Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 have 1998 Ford Explorer and I noticed trying to unlock the door automatically that it would stick sometimes. Sometimes becale always and noticed the passenger door never would unlock. Then one day parked I tried to open passenger door and it wouldnt open. I had to open it from the inside. Now it wont open from the inside. The door is totally non functional. Door latch issue I dont know but have read many complaints of the same. Also driver door lock will sometimes stick, the door open but when closing it it never wants to shut all the way the first time or the 2nd it takes a few times to get the door to completely close but the passenger door is a loss no one can ride in it. Seen many other complaints of the same problem Ford should have to fix this issue they know about
Dt: 1998 Ford Explorer. The brakes lights failed on the vehicle. Consumer had the brake light fuses changed. They used the fuses that came with the vehicle. As soon as the second fuse was put in the vehicle caught on fire. Another person put the fire out by beating it with a towel. Then, consumer contacted a dealership by phone, they told her that there was a recall on the master cylinder but, he was unsure of the model years included. When the consumer contacted Ford, they told consumer would get back to her. There were no fire or police reports available. The incident occurred on 7-262005 before the hood latch had acted up. Also, cruise control malfunctioned. . It melted the wires for the ABS and the spot for putting in the brake fluid.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the front passenger side door did not open from the inside or outside. The contact stated that the passenger had to climb over and go out of the front driver's side door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. Updated 7/1/15
Door locks and windows quit working after buying it. So many issue ..the steering wheel control words melted. Back door don't shut probably and never has since bought. This was bought as a new not used vehicle. Door locks was the worse.they sometimes stick and won't unlock since bought new.never fix by butler Ford in milledgeville ga. Overdrive switch slips out of position. Does not show correct speed. I could go on and on
All locking door mechanism's have failed and I have spent money to repair them. The rear hatch lock is no longer operating unless the key is in the lock and then, only sporadically. The driver's side handle, has broken off twice and been replaced twice. I was unable to open the door with the engine was off, thereby effectively "trapping" me in the vehicle. In an emergency, I would not have been able to exit the car and remove myself from any potential danger. In order to exit the car, I had two options, either climb out over the center console or put the key back in the ignition, turn on the vehicle, lower the power window and open the car from the outside, I opted for the second solution until I was able to order a second new door handle and replace it.
I was checking fuses under the hood of our 98 Ford Explorer when the hood came down without provocation, crushing fingers on my left hand. The pistons that hold the hood up, gave way causing this accident. To date I have difficulty using my left hand correctly. I spoke with many attorneys and they said since there has not been any similar cases to mine, none would pursue it. I called Ford and they said they would make a note of the incident. Ford manufactured a defect, harmed me and everyone just wants to round file the case. Would your group like to see pictures of my crushed finger? It happened, and Ford is responsible. Is there anything I can do? Garry melott.
Dt: contact stated that right after purchasing the vehicle he had replace the brakes, tires, fuel filter, the fuel injection was cleaned , the anti lock sensors where replaced, the windshield was replaced . The air bags are also deployed. While driving the vehicle it vibrates on the left side. He took the vehicle to a mechanic they put the vehicle on a rack trying to line the vehicle. It would not line up. They found that the ball joints bad, also the motor mounts are broken. The mechanic told him that the frame is bent beyond repair.
Dt: the consumer stated that 1998 Ford Explorer had a liftgate problem. The left side of the hinge busted at the top. There has been a recall on the hinges, but the consumers vehicle was not included in the recall. The hinge was noticed about three months ago. The liftgate cannot able to close completely due to the broken hinge. The consumer talked to Ford, and they did not offer any free remedy. The consumer has not taken the vehicle to the dealership to have it repaired yet, but was going to do so.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed that wind was entering the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the liftgate glass strut was disengaged for the rear window and the hinges were fracturing abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure or repairs. The manufacturer was called and advised the contact there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. While inside the passenger compartment, the contact attempted to unlock the doors with the unlock button; however, only the driver side and hatch doors unlocked. The passenger side door would not unlock and remained in the locked position. Ford stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The current mileage was 132,099 and failure mileage was 132,050.
Body complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1998 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the body & structure of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,959 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Explorer body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries to body & structure 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.