Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased my 1998 Ford Explorer limited from my mother in January of 2006 with 68000 miles on the odometer. In feburary I first noticed vehicle was unable to defrost the front windshield and defog the vehicles windows. The cause of the problem was the climate control would sometimes not blow warm air. This would also result in a very cold interior. After researching the problem on the internet I found many complaints regarding the 1996-1998 Ford Explorer and a common problem with the climate control's air blending door breaking, making it impossible to regulate heat and cold. The vehicle was parked until I could determine if this was in fact the issue I was having. I had no choice but to park the vehicle until I was sure I had no need to operate the climate control. I was instructed how to check for a broken blend door and indeed found mine to be broken. …
Air conditioner mode will cool great in max A/C mode but not in all other modes. Only hot air comes out. I've had this investigated once in Germany and twice in the states. No dealership claimed to have found anything wrong. Finally, the dealer said it was the air blender. It is a common problem that is in a lot of explorers from what I see on the internet. This is a manufacturers defect and should be recalled to fix. The internet shows a backyard garage fix, but is not ideal solution. Ford needs to correct defective design.
The air conditioner in my 1998 Ford Explorer gradually did not operate properly. At this time, it is not cooling at all. Today (June 12, 2004), I read about problems with the A/C accumulator. I pealed back part of the "thermal blanket" wrapped around the accumulator, and found it to be rusted. The ac has not been cooling in about 2-3 months, but it is most inconvenient and dangerous now with the summer heat in full force.
Temperature control system locked in cold ac mode. System will only blow cold air due to a broken air blend door. Driver can not defrost windshield with cold air conditioned defrost. I believe this is a safety issue for the driver. The problem has not been fixed because the cost will be $1200.
The air conditioning system was leaking in the 1998 Explorer, and the accumulator was rusted very badly so that it too May have leaks in it. Ford needed to recall these units, and replace the rusted accumulator.
While driving consumer notice flames coming from rear window, consumer took vehicle to dealer, the delaer stated connection to rear defroster unit caught on fire. Delaer stated it was a short in the circuit.
On Friday, May 14th, 1999 at approximately 9:15 pm, I was driving my Ford Explorer on the ny thruway when the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own to speeds up to 70 MPH without any explanation. I applied the brakes, but the vehicle only slowed down to 50-55 MPH. After driving the vehicle with the brakes applied for a few minutes (since I didn't know what else to do), I decided to turn the ignition off and that caused the engine to shut off. Fortunately, I was able to glide the vehicle to the shoulder road on the highway without damage to the vehicle, ourselves or anyone else. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealership where I purchased it from to investigate and find out what caused this problem. To my amazement, the service dept. Indicated that they found nothing wrong with the vehicle and that I could take it home. …
When I tried to use the ac in March it blew out only hot air. A new compressor had to be put in it. It still leaks under the dash when it rains hard or going through car wash. Rear wiper motor burnt out. Wiper would not work, had to be replaced. Rear seal, pinon seals, and rear drive shaft were replaced twice. The rear passenger door panel and window rattled really bad. Had repaired. Now front driver door panel and window rattles. Had a "vibrating" noise repaired. When vehicle idled a piece of metal vibrated. Several times I have gone to turn on the headlights and they won't come on. I have to turn the button several times before they will come on. After my auto has set overnight and I start it, it idles very rough for a few minutes. The gas pedal has been sticking for quite a few months. Only when you initially push on the gas to go. …
My client suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns of right forefoot and toes from extreme heat emitted by vehicle's manually controlled heater. The heater vent is just inches above the gas pedal, directed at driver's foot. Burn victim required skin grafts, then 3 toes amputated. Over $400,000 in medical bills and treatment. Heater tested at 180 degrees over the gas pedal. Client's feet were numb due to diabetes, and didn't feel extreme heat while driving car on highway for 25 miles over, 1/2 hour with heater on. Ford says "no defect" - other explorers with same temp readings.
Air conditioner mode will cool great in max A/C mode but not in all other modes. The hot air only comes out. I also as a result of this have had the thermostat read hot unless I turn on the vent, which also turns out hot air. I went to the dealer who says it is the plenum, a door in the air conditioner. It is a common problem that is in alot of 98 explorers from what I see on the internet. This is a manufacturers defect and should be recalled to fix. If there has been a recall, I haven't heard anything or told about it when I went to my local Ford dealer.
AC & Heater complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1998 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 1% of the model year's 1,959 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Explorer ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1998 Ford Explorer, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Explorer ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.