Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Ford EXPLORER SPORT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

121 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

100,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 69 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch is the most frequently named component, appearing in 23 of 121 complaints (19.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior97.4%
Steering behavior86.6%
Electrical and battery issues75.8%
Transmission and shifting32.5%
Fuel system concerns10.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
23
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
11
Latches/Locks/Linkages
9
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
7
Tires
7
Electrical System
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
5
Vehicle Speed Control
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch23
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner11
Latches/Locks/Linkages9
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood7
Tires7
Electrical System5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine5
Vehicle Speed Control5

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch: 23; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 11; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 9; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 7; Tires: 7; Electrical System: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5; Vehicle Speed Control: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
4
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
11
75,000 to 99,999
13
100,000 to 149,999
26
150,000 and above
9
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0004
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,99911
75,000 to 99,99913
100,000 to 149,99926
150,000 and above9

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 13; 100,000 to 149,999: 26; 150,000 and above: 9

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (26). 52 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
4
2002
4
2003
25
2004
18
2005
26
2006
10
2007
16
2008
5
2009
6
2010
3
2011
1
2013
1
2016
1
2017
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20014
20024
200325
200418
200526
200610
200716
20085
20096
20103
20111
20131
20161
20171

2001: 4; 2002: 4; 2003: 25; 2004: 18; 2005: 26; 2006: 10; 2007: 16; 2008: 5; 2009: 6; 2010: 3; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1

Pattern summary

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10014516 · 2003-04-17 (April 17, 2003)

BLEND DOOR IN THE VENTILATION SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE. LEADS TO HEAT IN THE SUMMER AND DIFFICULITY DEFROSTING THE WINSHIELD IN THE WINTER. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 1998 EXPLORERS. I ALSO HAD THE EVAPORATOR TANK REPLACED LAST YEAR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX. I ALSO HAD TWO SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE RADIO STILL DOES'NT WORK RIGHT. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 63,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014516 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10039319 · 2003-09-22 (September 22, 2003)

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR CORP AND TELEPHONED THEM ABOUT ANOTHER MATTER. NAMELY WHEN BREAKING MY 1998 FORD SPORT EXPLORER, IT SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO BREAK THE CAR. THE MOTOR RACED,BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED. BECAUSE I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE. FORD MOTOR PERSONNEL TOLD ME TO BRING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. COMPLIED, BUT ADVISED IF THE PROBLEM DOES NOT APPEAR DURING A ROAD TEST NOTHING CAN BE DONE. THIS IS A COP OUT . WHO KNOWS WH…

Owner-reported narrative. 62,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10039319 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021354 · 2003-06-10 (June 10, 2003)

SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND PARK LIGHTS TURNED ON ALTHOUGH THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE "OFF" POSITION. ALSO MOVING THE MULTIFUNCTION LEVER TO MAKE A LEFT TURN SIGNAL ,THE INSTUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE LEFT SIGNAL LIGHT WAS STUCK "ON" AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK AT THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE TRUCK. HOWEVER, THE RIGHT SIGNAL HAS NEVER MALFUNCTIONED. THIS IS VERY TROUBLING. THIS EVENT OCURRED TWICE WITHIN A WEEK. DEALER HAS REPLACED TWO RELAYS(I PAID FOR), ONLY TIME WILL TELL IF THIS IS THE FIX.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 114,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021354 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10041070 · 2003-10-01 (October 1, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A SNAP AND A POP LIKE A FANBELT BROKE. I LOST ALL POWER. THIS INCLUDES POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING. I DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, ON AN INCLINE, AND TO PULL OVER I WAS ON A SLOPE DOWNHILL. I HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON WITH THE MOTOR THAT IS IN MY CAR. THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE IN MY CAR. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?

Owner-reported narrative. 100,251 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041070 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10047615 · 2003-11-26 (November 26, 2003)

OVER THE LAST YEAR MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER 2 DOOR SPORT HAS BEEN LOOSING SOME INTERIOR ELECTRICAL FEATURES. THE FIRST WAS THE DISPLAY LIGHTS ON THE RADIO. THEY WOULD COME AND GO..... NOW THE DISPLAY IS TOTALLY GONE. HOWEVER THE RADIO, CD PLAYER AND TAPE DECK STILL WORK. I JUST CAN'T SEE WHAT TRACK, STATION, OR THE TIME. THEN THE NEXT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS THE DRIVER SIDE POWER UNLOCK SWITCH. I CAN LOCK ALL THE DOORS BUT I CANNOT UNLOCK THE DOORS, NEXT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY DASH..... I CAN'T REMEMBER IF THIS WAS THE S…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10047615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10108063 · 2005-01-27 (January 27, 2005)

FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF FOR OVER 4 HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN AS THE RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE HOOD.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10108063 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10081696 · 2004-07-12 (July 12, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH CONSUMER FELT VIBRATION IN THE GAS PEDAL. THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO NEAR 100 MPH. CONSUMER HAD TO VEER OFF THE ROAD, AND PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 114,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10081696 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10296772 · 2009-12-23 (December 23, 2009)

LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM BRAIDED STEEL FUEL LINES WHERE THEY WERE RUBBING AGAINST THEIR BRACE ON THE TOP FRONT OF ENGINE. THEY WERE CUT, WITH A SPLICE PUT IN, AND THE BRACE REMOVED, RATHER THAN A REPLACEMENT. THE REASON BEING THE REPLACEMENT PART COST OF $600. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 118,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10296772 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

121 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

57.0%Usable mileage69 / 121 records
95.0%Valid incident date115 / 121 records
100.0%Valid filing date121 / 121 records
94.2%Ordered incident and filing dates114 / 121 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1993199719981999200020012002200320042005
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.4%
ODI 10050036

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY AND ENGAGE FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. DEALER HAS INSPECTED BUT WASN'T ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

Look up ODI 10050036 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.3%
ODI 10067674 · 71,900 mi

POOR PERFORMANCE/DURABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. INCLUDES 5 RECALLS (TO DATE) AND THE NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE AFTER ONLY 72,000 MILES OF OPERATION. OTHER PARTS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING AT THIS TIME ARE THE RADIO, CRUISE CONTROL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS.*AK

Look up ODI 10067674 at NHTSA ↗

1115.5%
ODI 10005295 · 18,000 mi

HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPLORER. HAVE HAD 2 TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY REPLACED, AIR INTAKE CONTROL VALVE REPLACED, FAULTY WITING FOR THE LAFT TAIL LIGHT REPLACE, IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED, AIR BAG CONTACTS REPLACED, TURN SIGNAL ARM AND COTROLS REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10005295 at NHTSA ↗

158.0%
ODI 10023756

I HAVE A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. MY 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT AND FROM THE NEW GROUPS I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING, I'M NOT ALONE. I UNDERSTAND THAT FORD HAS REDESIGNED THE VALVE BODY AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023756 at NHTSA ↗

1813.5%
ODI 10182976 · 55,330 mi

AT 55,350 MILES MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT'S TRANSMISSION WOULD FLARE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A SOLENOID MALFUNCTION IN MY TRANSMISSION; THEREFORE, AFFECTING OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. MILES WISE, I STILL HAD A LITTLE UNDER 5,000 MILES UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, YEARS WISE, I WAS AT 5 YEARS 74 DAYS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS PROBLEM COST ME $2168.38. I DON'T THINK VEHICLE AT 55K MILES SHOU…

Look up ODI 10182976 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10134296 · 33,125 mi

2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AWD 4DR VIN [XXX] UNDER WARRANTY - 33125 MILES WHEN IN REVERSE EXPERIENCE BANGS/JERKS - DEALER STATED IT WAS TRANSMISSION SHIFT SOLENOID PACK AND REPLACED 6/05 - CONTINUED TO BANG/JERK INTO REVERSE UNTIL APPROX 1 MONTH LATER, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHETHER IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, ALONG WITH LOUD WHINING NOISES - DEALER COULD NOT LOOK AT VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK AT WHICH TIME FLAT BEDDED AT OWNERS COST AS NOW AT 37,000 MILES (OUT OF WARRANTY OF COURSE) FORD INSPECTED TRANSMISSION AND HAS DENIED REPAIR/REPLACEMENT UNDER WA…

Look up ODI 10134296 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10169810 · 15,000 mi

WE HAVE A 2004 FORD EXPLORER V8 SPORT. WE HAVE HAD TWO MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND NOW WE HAVE A SHAKING IN THE FRONT END AFTER THE LATEST REPAIR TO THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

Look up ODI 10169810 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

105.3%
ODI 10048639 · 53,200 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY THE #3 BODY REINFORCEMENT. THE REINFORCEMENT BROKE LOOSE ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE CAB. THERE'S A TSB 630329 ON THIS ISSUE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10048639 at NHTSA ↗

107.5%
ODI 10424133 · 90,500 mi

I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT ON 08/06/2011 SO THAT I HAD A VEHICLE THAT I COULD TAKE THE KIDS ON CAMPING TRIPS. ON 09/04/2011 ON OUR WAY TO DAYTONA BEACH I NOTICED THE CAR WAS PUSHING AND SWERVING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, I HAD JUST PUT BRAND NEW TIRES ON IT AND REPLACED BOTH THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND ALL 4 BALL JOINTS AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE, I THOUGHT THAT IT'S A BIGGER VEHICLE THAN WHAT I'M USED TO AND HAD BEEN A SLIGHTLY WINDY. ON THE WAY HOME ON MONDAY 09/05/2011 IT WAS EVEN WORSE, I COULD FEEL THE BODY ROLLING THE CAR PU…

Look up ODI 10424133 at NHTSA ↗

1320.0%
ODI 10328674 · 78,796 mi

OPENED THE REAR WINDOW (HATCH) AND THE RIGHT SIDE FLEW UP - THE HINGE HAD DISENGAGED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. LOCATED ON NHTSA.GOV #04V442000 WHICH COVERS THE SAME PROBLEM - WAS TOLD BY DEALER MY VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL (04S20) AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

Look up ODI 10328674 at NHTSA ↗

633.3%
ODI 10250371 · 35,133 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. SHE STATED THAT THE TAILGATE ABOVE THE GLASS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HER VIN. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED SINCE THE CONTACT DOESN'T HAVE A WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,133.

