1998 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 145 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Explorer Sport year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 10 Explorer Sport years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (33), electrical system (22), and seats (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
145
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
17
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Explorer Sport years?
What are the most common 1998 Ford Explorer Sport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches & Locks | 33 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 22 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 14 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 12 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 12 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 12 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RECLINE LEVER BROKE OFF. THE SEAT IS UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD, PREVENTING ACCESS TO THE REAR FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE METAL IS TOO WEAK AND AT AN AWKWARD POSITION. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE, EVEN THROUGH THIS IS AN OBVIOUS FAULTY PART AS THE REPLACEMENT PART IS DESIGNED WITH A…”
“AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SIX HOURS THE OWNER WAS AWAKENED BY SOME NEIGHBORS AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WHICH WAS COMING OUT OF THE FENDER WELL AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENEAND DETERMINED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK”
“AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SIX HOURS THE OWNER WAS AWAKENED BY SOME NEIGHBORS AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WHICH WAS COMING OUT OF THE FENDER WELL AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENEAND DETERMINED THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK”
1998 Ford Explorer Sport — common questions
Is the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 145 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 10 Explorer Sport years. It is one of the Explorer Sport years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Explorer Sport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (33 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), seats (14 complaints).
Does the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport.
Is the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Explorer Sport years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.