1998 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,959 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the wheels of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,959 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was merging onto the highway onto the on ramp like any other morning going to work I began to yield as there was traffic coming in my direction. As I began to yield my car flipped over as if someone purposely tilted the vehicle over. The air bags did not deploy the car rolled over onto my left arm and leg breaking my ankle and causing many other injuries and distress.”
NHTSA complaint #10680699, filed 2015-02“My seat belt on my passenger side does not work half the time. My door locks do not work right. I can't get my window on the driver side to go up and down. I hit a tree going 55 miles an hour in my airbag did not even deploy. I'm lucky I'm still alive. The fenders rubbing up against my tire. Speed control is wrong. Whenever I'm going 55 miles an hour it says 57 actually I don't remember the correct date. But I'm sure it shows I know it was 2017. Somebody ran me off the road. My truck hit the tree and my airbag did not deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287420, filed 2019-12“While exit parking, hit on curb with low MPH. Tire failed at close to rim created a 1/2 inch slit. The initial hit point is more towards the front wheel is not demaged but have black mark next to the tire rupture. Hitting curb seems common among drivers, but I never heard of anyone having something like this. Therefore, I think that this is a quality problem.( DOT number: w2hl tire size: p235/r15? )”
NHTSA complaint #729012, filed 2000-08“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that all of the wheels were deteriorating. The contact stated that chrome portions of the wheels were detaching while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was advised to have the wheels welded and bolted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10469634, filed 2012-08, 150,000 miles“There is a thumping on the driver's side floor board, while turning the wheel. This thumping feels as if something is binding in the front driver side wheel. Has been to the dealership 3 previous times and will be returning for the 4th. Asap this is a leased vehicle. And the owner of the dealership is aware of all the problems this vehicle has had. I also have receipts of every time this vehicle has been in for service. My concern is that, if I wanted a vehicle with all these problems, I might as well of purchased a used one. …”
NHTSA complaint #730855, filed 2000-09Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 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 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