1998 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 108about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Back in may 2002 my drivers door lock stuck in the locked position it has power locks and I could not get it unlocked unless I pulled the lock button up while I pressed the power lock and unlock switch open an close a multiple amount of times.I brought it to a Ford dealer and had it fixed,it cost me $219.35 nit was the door lock actuator that needed to be replaced,it has been 1 year almost to the day and it failed again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070270, filed 2004-01, 77,657 miles“I purchased my 1998 Ford Explorer limited from my mother in january of 2006 with 68000 miles on the odometer. In feburary I first noticed vehicle was unable to defrost the front windshield and defog the vehicles windows. The cause of the problem was the climate control would sometimes not blow warm air. This would also result in a very cold interior. After researching the problem on the internet I found many complaints regarding the 1996-1998 Ford Explorer and a common problem with the climate control's air blending door breaking, making it impossible to regulate heat and cold. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156548, filed 2006-05, 70,000 miles“Temperature control system locked in cold AC mode. System will only blow cold air due to a broken air blend door. Driver can not defrost windshield with cold air conditioned defrost. I believe this is a safety issue for the driver. The problem has not been fixed because the cost will be $1200.”
NHTSA complaint #10137224, filed 2005-09, 150,000 miles“The blend door , plenum, that controls the tempature of the air coming into the cabin is broken in the same place that many others have experienced. This will not allow heated air to come from the defroster vents resulting in a safety issue.failure date given is approximate.”
NHTSA complaint #10124233, filed 2005-06, 79,000 miles“Dt: contact stated that right after purchasing the vehicle he had replace the brakes, tires, fuel filter, the fuel injection was cleaned , the anti lock sensors where replaced, the windshield was replaced . The air bags are also deployed. While driving the vehicle it vibrates on the left side. He took the vehicle to a mechanic they put the vehicle on a rack trying to line the vehicle. It would not line up. They found that the ball joints bad, also the motor mounts are broken. The mechanic told him that the frame is bent beyond repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10142752, filed 2005-11, 90,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 69 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Explorer
696 complaintsVehicle speed control
281 complaintsEngine cooling
189 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
111 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsBrakes
94 complaintsSeats
70 complaintsSteering
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