Look up ODI 10250371 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 10280039 · 52,000 mi

I HAVE A 2005 FORD EXPLORER. THERE IS A BONDING ISSUE ON THE ROOF. THE PAINT IS SEPARATING AND LEAVING THE PRIMER ALONE ON THE VEHICLE. FORD HAS IGNORED MY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK 14 MONTHS AGO AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED AND BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION 4 MONTHS INTO MY OWNERSHIP. AFTER THE CORPORATE OFFICE IGNORED MY ISSUE, I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID "IT ISN'T OUR PROBLEM." *TR

Look up ODI 10280039 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
120.0%
ODI 10188749 · 125,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD EXPLORER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN FOUR DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE AS ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 125,000. PICTURES AND FIRE REPORT WERE AVAILABLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10188749 at NHTSA ↗

25.4%
ODI 10164469 · 100,000 mi

I OWNED A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. ON JULY 29, 2005 MY TRUCK WAS IN MY YARD AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS NOT HOME AT THE TIME. MY INSURANCE PAID A PORTION OF THE LOAN I STILL HAD ON THE VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR HAS NOT RECALLED 1997 EXPLORERS BUT HAVE 1998. THE FIRE REPORT ISSUED CLAIMS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. MY VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

Look up ODI 10164469 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10074664

THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE RADIO DISPLAY FOR MY EXPLORER. THE UNIT STILL PLAYED HOWEVER YOU COULDN'T SEE WHAT TRACK, THE VOLUME, OR WHAT RADIO STATION IT WAS CURRENTLY ON. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A SIMPLE FUSE FIX BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE WHOLE RADIO HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $600. LUCKY ME I HAVE THE PREMIUM STEREO SO IT COSTS MORE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH PEOPLE WHO ALL HAVE THE 98 EXPLORER SPORT AND THIS ISSUE WAS THE SAME FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON. *AK

Look up ODI 10074664 at NHTSA ↗

1010.8%
ODI 10023883

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE JUST DIED, I HAVE A STICK SO I KEPT IT IN SECOND THEN IT STARTED AND I KEPT GOING THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW. MY OTHER PROBLEM IS SOMETIMES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL FLICK BACK AND FORTH ONCE OR TWICE AND STOP AND THEY ARE OFF THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT TEN TIME SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK ,THE NEXT THING IS DURING HOT WEATHER WHEN YOU START THE TRUCK THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON FOR THREE OR FOUR MINUTES AFTER YOU START TO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS ARE CLOSED …

Look up ODI 10023883 at NHTSA ↗

912.7%
ODI 10003148

TIMING TENSIONER WAS RECALLED. TENSIONER DAMAGED MY TIMING CHAIN, WHICH DAMAGED MY ENGINE. TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEVER WORKED PROPERLY AFTER 31,000 MI, DASH LIGHTS AND GUAGES FAILED TO WORK CONSISTENTLY OR AT ALL BEGINNING 25,000 MI, REAR WINDOW WIPER NEVER WIPED PROPERLY, HEATER SWITCH BEGAN FAILING AT 36,000 MI. LAST DELIMMA WAS CATALYIC CONVERTER GOING OUT AT 60,000 MI. ALSO, AFTER REPLACEMENT OF TENSIONER, OIL CHANGE HAD BEEN DONE AT SAME TIME. 10 MILES AFTER LEAVING DEALERSHIP, GASKET FELL OFF AND LOST ALL OIL PRESSURE WHILE ENGINE WAS O…

Look up ODI 10003148 at NHTSA ↗

52.7%
ODI 10116296 · 30,482 mi

MY FORD EXPORER SPORT WITH APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES ON IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY APARTMENT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF AROUND 4:00 A.M. FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT FIRE STARTED ON THE ENGINE/ BATTERY AREA. I HAVE HIS WRITTEN REPORT. SUV WAS TOTALLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. I CONTACTED FORD IN WRITING, BUT THEY DID NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFFECTIVE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE NOR REIMBURSED ME FOR ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES. *AK

Look up ODI 10116296 at NHTSA ↗

64.5%
ODI 10113274

FORD EXPLORER 2002 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. *BF *JB

Look up ODI 10113274 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10496190 · 130,000 mi

THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *REAR BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND CAUSED MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD EXPLORERS, THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CAR HAS IS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY STATED THAT THEY STOPPED MAKING THAT KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, SO THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW KIND OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC'S STATEMENT, THIS INFORMED ME THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *DOOR AJ…

Look up ODI 10496190 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.7%
ODI 10033107

BROKEN FRONT SEAT LATCH ON 1997 EXPLORER SPORT FROD MOTOR CO ACKNOWLEDEGES PART DEFECT (REFER TECHINACAL SERVICE BULLETIN 98-25-15) BUT DOES NOT FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE PART BECUSE A RECALL WAS NOT ORDERED.*AK I HAVE SEEN ARTICLES ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS BEING A WARRANTY REPAIR BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR ON VEHICLE

Look up ODI 10033107 at NHTSA ↗

119.1%
ODI 10023818 · 68,000 mi

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. THEREFORE THE SEAT BACK ADJUSTMENT HANDLE NO LONGER WORKS. ALSO, THE FRAME ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR IS CRACKED NOW. *AK

