1998 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,492miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,492 miles. 11 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.
“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“On 2/22/07 I was driving to work in my 1998 Ford Explorer xlt 4dr. I had just come off the nj turnpike and was driving through union city at 6:45 in the morning when I stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I accelerated and attempted to turn the vehicle to the left to follow the road. To my shock and horror the steering wheel spun freely without changing the direction of my vehicle. I had absolutely no steering with barely any resistance on the steering wheel itself. My vehicle went straight across the road; I stopped the vehicle up on a sidewalk just before a building. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186510, filed 2007-03, 140,000 miles“The Explorer brake peddle went to the floor to stop the vehicle . There was smoke coming from under the hood . In a few seconds , the truck was in flames. Police and firemen were called to the location . They put the fire out in a few minutes .”
NHTSA complaint #10453787, filed 2012-04, 131,000 miles“The steering wheel makes a grinding noise when making a left of right turn. Dealership replaced the power steering hose with an updated one, as stated in the technical servic ebulletin 9821-01 which corrected the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10073683, filed 2004-06, 32,000 miles“Dt: the consumer states that 1998 Ford Explorer had a steering problem. The steering wheel was turning to the left, she heard a clung, and the steering wheel was turning, but she was not moving. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and was told that a steering shaft broke. The shaft was replaced, and the vehicle was driving fine now. The consumer stated she called the manufacturer, and they said that the vehicle was not under warranty, and the consumer was looking for someone to pay the bill.”
NHTSA complaint #10136568, filed 2005-09, 78,593 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 9 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 28 | 2% |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 76 | 4% |
| 2016 | 532 | 22% |
| 2015 | 347 | 19% |
| 2014 | 500 | 30% |
| 2013 | 836 | 37% |
| 2012 | 360 | 43% |
| 2011 | 742 | 62% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 13 | 9% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 27 | 2% |
| 2002 | 155 | 5% |
| 2001 | 21 | 6% |
| 2000 | 40 | 4% |
| 1999 | 38 | 3% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 33 | 2% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 52 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 2% |
| 1993 | 19 | 2% |
| 1992 | 25 | 4% |
| 1991 | 10 | 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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
65 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 27, 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