1998 Ford Explorer Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Explorer. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1995–2002, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Reported issue: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Possible consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009…
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1998, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
Reported issue: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Possible consequence: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)
- Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Ford Explorer 1998–2001, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–2001, Ford Explorer Sport 2001–2002 +1 more
Reported issue: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion.
Possible consequence: The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. Owner notification began on august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1997–1998, Mercury Mountaineer 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0l sohc engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). Some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. This reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the throttle body to contact or bridge the gap. If the engine…
Possible consequence: This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
- Exterior lightingCovers: Ford Explorer 1997–1998, Windstar 1996–1998, F-150 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Possible consequence: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Ford Explorer 1998–1999, Mercury Mountaineer 1998–1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.
Possible consequence: If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Explorer 1997–1999, Ranger 1998–1999, Mustang 1998–1999 +6 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5l, 3.0l ffv/efi or 4.0l engines and cruise control built from january 5, 1998 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 mustangs equipped with 3.8l, 4.6l…
Possible consequence: If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Explorer 1997–1998, Mercury Mountaineer 1997–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4.0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line…
Possible consequence: The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
Remedy: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control moduleCovers: Ford Explorer 1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles, eddie bauer and limited editions. The key-in-ignition/door open warning chime may not function when the door is opened. This does not fully comply with fmvss no. 114, "theft protection."
Possible consequence: The standard specified that a warning to the driver shall be actuated whenever the key has been left in the locking system and the driver's door is opened.
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper wire to provide the necessary ground circuit in these vehicles.
NHTSA investigations
- PE03020Front seat back recliner attachmentClosed · May 21, 2003
- PE99049Windshield wiper malfunctionClosed · Jul 28, 1999
- PE99045Steering knuckle separationsClosed · Jul 6, 1999
- SQ99017Vehicle hesitation/stallingClosed · Jun 9, 1999
- EA99001Throttle stickingClosed · Jan 7, 1999
- RQ98020Fuel line damage from jump startingClosed · Nov 3, 1998
← 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.