Look up ODI 10023818 at NHTSA ↗

1111.8%
ODI 10023192

WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALONG, MY SEAT RECLINED. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT RECLINE TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION FOR SAFE DRIVING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023192 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 10018402

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ON MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER BROKE AND WOULD NOT STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10018402 at NHTSA ↗

63.2%
ODI 10067415 · 80,000 mi

RECALL 03V28100 REGARDING HIGH BACK SEAT. CONSUMER WAS REACHING BACK TRYING TO PICK UP SOMETHING BEHIND THE SEAT AND THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS ONTO THE REAR SEAT. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10067415 at NHTSA ↗

43.0%
ODI 10040460

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL# 03V281000 NOTICE CONCERNING HIGH BACK SEATS. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE ALL DAY. UPON RETURNING TO DEALER TO PICK UP VEHICLE CONSUMER REALIZED THAT DEALER DID NO REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10040460 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.7%
ODI 10058349 · 69,650 mi

ON FEBRUARY 16, 2004 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 PM I WAS PULLING MY WIFE'S 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT INTO A DIAGONAL PARKING STALL. I HAD ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO ROAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAINST MY BRAKING. I PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL IT STRUCK A CAR OPPOSITE MY PARKING STALL. I PUSHED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I CHECKED MY RIGHT FOOT POSITION AND CONFIRMED THAT I WAS ONLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I RELEASE…

Look up ODI 10058349 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10039319 · 62,000 mi

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR CORP AND TELEPHONED THEM ABOUT ANOTHER MATTER. NAMELY WHEN BREAKING MY 1998 FORD SPORT EXPLORER, IT SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO BREAK THE CAR. THE MOTOR RACED,BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED. BECAUSE I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE. FORD MOTOR PERSONNEL TOLD ME TO BRING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. COMPLIED, BUT ADVISED IF THE PROBLEM DOES NOT APPEAR DURING A ROAD TEST NOTHING CAN BE DONE. THIS IS A COP OUT . WHO KNOWS WH…

Look up ODI 10039319 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10204239 · 126,000 mi

I HAVE A 1999 FORD EXPLORE. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAD WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL GOING BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT WHILE NOT USING THE SPEED CONTROL MY FORD EXPLORE JUST STARTED TO ACCELERATE AT HIGH SPEEDS BY IT'S SELF. I COULD NOT SLOW IT DOWN. I THOUGHT THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE SPEED CONTROL BUT NO LIGHT WAS ON AND I HIT THE OFF BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES. FINALLY I HAD TO PLACE IT IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON ACCELERATION. I CALLED FORD AND THEY DID NOT HELP ME. THEN I HAD IT SENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM DOCUMENT WHAT WAS GOING ON …

Look up ODI 10204239 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 10212845

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE ON 2000 FORD EXPLORER FOR DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN CAUSE FIRES IN AUG.'07 AND SEP'07. CALLED LOCAL DEALER OCT.07, NO PART AVAIL WAS TOLD AVAIL IN DEC.'07 WHEN TO DEALER IN DEC.'07 IN PERSON WAS NOW TOLD PART NOT AVAIL. UNTIL "MAYBE" MARCH 2008. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! *TR

Look up ODI 10212845 at NHTSA ↗

126.4%
ODI 10121093 · 80,000 mi

DT: OWNS 2001 FORD EXPLORER, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE PREGNANT. HAD JUST ENTERED INTERSTATE AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH AND TRIED TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 65MPH. TRIED TO TAP BRAKE BUT HEARD ENGINE REV UP AND IT IMMEDIATELY SPED BACK UP. TAPPED BRAKE AGAIN AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. ENGAGED HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO PULL OFF ROAD. DOWN SHIFTED TO 2ND GEAR,THEN TO 1ST, AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 50 MPH. TRIED TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH NO LUCK. WAS USING BOTH BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING IN THE GRASS UPHILL. WHEN IT SLOWED TO ABOUT 15-20 …

Look up ODI 10121093 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10200791

FORD RECALL 05S28-SIRS, YOUR WEBSITE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD BE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER FOR DISCONNECTION OF THE PROBLEM SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WHILE AWAITING AVAILABILITY OF REPLACEMENT WIRING PARTS, HOWEVER, THE RECALL LETTER I RECEIVED THIS WEEK DOES NOT MENTION THIS, NOR DID THE DEALER WHEN I CALLED HIM. HAS THIS INTERIM REPAIR BEEN CANCELED? THANK YOU, WRL. *TR

Look up ODI 10200791 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10062074 · 5,251 mi

THIS VEHICLE STALLS OUT WHEN STOPPING. WHEN TRYING TO GET GOING AGAIN IT DOESN'T THROTTLE PROPERLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10062074 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
120.0%
ODI 10006889

THE TIRES FAILED.*JB

Look up ODI 10006889 at NHTSA ↗

25.4%
ODI 10168868 · 180,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE THREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. A RECALL LETTER #[XXX] WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND DETERMINED THE TIRE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Look up ODI 10168868 at NHTSA ↗

