1998 Ford Explorer SportProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 121 owner complaints about the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 25, 2017. Updated daily.
Where the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport has problems
121 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages | 33 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 9 |
| Seats | 14 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 3 |
| Tires | 11 | 3 |
| Equipment | 8 | 0 |
| Visibility | 7 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 23 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1998 Ford Explorer Sport recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
1998 vs. every other Explorer Sport year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer Sport median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, and the recalls they led to.
- SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADNo recall
What Explorer Sport owners report
Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I HAVE HAD MY DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM REPAIRED BEFORE, BUT THE RECLINER DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AGAIN. NOW THE RECLINER DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES TOTALLY, UNTIL IT TOUCHES THE BACK SEAT CUSHION. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE PART TO REPAIR THE SEAT IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. I WAS TOLD I COULD…
IN 2007, MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING. IT REALLY DIDN'T BOTHER ME ALL THAT MUCH UNTIL ONE DAY BY ACCIDENT THE DOOR LOCKED AND WOULD NOT COME OPEN. I HAD TO PUSH WITH ALL MY FORCE AND PULL UP ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AT THE SAME TIME. FINALLY IT CAME OPEN BUT THE DOOR…
1998 FORD EXPLORER DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK WON'T OPEN. IT WON'T OPEN IF YOU USE THE KEY, REMOTE, OR MANUALLY TRY TO PULL UP ON IT WHILE INSIDE. HOWEVER, THE OTHER DOORS AND TAILGATE UNLOCK OK. I AM FORCED TO ENTER THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CLIMB OVER A CONSOLE IN THE MIDDLE TO GET INTO DRIVER…
Own a 1998 Explorer Sport?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.