1998 Ford Explorer Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Radio display goes out. Cannot see the clock or radio selection. This has been vary dangerious in the winter during early morning driving when I cannot see my watch and travel through school zones and I don't know if the zone is active or not. The radio was replaced once under warranty and has since gone out again.”
NHTSA complaint #10080561, filed 2004-07, 78,000 miles“The air conditioner in my 1998 Ford Explorer gradually did not operate properly. At this time, it is not cooling at all. Today (june 12, 2004), I read about problems with the A/C accumulator. I pealed back part of the thermal blanket wrapped around the accumulator, and found it to be rusted. The AC has not been cooling in about 2-3 months, but it is most inconvenient and dangerous now with the summer heat in full force.”
NHTSA complaint #10075281, filed 2004-06, 80,000 miles“I have a 1998 Ford Explorer that I have been getting a loud grunting noise everytime I turn left. Replaced rack n pinion and power steering pump, and still no change. Noise is still there.”
NHTSA complaint #10156180, filed 2006-04, 117,069 miles“The air conditioning system was leaking in the 1998 Explorer, and the accumulator was rusted very badly so that it too may have leaks in it. Ford needed to recall these units, and replace the rusted accumulator.”
NHTSA complaint #10190716, filed 2007-05, 87,000 miles“Am/fm/cassette cd radio display no longer works. At times the display appears but then goes blank for some unknown reason. Currently the display has been blank for months.”
NHTSA complaint #10178749, filed 2007-01, 141,000 milesEquipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 0% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 1% |
| 2004 | 14 | 1% |
| 2003 | 14 | 1% |
| 2002 | 60 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 1% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 37 | 2% |
| 1997 | 39 | 2% |
| 1996 | 16 | 1% |
| 1995 | 7 | 1% |
| 1994 | 32 | 3% |
| 1993 | 27 | 3% |
| 1992 | 23 | 4% |
| 1991 | 29 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Explorer
696 complaintsVehicle speed control
281 complaintsEngine cooling
189 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
111 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
108 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsBrakes
94 complaintsSeats
70 complaintsSteering
70 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
65 complaintsFuel system
63 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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