75.8%
ODI 10129499

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. HAD FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES ON VEHICLE. WENT FOR INSPECTION AND FAILED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE RECALLED. HE CONTACTED FORD AS WELL AS FIRESTONE, AND THEY TOLD HIM THE RECALL WAS OVER AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE TIRE SIZE WAS P235/70R16. THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE SPLIT BETWEEN THE THREADS, AND SIDEWALLS. IT WAS LIKE THEY WERE SEPARATING ON ALL FIVE OF THE TIRES, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10129499 at NHTSA ↗

33.2%
ODI 10020489 · 40,000 mi

THE VEHICLES TIRES SEPARATED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020489 at NHTSA ↗

57.0%
ODI 10105391

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD. THE DRIVER REGAINED CONTROL WHILE ON THE GRASS SIDING UNTIL THE LEFT FRONT TIRE DETACHED FROM THE TRUCK. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO ROLL OVER 4 TIMES. PLEASE IDENTIFY IF AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND IF SEAT BELTS PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. *JB THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE MOVED FROM THE RIM SUDDENLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT (TIRE INFORMATION NOT GIVEN). *BF *NM

Look up ODI 10105391 at NHTSA ↗

73.7%
ODI 10007705

I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT THAT WAS SITTING FOR A > YEAR AS PART OF AN ESTATE. > > > > > > THIS CAR HAS FIRESTON WILDERNESS TIRES P255 70R16 1095 M+S. WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED. FORD & FIRESTONE REFUSE TO REPLACE THESE TIRES BECAUSE THE TIME ALLOTTED EXPIRED

Look up ODI 10007705 at NHTSA ↗

43.0%
ODI 10001374 · 19,116 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 60/65 MPH THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BLOW OUT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SAME MAKE/MODEL TIRE AND THAT TIRE IS WEARING ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. THE DEARLERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE TIRE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD LOST AIR PRESSURE, BUT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF PUNCTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. TS

Look up ODI 10001374 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10232941 · 92,000 mi

TIRE VALVE PROBLEM - 3 BLOWN TIRES IN 60 DAYS ORIGINAL TIRES PURCHASED 1/31/2007 - CAR MILEAGE 75,857 AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE 1ST INCIDENT - APRIL 12, 2008 - CAR MILEAGE 91,400 (RIGHT FRONT TIRE) BLOWN TIRE ON INTERSTATE 81 IN VIRGINIA (TIRE REPLACED W/NEW VALVE) NO PROBLEM DETERMINATION DONE RELATIVE TO THE VALVE 2ND INCIDENT - APRIL 26, 2008 - CAR MILEAGE 92,300 (LEFT FRONT TIRE) BLOWN TIRE ON INTERSTATE 85 IN NORTH CAROLINA (TIRE REPLACED W/NEW VALVE) NO PROBLEM DETERMINATION DONE RELATIVE TO THE VALVE 3RD INCIDENT - JUNE 18, 200…

Look up ODI 10232941 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2319.0%
ODI 10032465 · 10,000 mi

THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10032465 at NHTSA ↗

33.2%
ODI 10040114

PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BRAKE LIGHTS, SEAT HANDLES, INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS.*MR REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. BOTH SEAT HANDLES BROKE OFF. INTERIOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON, BRAKE LIGHTS ARE REPLACED TWICE A WEEK. DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK PROPERLY.*TS

Look up ODI 10040114 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10063588 · 51,109 mi

DOOR LATCH/LOCKING ASSEMBLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE LOCKING ASSEMBLY, AND INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10063588 at NHTSA ↗

10.5%
ODI 10114573 · 39,000 mi

AT JUST UNDER 40,000 MILES,THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH BEGAN TO FAIL, CAUSING THE DOOR TO EITHER NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY WITHOUT VIGOROUS SLAMMING, OR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE LATCH. *AK

Look up ODI 10114573 at NHTSA ↗

21.5%
ODI 10046421 · 6,000 mi

THE REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO, THE REAR WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN. DEALER MADE REPAIRS THAT TEMPORARILY FIXED THE WINDOWS. THE PROBLEM RETURNED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE. *AK

Look up ODI 10046421 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.1%
ODI 10270139 · 40,000 mi

BOTH SEAT TILT LEVERS BEND AND THEN BREAK OFF AFTER ATTEMPTING TO STRAIGHTEN THEM ONCE TOO MANY TIMES. NEW DESIGN STRENGTHENS THE BRACKETS. IF THE BRACKETS BREAK OFF AND THERE IS A SMALL CHILD IN THE BACK, ADULTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE SMALL CHILDREN QUICKLY DURING AN EMERGENCY SINCE THEY CAN'T TILT THE SEATS FORWARD OUT OF THE WAY. *TR

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32.5%
ODI 10232404 · 157,000 mi

FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR A BOLT REPLACEMENT IN THE SEAT. SAFETY RECALL 03S04 REFERS. BEACH FORD DEALERSHIP HAS DECLINED TO CONDUCT THE REPAIR DUE TO TIME OF THE RECALL (5 YEARS). THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE BOLT HAD ALREADY SHEARED AND SINCE THE RECALL WAS SO OLD THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR. *TR

Look up ODI 10232404 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10281718 · 70,000 mi

