Model year record

1998 Ford Explorer

9 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,374 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V286000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,200,000
Reported to NHTSA
2006-08-01
Owners notified
2006-08-07

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Safety risk

OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V281000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component
Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,552,880
Reported to NHTSA
2003-08-05
Owners notified
2003-08-29

Defect description

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 MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V422000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
220,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-12-27
Owners notified
2001-03-05

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). SOME OF THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES INSTALLED ALLOWED A GAP BETWEEN THE PLATE AND BORE TO BE BUILT TOO NARROW. THIS REDUCED CLEARANCE ALLOWED THE ENGINE DEPOSITS NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO CONTACT OR BRIDGE THE GAP. IF THE ENGINE DEPOSITS BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN THE THROTTLE PLATE AND BORE AND THEN HARDENED, ON THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THE OPERATOR WOULD NEED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BREAK THE BRIDGE.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V168000

Exterior lighting

Component
Exterior lighting
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
20,637
Reported to NHTSA
2000-06-19
Owners notified
2000-07-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Safety risk

THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V164000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
854,288
Reported to NHTSA
1999-06-29
Owners notified
1999-07-14

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V062001

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
898,739
Reported to NHTSA
1999-03-30
Owners notified
1999-03-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Safety risk

IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V060000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
320,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-03-19
Owners notified
1998-04-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.

Safety risk

THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND. ALSO A REVISED BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT JUMP START GROUND LOCATION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V215000

Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module

Component
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,100
Reported to NHTSA
1997-11-24
Owners notified
1997-12-19

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires: tread/belt38145,000 mi
Tires34092,760 mi
Vehicle speed control154131,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline100105,754 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal87107,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine5586,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4860,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner4462,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission4096,112 mi
Suspension: front4090,000 mi
Unknown or other4080,000 mi
Suspension39100,000 mi
Electrical system36108,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3490,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control33100,000 mi
Seats27100,000 mi
Tires: sidewall25
Air bags22100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling22110,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor21
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1878,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch18
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer18
Air bags: frontal1684,173 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1690,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood15125,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition1415,000 mi
Steering14131,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1376,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift13
Steering: rack and pinion13117,069 mi
Structure: body: door13220,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights1299,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1198,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1180,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1184,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1170,016 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system11
Structure11102,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages11
Visibility: windshield1190,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring10
Power train10166,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system10
Visibility: power window devices and controls1077,657 mi
Wheels10150,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery990,037 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings933,846 mi
Seat belts9110,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic995,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer9
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar8
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor844,134 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)759,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage7
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly743,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other778,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components7
Suspension: front: wheel bearing764,957 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear7
Electrical system: ignition: module6
Engine6170,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly6
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system6
Seat belts: front: retractor6
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint642,538 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element670,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system578,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys5102,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system5
Equipment584,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch5112,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery5
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch5
Power train: axle assembly5
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal537,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc5
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)5
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly5
Structure: body5101,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs5
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator444,087 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers470,686 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe4103,000 mi
Exterior lighting449,850 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights4150,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch4
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock4120,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings470,196 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder4
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages4
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments4114,000 mi
Structure: frame and members456,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint442,538 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar480,500 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire459,000 mi
Wheels: rim4
Electrical system: horn3
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack3
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch3131,000 mi
Exterior lighting: fog lights3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap3
Fuel/propulsion system31 mi
Interior lighting3
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)374,800 mi
Power train: driveline3
Power train: driveline: driveshaft3
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections332,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump363,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments3145,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate3
Suspension: front: control arm3
Suspension: rear3
Visibility379,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices3
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior380,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module260,000 mi
Child seat2
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module2
Electrical system: ignition: switch2
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control2
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2150,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors2
Fuel system, other290 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system2
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable2
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft2
Power train: driveline: differential unit263,674 mi
Power train: manual transmission245 mi
Service brakes2191,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid2
Steering: linkages2121,916 mi
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm2
Structure: body: bumpers2
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments295,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar2
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly2
Vehicle speed control: cables2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior2
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat: harness buckle: convertible1
Child seat: shell: infant1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings145,210 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1107,000 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Parking brake172,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1128,000 mi
Seat belts: front1103,650 mi
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Service brakes, air170,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1
Steering: column1140,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system1
Steering: gear box: shaft sector178,593 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments162,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1
Suspension: front: hub142,538 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system1
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs144,087 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf1
Unknown138,995 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: linkages1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.