1998 Ford Explorer Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 3 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 1998 Ford Explorer and I noticed trying to unlock the door automatically that it would stick sometimes. Sometimes becale always and noticed the passenger door never would unlock. Then one day parked I tried to open passenger door and it wouldnt open. I had to open it from the inside. Now it wont open from the inside. The door is totally non functional. Door latch issue I dont know but have read many complaints of the same. …”
NHTSA complaint #11084286, filed 2018-04, 140,000 miles“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“Door locks and windows quit working after buying it. So many issue ..the steering wheel control words melted. Back door don't shut probably and never has since bought. This was bought as a new not used vehicle. Door locks was the worse.they sometimes stick and won't unlock since bought new.never fix by butler Ford in milledgeville ga. Overdrive switch slips out of position. Does not show correct speed. I could go on and on”
NHTSA complaint #11231838, filed 2019-07, 101,000 miles“I was checking fuses under the hood of our 98 Ford Explorer when the hood came down without provocation, crushing fingers on my left hand. The pistons that hold the hood up, gave way causing this accident. To date I have difficulty using my left hand correctly. I spoke with many attorneys and they said since there has not been any similar cases to mine, none would pursue it. I called Ford and they said they would make a note of the incident. Ford manufactured a defect, harmed me and everyone just wants to round file the case. Would your group like to see pictures of my crushed finger? …”
NHTSA complaint #10023682, filed 2003-06, 55,000 miles“Spot welds on the accelerator pedal mounting bracket failed and broke completely off causing loss of accelerator function and allowing pedal to fall behind brake pedal. This is a known defect that many Ford explorers are experiencing and should be a safety recall before someone dies!”
NHTSA complaint #10268364, filed 2009-05, 119,987 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% |
| 2020 | 45 | 4% |
| 2019 | 150 | 50% |
| 2018 | 288 | 39% |
| 2017 | 659 | 39% |
| 2016 | 591 | 24% |
| 2015 | 411 | 23% |
| 2014 | 276 | 16% |
| 2013 | 439 | 20% |
| 2012 | 144 | 17% |
| 2011 | 110 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 151 | 30% |
| 2004 | 426 | 33% |
| 2003 | 354 | 31% |
| 2002 | 486 | 15% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 47 | 3% |
| 1998 | 48 | 2% |
| 1997 | 50 | 3% |
| 1996 | 63 | 4% |
| 1995 | 39 | 5% |
| 1994 | 158 | 13% |
| 1993 | 86 | 9% |
| 1992 | 62 | 10% |
| 1991 | 31 | 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 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