THIS BOLT WAS REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE IN JAN 2004 AS PART OF THE RECALL. THE NEW BOLT THAT WAS INSTALLED FRACTURED CREATING A VERY SERIOUS CRASH RISK. FORD SAYS THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE ONCE. AUTO RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2003 VEHICLE COMPONENT: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER ESTIMATED VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1552880 MODEL AFFECTED 1999 FORD EXPLORER 1999 FORD EXPLORER DEFECT SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANI…

Look up ODI 10281718 at NHTSA ↗

57.0%
ODI 10004939 · 46,000 mi

UPON ENTERING MY VEHICLE, SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, AND RESTINNG MY BACK AGAINST THE SEAT WHILE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, THE BACK OF THE SEAT COLLAPSED.THIS ALL OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE BEING STARTED AND ENGAGED IN ANY GEAR, WHICH IS PROBABLY THE ONLY REASON THE INCIDENT DID NOT RESULT IN A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT. DUE TO THE COLLAPSE OF THE SEAT, I DID SUSTAIN A BACK INJURY/STRAIN.

Look up ODI 10004939 at NHTSA ↗

94.8%
ODI 10109989

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY SEAT COLLAPSE UNDER NEAT CAUSING MY BODY TO SLOUCH. I STARTED TO SWERVE THE CAR BUT HAD UNDER CONTROL AND LUCKILY CAUSED NO ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY , AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW SEAT FRAME AND CUSHION SINCE THE SEAT FRAME BROKE, THEY EVEN SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS HAPPENED OR SEEN IT HAPPEN. THEY TOLD ME SINCE IT DOES NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY, WHICH I HAD PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, THAT I WOULD HAVE PAY FOR IT AND THAT IT W…

Look up ODI 10109989 at NHTSA ↗

32.3%
ODI 10229735 · 85,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT DETACHED FROM THE BASE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO FALL BACK AGAINST THE REAR SEATS. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WOULD ONLY RECLINE IN ONE VERTICAL POSITION. THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.

Look up ODI 10229735 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10283027 · 70,000 mi

MY 2005 FORD EXPLORER HAS 79,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST YEAR THE PADDING/CUSHIONING IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT (THE DRIVER'S SEAT), AGAINST THE DOOR, HAS DETERIORATED TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL. THE METAL FRAME IS EASILY FELT, WITH THE DRIVER'S LEFT ARM, THROUGH THE SEAT COVER. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BOTTOM PADDING FEELS ONE OR TWO INCHES LOWER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. THIS PRODUCES AN AWKWARD DRIVING POSTURE AND THE DRIVER MUST LEAN AGAINST THE DOOR TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF CUSHIONING. *TR

Look up ODI 10283027 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch67,338–97,499 mi83,500 mi10
ODI 10032465 · 10,000 mi

THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10032465 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10040638 · 81,000 mi

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT IT FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE ALTHOUGH THE DOOR LOCKS WERE IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10040638 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10089600 · 118,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT OR ENTER THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10089600 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner68,250–97,500 mi77,000 mi7
ODI 10023818 · 68,000 mi

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. THEREFORE THE SEAT BACK ADJUSTMENT HANDLE NO LONGER WORKS. ALSO, THE FRAME ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR IS CRACKED NOW. *AK

Look up ODI 10023818 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10023949 · 100,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT RECLINER ON MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023949 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10033344 · 68,500 mi

BOTH SEAT RELEASE LATCHES HAVE BROKEN OFF. BACK OF DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT RELEASE(TILT FORWARD) TO ALLOW ACCESS TO BACK SEAT. PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT SLIDE OR TILT FORWARD TO ALLOW ACCESS TO REAR SEAT PASSENGER SEAT BROKE ON 3/30/03. PASSENGER SEAT LATCH REPAIRED (SPOT WELD) DRIVERS SEAT BROKE ON..*AK

Look up ODI 10033344 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/Linkages80,150–122,298 mi101,000 mi7
ODI 10130767 · 90,000 mi

DT: THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED, THE REMOTE KEY PAD OR KEYS DID NOT WORK. HAD USED THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK DOORS THE SAME AS ALWAYS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO SAID TO CONTACT THE DEALER. BUT DEALER SAID NEVER HEARD OF IT. CONSUMER DID NOT WANT TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX IT. FOUND A FORUM ONLINE WHERE OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED JULY 29, 2005. *AK

Look up ODI 10130767 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10134663 · 153,000 mi

DT: THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK BY KEY, REMOTE OR THE INSIDE HANDLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS NOT ON RECALL AND THAT SHE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE HERSELF. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WHEN SHE LEFT FOR WORK ON 8-29-05. AS OF NOW THE PROBLEM IS STILL HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SON-IN-LAW WAS ABLE TO F…

Look up ODI 10134663 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10199545 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE TURNS THE KEY IN THE UNLOCKED DOOR OF HIS VEHICLE, THE DOORS BECOME LOCKED. WHEN HE TURNS THE KEY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE DOORS STILL REMAIN LOCKED. WHEN HE PRESSES THE POWER LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE, IT WILL LOCK THE DOORS BUT FAIL TO UNLOCK THEM, CAUSING PASSENGERS TO BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE WINDOW. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND…

