on two different occasions on my vehicle. This part was replaced because it was leaking on both occasions. This leakage and problem is dangerous to the vehicle and the occupants of the vehicle. This is part of the fuel system and should not be taken lightly.”
NHTSA complaint #10106143, filed 2005-01Equipment: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport
33 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsTires
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology