Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
One month after getting my 1998 Ford Explorer in October 1998 the rear wiper motor failed and was replaced under warranty. The dealer said that they were having problems with the wiper on all explorers. In July 2001 the rear wiper moter again failed and was again replaced under warranty. Again the dealer said that this was a continuing problem with the explorers. On May 13, 2004 the rear wiper motor has again failed. Now the dealer wants $320 to replace the motor assembly. This time there was no acknowledgement that this has been a continuing problem with the Explorer. Without the rear window wiper being opperable it is impossible to see out of the rear window during rain storms or when the road is wet and dirt splashes up onto the window. This creates a hazard that Ford should address as soon as possible.
Back in May 2002 my drivers door lock stuck in the locked position it has power locks and I could not get it unlocked unless I pulled the lock button up while I pressed the power lock and unlock switch open an close a multiple amount of times.I brought it to a Ford dealer and had it fixed,it cost me $219.35 nit was the door lock actuator that needed to be replaced,it has been 1 year almost to the day and it failed again. I think is a big saftey problem because if there is a fire or there is an accident and the automobile ends up in a lake or river the door lock can get stuck locked and a person could get stuck in the automobile.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle would loose power but the engine would continue to run. The vehicle would eventually stall but was able to be restarted after several minutes. In addition, the wiper blades would also fail and would not operate as they should when inclement weather arose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the wiring in the entire vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
The blend door , plenum, that controls the tempature of the air coming into the cabin is broken in the same place that many others have experienced. This will not allow heated air to come from the defroster vents resulting in a safety issue.failure date given is approximate.
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.
When making turns, especially right turns, vehicle slides and almost turns over. Consumer states vehicle is experiencing acceleration problems,and there was a humming noise coming from the engine, signals are not working, dealer replaced a defective connector and multi-function switch, Firestone tires have experienced tread separation, which were replaced in July 2001, the rear seats move/bounce when driving, the rear seat belts were inoperative, the dealer replaced the buckles, there was smoke coming from the steering column, dealer replaced the multi-function switch, the windshield was chipped, the alarm would not chut off at times, dealer replaced a bad loose wire.
The cds in the single cd player heat up to where it is hot to touch. This could be a fire hazard. The outside of the cd/radio unit is also hot. I was told by Ford that this was common. The advisor at Ford said he has a 2000 Ford truck and his wife a 1998 mustang that does the same thing. I noted this on my 30000 mile service and Ford did not even look at the problem. It was dismissed and not even noted on my repair record/invoice. Also, the rear windshield wiper motor has been replaced for the second time. In fact, I only used it once or twice after the first time it was replaced. .
Throttle pedal continually sticks when initially engaged in either drive or reverse. Causes lunge in direction of travel if driver unaware of defect. Submitted to dealer twice, still not repaired. Poor seatbelt design has driver's seatbelt continually stuck in drivers door upon exit from vehicle. Rear passenger window scrapes and makes noise during operation. Dealer did not fix when initially brought up after initial purchase. ABS light intermittently appears during driving. Dealer noted code of 1924 but had no response for problem. Not resolved. Dissapointed with quality of vehicle for $$ paid.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper malfunction
There is no summary currently available
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 92 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 1,959 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
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.