Look up ODI 10199545 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood93,000–135,000 mi100,000 mi5
ODI 10108063 · 135,000 mi

FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF FOR OVER 4 HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN AS THE RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE HOOD.*AK

Look up ODI 10108063 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10112486 · 100,000 mi

1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT FIRE AT 4:30 AM,UNDER THE HOOD ENGULFED IN FLAMES CALLED FIRE DEPT THEY CAME AND PUT FIRE OUT. THE WHOLE ENTIRE MOTOR, AND FRONT OF TRUCK RUINED,NOT DRIVABLE. I FILED A CLAIM WITH FORD THE DAY AFTER FIRE,THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE LIABLE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON 1998 EXPLORERS. *JB

Look up ODI 10112486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10114708 · 80,000 mi

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED ON MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, RESULTING IN CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, BLOWN 20A FUSE, NO TAIL LIGHTS, LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM MASTER CYLINDER THRU FAULTY SWITCH, AND WIRES, SWITCH AND CONNECTOR BURNED APPROXIMATLY SIX INCHES BACK FROM SWITCH. SWITCH WAS BURNED, ALSO. A NEW SWITCH WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH A PIGTAIL (WIRES & CONNECTOR), THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE BLED AND A NEW FUSE INSTALLED. AT THAT TIME, I KNEW NOTHING OF A DEFECT. FORD SAID NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WAS …

Look up ODI 10114708 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range164,780 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10396034 · 155,000 mi

GENERAL TIRE TREAD SEPARATION FORD EXPLORER. *TR

Look up ODI 10396034 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10547763 · 174,559 mi

THESE TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN THEY WERE FIRST INSTALLED, WE NOTICED A STRANGE SOUND. WE DID NOT ASSUME IT WAS FROM THE TIRES, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE ROTORS. THIS IS NOT OUR ONLY VEHICLE AND WE DON'T DRIVE IT ALL OF THE TIME; IN FACT IT IS PARKED MUCH OF THE TIME. WE DID NOT GET THE ROTORS REPLACED UNTIL AUGUST OF 2013. THE SOUND CONTINUED EVEN WITH THE NEW ROTORS, TO OUR SURPRISE. SO WE WENT BACK AND CHECKED A SECOND MECHANIC WHO THEN REMOVED ALL OF THE TIRES. AFTER INSPECTING THE TIRES, THE MECHANIC SHOWED US WHERE THEY…

Look up ODI 10547763 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range61,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10124646 · 20,000 mi

I OWN A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. IT ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT. THE MOST RECENT PROBLEMS ARE I HEAR A LOUD NOISE IN THE MOTOR AREA WHEN I USE THE AIR CONDITIONER, I ALSO CANNOT GET THE DRIVER WINDOW DOWN UNLESS I MESS WITH IT ALONG TIME, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HOOD BRACKETS 2 TIMES, AND THEY NEED REPLACED AGAIN. THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER DONT CLEAN THE WINDOW WELL ENOUGH AND IT GETS STUCK, SO I HAVE TO GET OUT AND FIX IT. I ALSO KEEP GETTING THE 'DOOR AJAR' LIGHT ON AT TIMES WHEN THE DOORS ARE ALL CLOSED. …

Look up ODI 10124646 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144525 · 103,000 mi

I AM THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF MY NIECE'S 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. ONE AFTERNOON I DROVE THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TO THE SUPERMARKET, AND PHARMACY. THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS RUNNING FINE, ALL THE GAUGES WERE IN THE MIDDLE, NO SMOKE, NO SMELLS, NO PROBLEMS. . AFTER ARRIVING HOME I PARKED THE FORD 1998 EXPLORER SPORT IN MY DRIVEWAY, APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET FROM THE GARAGE DOOR, AND APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET FROM THE ENTRANCE TO MY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHUT OFF AND SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH NO PROBLEMS. DURING THE NEXT HOUR, I BEGIN…

Look up ODI 10144525 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range100,847 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10031154 · 43,694 mi

ALL 1998 V-6 EXPLORER ENGINES (NOT SURE IF OTHER MODELS ARE INVOLVED) HAVE A PROBLEM WITH CARBON BUILDUP. MY 1998 EXLOROER SPORT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THIS PROBLEM AT 43,694 MILES (ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS AFFECTED). THE DEALER CHARGED ME $388 FOR THE DECARBONIZATION PROCESS. THIS WILL BE A RECURRING PROBLEM. I WROTE TO FORD WITH MY COMPLAINT AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALL TELLING ME I HAD TO RESOLVE WITH THE DEALER. DEALER WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. I WROTE BACK TO FORD TELLING THEM I HAD GONE TO THE DEALER AND FE…

Look up ODI 10031154 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10255202 · 158,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE NOTIFIED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON FIRE WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WAS NO POWER RUNNING THROUGH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 158,000.

