1998 Ford Explorer Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 65about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 65 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“All locking door mechanism's have failed and I have spent money to repair them. The rear hatch lock is no longer operating unless the key is in the lock and then, only sporadically. The driver's side handle, has broken off twice and been replaced twice. I was unable to open the door with the engine was off, thereby effectively trapping me in the vehicle. In an emergency, I would not have been able to exit the car and remove myself from any potential danger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221600, filed 2008-03, 145,000 miles“One day when I attempted to enter my 1998 Ford Explorer, parked in my garage, the drivers side door would not unlock. Whenever the automatic feature locks the doors when I am driving or I lock the door using my key fob, it will not open from the exterior. I have to reach in from the rear door (or if I am in the drivers seat) and open the door with a very strong pull on the door handle. I have not taken the vehicle in for repair as yet. I have been aware of this situation for about 2 weeks as of today. Tedwards”
NHTSA complaint #10254953, filed 2009-01, 125,000 miles“The power door locks are malfunctioning on my 1998 Ford Explorer. The expolanation is that water, dirt and stuff get in there . This is the seciond such incident. I'm now being billed $186 plus tax to repair something that shouldn't need rerplacing on a vehicle with 70000 miles!.”
NHTSA complaint #10025633, filed 2003-07, 69,972 miles“Normal operation; a the drivers door latch failed in the locked position. As a result, the door could not be unlocked or opened by normal means. The door was finally opened after the door panel was removed allowing the latch to be unlocked by reaching a hand inside the door. The failure is a broken spring. The failure resulted in an internal lever interfering with the lock portion of the latch during the unlock attempts. I have not repaired the failure as of this date. I have the failed item (a spring).”
NHTSA complaint #10157038, filed 2006-05, 85,000 miles“1998 Ford Explorer driver side door lock won't open. It won't open if you use the key, remote, or manually try to pull up on it while inside. However, the other doors and tailgate unlock ok. I am forced to enter the car on the passenger side and climb over a console in the middle to get into driver seat. I believe this is a serious safety issue as there is no way to get in or out of the car on the driver side. I am 76 years old and this is extremely difficult to get in over the console on passenger side. There are numerous complaints on internet for this exact problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10253063, filed 2008-12, 76,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V164000Jun 29, 1999Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.Covers: Ford Explorer 1998–1999, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–1999
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 16 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 50 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 65 | 3% |
| 1997 | 32 | 2% |
| 1996 | 34 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 1% |
| 1994 | 23 | 2% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
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 complaintsFuel system
63 complaintsBody and structure
48 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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