1998 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

The 1998 Ford Explorer has 139 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

139

Electrical System complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Explorer electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

97V215000Electrical SystemNovember 24, 1997 · 1,100 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence

THE STANDARD SPECIFIED THAT A WARNING TO THE DRIVER SHALL BE ACTUATED WHENEVER THE KEY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.

What owners report

“DT: ON JUNE 17, 2005 CALLER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. CALLER SAID A PASSERBY NOTICED THE FIRE AND WARNED HER. CALLER'S FIANCE PUT THE FIRE OUT AND SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION. HE DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2005 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 1998 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 139 complaints about the 1998 Ford Explorer electrical system — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Ford Explorer electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 97V215000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.