10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #4

May 042006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles
: the contact stated in cold weather, the hinges do not hold the hood in the upright position. This caused the hood to fall on the contact's head and neck, causing minor injuries. The hood hinges were replaced by the dealership, but this has not corrected the problem.

- Overgaard, AZ, USA

problem #3

Jul 262005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles
1998 Ford Explorer. The brakes lights failed on the vehicle. Consumer had the brake light fuses changed. They used the fuses that came with the vehicle. As soon as the second fuse was put in the vehicle caught on fire. Another person put the fire out by beating it with a towel. Then, consumer contacted a dealership by phone, they told her that there was a recall on the master cylinder but, he was unsure of the model years included. When the consumer contacted Ford, they told consumer would get back to her. There were no fire or police reports available. The incident occurred on 7-262005 before the hood latch had acted up. Also, cruise control malfunctioned.. it melted the wires for the ABS and the spot for putting in the brake fluid.

- Opelika, AL, USA

problem #2

Jul 012004

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The hood had too much weight. The Ram that held the hood were not strong enough and caused to hood to fall down. The Ram were replaced.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #1

Dec 072002

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 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" it happened, and Ford is responsible. Is there anything I can do" garry melott.

- S. Padre Island, TX, USA