The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is an office within the NHTSA which investigates serious safety problems in the design, construction or performance of vehicles. The NHTSA is authorized to order manufacturers to recall and repair vehicles, if the ODI finds a safety issue. NHTSA investigations for the 1998 Ford Explorer, both ongoing and closed, are listed below:

1. INVESTIGATION: SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

   NHTSA #DP05005

   Status:

   CLOSED

   Click here for more info »

2. INVESTIGATION: FUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTING

   NHTSA #RQ98020

   Status:

   RECALLED

   Click here for more info »

4. INVESTIGATION: VEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING

   NHTSA #SQ99017

   Status:

   CLOSED

   Click here for more info »

5. INVESTIGATION: FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT

   NHTSA #PE03020

   Status:

   RECALLED

   Click here for more info »

6. INVESTIGATION: STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS

   NHTSA #PE99045

   Status:

   CLOSED

   Click here for more info »

7. INVESTIGATION: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

   NHTSA #EA05005

   Status:

   RECALLED

   Click here for more info »

8. INVESTIGATION: THROTTLE STICKING

   NHTSA #EA99001

   Status:

   RECALLED

   Click here for more info »

9. INVESTIGATION: WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION

   NHTSA #PE99049

   Status:

   RECALLED

   Click here for more info »