1998 Ford Explorer Sport Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 27%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, 27% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my driver's seat recliner mechanism repaired before, but the recliner driver's seat has broken again. Now the recliner driver's seat reclines totally, until it touches the back seat cushion. The dealership told me the part to repair the seat is no longer manufactured. I was told I could go to a salvage yard to look for the part. On researching the problem on the internet I came upon the recall notice for the exact problem I have had with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10347147, filed 2010-08, 121,895 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“Drivers side door, of my 1998 Ford explorer, could not be opened (from inside or outside door handles). Attempted to have door latch assembly replaced, as broken spring was found protruding from door latch assembly area <drivers side>. Dealership incorrectly replaced inside door handle and now drivers side door cannot be locked (but can now be opened or closed). Due to door latch assembly problems with canadian Ford vehicles, I fear we now have a serious security & safety issue with our 1998 Ford explorer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10122068, filed 2005-05, 149,484 miles“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 complaint #10000213, filed 2002-12, 47,400 miles“Dt: the drivers side door was completely locked, the remote key pad or keys did not work. Had used the remote to unlock doors the same as always. Contacted manufacturer, who said to contact the dealer. But dealer said never heard of it. Consumer did not want to pay the dealer to fix it. Found a forum online where other people had the same problem. This happened july 29, 2005.”
NHTSA complaint #10130767, filed 2005-08, 90,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport
18 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
8 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