1998 Ford Explorer Sport Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,205miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, 6% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,205 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.
“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“I have the same problems in my Ford. Service bulletin number: 01205 ,0232 and 15406 some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0l sohc engine may exhibit a check engine light on with diagnostic trouble codes p0300 (random misfire) or p0301. Concerns with rear wipers that do not sufficiently clean the back glass.”
NHTSA complaint #10000883, filed 2003-01, 30,000 miles“Rear wiper motor has been replaced twice by dealer under warranty. This is known faulty design. Wiper jams and has to be physically rocked to unjam. Problem is you could be driving in rainstorm & could not use wiper at that critical time. This vehicle is past warranty now.”
NHTSA complaint #10116664, filed 2005-04, 2,826 miles“1998 Ford explorer, plenum door failure, resulting in no heat. Cannot defrost windows causing safety hazard. After much research, common problem with Ford explorers. Should be a factory defect. Garage wants $1000 to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10142426, filed 2005-11, 147,500 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): 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 complaintsEquipment
8 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