Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer xlt. The contact stated that the turn signals were inoperable. The dealer replaced the directional control arm yet the failure recurred within a year. The directional control arm was replaced a second time by the dealer. He also noticed that the wires were discolored and stated that the vehicle needed several additional repairs. The contact declined to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the control arm did not need an additional replacement but suggested replacing the fuse. On a separate occasion, while using the turn signals, the turn signal switch inside began smoking. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle or related recalls. The manufacturer stated that since there were no recalls, they would not provide any assistance. …
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.
The accelerator pedal would stick causing sudden acceleration. This will eventually get someone killed. Ford should recall vehicle. The vehicle would surge when the brakes were applied. The problem remained the same. The reverse lights were inoperative, the heater control valve was replaced, the left rear brake light was replaced. Surges into oncoming traffic with brakes on. The consumer received a response from NHTSA that indicated that review of the evidence during the investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to include the 1998 Ford Explorer 5.0 liter engine in the scope of recall 00v-422.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the brake light would not illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was repaired at a repair shop, but the failure continued. The contact took the vehicle back to the repair shop and had it repaired again for free. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The current mileage was 167,994 and failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Dt: driver's side back seat belt latch broke. On June 1, 2005. Caller said the other two seat belt latches broke about a year ago and caller had them fixed. Also, she low beam iwasnot working . She had it checked at a repair shop and was told they could not find what was wrong with it. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.
Mulifunction switch on 1998 Ford Explorer eddie bower 2wd smoking and required replacement. Mfs began smoking after starting the vehicle, potentially causing a fire hazard. No fires reported after numerous vehicle starts, however, smoke becoming more prevelant after each vehicle start. Vehicle was driveable. Mfs was replaced.
May 20, approximately 03:30 am, while driving about 35mph to work in the dark with head lights on; headlights unexpectedly turned off. Luckily that section of the street, had street lights working properly; but, I was approaching an unlit stretch of winding road with a 45mph speed limit. This could have become very dangerous. (dashboard lights were not affected.) turning the normal headlight switch did not seem to fix the problem. I tried the bright light function, which is part of the turn signal lever. They did not come on at first; however when jiggling the "turn signal lever," I noticed a "looseness in the lever, at the base where it connects to the steering column." wiggling it, turned the head lights back on, temporarily; but, wiggling from vibration in traffic caused them to turn "off" again. …
Defective turn signals: turn signals will not stay on. When I approach a turn and attempt to turn on my signal, the lever will not stay down. Subsequently, my signal will not turn on. Service department states that I need to turn my wheel. Well, this occurs 50% of the time. Next, if I get the signal to stay on, as I pull out the signal immediately turns off. I haven't even past the first lane of traffic and the signal goes off. Crossing a four lane road, my signal turns off before I've crossed the second lane towards the center. If somebody doesn't see my signal, when I'm at the stop sign, they don't know which way I'm going. I've expressed my concerns for my safety and liability in an accident with kirkland, wa Ford dealership. Their response after testing the vehicle for a day, is that it is working as designed on both issues. …
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. …
Trunk door will not shut properly. Consumer is able to slide his hand in while door is shut. Consumer contacted dmv and found out vehicle had been in an accident, consumer specifically asked for a vehicle that had not been damaged, however dealer sold it to him anyway, consumer feels deceived and is experiencing multiple problems with vehicle. Radio is inoperative at times. Hatch rubs agains frame of vehicle. Taillight and headlight are out of alignment, fog lights had lamp failure. Vehicle experiences problems with absorbing road shock, vehicle pulls to right. Check engine light illuminates, vehicle experiences low power. Rear power window motor failed. Power antenna failed. Right windshield wiper interior garnish molding loose, rear wiper blade skips center of glass, dealer replaced rear wiper arm and blade assembly. Steering gear assembly replaced due to noisy. Bumper not even.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
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…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,959 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Explorer headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-168 (exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Explorer headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.