Look up ODI 10255202 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range103,789 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10039319 · 62,000 mi

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR CORP AND TELEPHONED THEM ABOUT ANOTHER MATTER. NAMELY WHEN BREAKING MY 1998 FORD SPORT EXPLORER, IT SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO BREAK THE CAR. THE MOTOR RACED,BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED. BECAUSE I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE. FORD MOTOR PERSONNEL TOLD ME TO BRING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. COMPLIED, BUT ADVISED IF THE PROBLEM DOES NOT APPEAR DURING A ROAD TEST NOTHING CAN BE DONE. THIS IS A COP OUT . WHO KNOWS WH…

Look up ODI 10039319 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10114708 · 80,000 mi

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED ON MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, RESULTING IN CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, BLOWN 20A FUSE, NO TAIL LIGHTS, LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM MASTER CYLINDER THRU FAULTY SWITCH, AND WIRES, SWITCH AND CONNECTOR BURNED APPROXIMATLY SIX INCHES BACK FROM SWITCH. SWITCH WAS BURNED, ALSO. A NEW SWITCH WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH A PIGTAIL (WIRES & CONNECTOR), THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE BLED AND A NEW FUSE INSTALLED. AT THAT TIME, I KNEW NOTHING OF A DEFECT. FORD SAID NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WAS …

Look up ODI 10114708 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10228943 · 127,577 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V422000, 06V286000, 99V062001) HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,577. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10228943 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2004: 2 complaints · 2005: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004112
2005000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20041800
2005500

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentLatches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchSeats:Front Assembly:ReclinerLatches/Locks/LinkagesElectrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodTiresElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineVehicle Speed Control
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch—0000000
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner0—000000
Latches/Locks/Linkages00—00000
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood000—000
1
ODI 10114708 · 80,000 mi

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED ON MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, RESULTING IN CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, BLOWN 20A FUSE, NO TAIL LIGHTS, LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM MASTER CYLINDER THRU FAULTY SWITCH, AND WIRES, SWITCH AND CONNECTOR BURNED APPROXIMATLY SIX INCHES BACK FROM SWITCH. SWITCH WAS BURNED, ALSO. A NEW SWITCH WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH A PIGTAIL (WIRES & CONNECTOR), THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE BLED AND A NEW FUSE INSTALLED. AT THAT TIME, I KNEW NOTHING OF A DEFECT. FORD SAID NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WAS …

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Tires0000—000
Electrical System00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000000—0
Vehicle Speed Control000
1
ODI 10114708 · 80,000 mi

SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED ON MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER, RESULTING IN CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, MAJOR ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, BLOWN 20A FUSE, NO TAIL LIGHTS, LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM MASTER CYLINDER THRU FAULTY SWITCH, AND WIRES, SWITCH AND CONNECTOR BURNED APPROXIMATLY SIX INCHES BACK FROM SWITCH. SWITCH WAS BURNED, ALSO. A NEW SWITCH WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE, ALONG WITH A PIGTAIL (WIRES & CONNECTOR), THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE BLED AND A NEW FUSE INSTALLED. AT THAT TIME, I KNEW NOTHING OF A DEFECT. FORD SAID NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WAS …

Look up ODI 10114708 at NHTSA ↗

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,550 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10000883 · 30,000 mi

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MY FORD. SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 01205 ,0232 AND 15406 SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 (RANDOM MISFIRE) OR P0301. *TT CONCERNS WITH REAR WIPERS THAT DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAN THE BACK GLASS. *TT

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ODI 10212587 · 75,100 mi

MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM HWY 100 & LOOMIS RD AUTO SALES [phone removed]) IN FRANKLIN WISCONSIN ON DEC 13TH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED AND I ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC IN EVANSVILLE WISCONSIN WHO FIXED THE REAR BRAKES AND I HAD TO PAY OVER 250 DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. THE DEALER WOULDN'T HELP ME WITH THIS COST OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY FAILED TO FIND THAT PROBLEM ON THEIR SAFETY CHECK. AFTER I PICKED UP MY TRUCK THIS THURSDAY THE 20TH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10212587 · 75,100 mi

MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I JUST PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM HWY 100 & LOOMIS RD AUTO SALES [phone removed]) IN FRANKLIN WISCONSIN ON DEC 13TH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED AND I ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC IN EVANSVILLE WISCONSIN WHO FIXED THE REAR BRAKES AND I HAD TO PAY OVER 250 DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. THE DEALER WOULDN'T HELP ME WITH THIS COST OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY FAILED TO FIND THAT PROBLEM ON THEIR SAFETY CHECK. AFTER I PICKED UP MY TRUCK THIS THURSDAY THE 20TH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 118,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10296772 · 118,000 mi

LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM BRAIDED STEEL FUEL LINES WHERE THEY WERE RUBBING AGAINST THEIR BRACE ON THE TOP FRONT OF ENGINE. THEY WERE CUT, WITH A SPLICE PUT IN, AND THE BRACE REMOVED, RATHER THAN A REPLACEMENT. THE REASON BEING THE REPLACEMENT PART COST OF $600. *TR

Look up ODI 10296772 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,251 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10041070 · 100,251 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A SNAP AND A POP LIKE A FANBELT BROKE. I LOST ALL POWER. THIS INCLUDES POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING. I DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, ON AN INCLINE, AND TO PULL OVER I WAS ON A SLOPE DOWNHILL. I HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON WITH THE MOTOR THAT IS IN MY CAR. THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE IN MY CAR. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b