“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 FORD explorer. The vehicle has cooper discoverer h/t tires, size lt235/75r15. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably. The contact noticed debris coming from the tires and the vehicle, causing her to pull over onto the side of the road. She noticed that the tread was separated from the tire, which caused major front end damage.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 10, 2008 at 132,000 miles
“The left rear tire exploded. Goodyear, wrangler rt-5 p235/75.r16 tires are regularly serviced. There was no vibration prior to explosion. No bulging in the tires. Tires just checked 3 weeks ago. 40 MPH on highway, clear weather. No problems with the tires before. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed May 3, 2005 at 45,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the tiresRecall (red: the tires)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1998 Explorer peaked in 2000, with 757 filed that year. Owners had filed 187 complaints about the tires before the first recall that covers it, 00T005000 in August 2000; 491 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
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.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Aug 1, 20061,200,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk. OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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)
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Filed Aug 5, 20031,552,880 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Filed Dec 27, 2000220,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
Filed Jun 19, 200020,637 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
Filed Mar 30, 1999898,739 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings98V060000
Filed Mar 19, 1998320,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT.
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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module97V215000
Filed Nov 24, 19971,100 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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."
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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.
All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 1998 Explorer.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …
Opened Mar 22, 2005Closed Aug 2, 2006Led to recall 05V388000electrical system
Ea05-005 is closed with FORD?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.FORD is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.FORD has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the …
FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENTPreliminary evaluation PE03020Closed
Opened May 21, 2003Closed Sep 5, 2003Led to recall 03V281000seats
By letter dated august 4, 2003, FORD notified the agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 03v281) involving certain model year (my) 1998-2001 FORD explorer / mercury mountaineer 4-door, my 1998-2000 FORD explorer 2-door and my 2001-2002 FORD explorer sport and sport trac vehicles equipped with high back seats.complaints allege that the driver's seat back reclined without warning.a bolt between the upper seat recliner attachment and the seat back frame may fracture.FORD will replace the bolt that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame on …
Opened Jan 7, 1999Closed Feb 9, 2001Led to recall 00V422000throttle and acceleration
On january 23, 1997, FORD motor company issued special service message (ssm) 10240, announcing that a revised throttle body would be available during the first quarter of 1997 for 1997 model year FORD explorers equipped with the 4.0l single overhead cam (sohc) engine.the ssm stated the revised throttle body would address increased throttle efforts that had been experienced on these vehicles.on july 31, 1998, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened service query sq98-014 to determine whether a safety recall was warranted for the problem addressed by ssm 10240.at that time odi had 14 …
FUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTINGRecall query RQ98020Closed
Opened Nov 3, 1998Closed Nov 15, 2000Led to recall 98V060000fuel system
There is no summary currently available
Technical service bulletins
349 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Explorer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
transmission 85engine 84equipment 28electrical system 22suspension 19body and frame 16brakes 12visibility 11
INFORMATION ON SETTING THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE FOR 1991 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE PRE-DELIVERY PROCESS AND DURING MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *TT
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
What owners reported
Newest filings
Seats
Filed Jan 9, 2020182,000 milesNC
SPEED CONTROL GETS HOT TO TOUCH. ALL TOP FACING HAS MELTED OFF FROM HEAT. I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HOT. MY SEAT WAS REPAIRED AFTER RECALL YEARS AGO. IT CONTINUES TO DROP LOW TO FLOOR.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 6, 20191,850,000 milesNC
MY SEAT BELT ON MY PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK HALF THE TIME. MY DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK RIGHT. I CAN'T GET MY WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE TO GO UP AND DOWN. I HIT A TREE GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR IN MY AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. I'M LUCKY I'M STILL ALIVE. THE FENDERS RUBBING UP AGAINST MY TIRE. SPEED CONTROL IS WRONG. WHENEVER I'M GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR IT SAYS 57 ACTUALLY I DON'T REMEMBER THE CORRECT DATE. BUT I'M SURE IT SHOWS I KNOW IT WAS 2017. SOMEBODY RAN ME OFF THE ROAD. MY TRUCK HIT THE TREE AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I'M LUCKY IT DIDN'T I GUESS BECAUSE DON'T AIRBAGS HAVE METAL SHARDS IN THEM IS WHAT I WAS TOLD
Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Oct 13, 20191 milesDE
PARKED IN PARKING SPACE STARTED CAR PUT IN REVERSE, ENGINE ROARED, ACCELERATED IN REVERSE APPLYING BRAKES DID NOTHING , BOTH FEET ON BRAKES , TURNED WHEEL SO THAT CAR WAS NOT TO HIT PARKED CARS BEHIND US, CAR CONTINUED RACING IN REVERSE WITH CONTINUED APPLYING BRAKES, THRU IT INTO PARK CAR CONTINUED IN REVERSE , TURNED KEY OFF & CAR CONTINURED IN REVERSE UNTIL HITTING PARKED CAR WHICH STOPPED US TOTAL DISTANCE ABOUT 200 FEET, WHICH SEEMED A LOT LONGER,I FELT I DID EVERYTHING CORRECTLY MAYBE IF THROWN IN NEUTRAL BRAKES WOULD HAVE WORKED, VERY FRIGHTING HAVING NO CONTROL TO STOP
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 14, 2019101,000 milesGA
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
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 15, 2019134,000 milesCA
MY EXPLORER HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR WELL OVER 15 HOURS WHEN I HEARD MY NEIGHBOR SCREAMING. THE SUV WAS FULLY IGNITED INTO FLAMES.JUST OUT OF NO WHERE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE FIRE OUT WITH MY WATER HOSES BEFORE THE GOTTA DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP BUT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS RUINED AND HALF MY GARAGE AS WELL. THE FIRE STARTED DOWN BY THE BRAKES AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGOLFED WITHIN SECONDS. OBVIOUSLY IT WAS ELECTRICAL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I BELIEVE IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH MALFUNCTION. MY SUV HAD 134,000 MILES ON IT AND KEPT IN IMMACULATE CONDITION. I WILL DOWNLOAD THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS REPORT ONCE TO GET IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 19, 2019IN
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND ONE DAY IT STARTED ACTING WEIRD. MY STEREO STARTED SHUTTING OFF AND COMING IN BY ITSELF. A COUPLE DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND MY STEREO AND INFORMATION CENTER WENT OUT AND CAME BACK ON. MY TRUCK WILL ONLY GO ABOUT 30MPS CAUSE IT WON'T SHIFT EITHER. COUPLE DAYS AGO IT STARTED BACK FIRING. WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM.
Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 2018167,000 milesCA
I WAS GOING DOWN CLINTON KEITH IN MURRIETA WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PASSED 3RD. IT WAS WORKING FINE THE DAY BEFORE. SO I TOOK IT SLOW BACK HOME AND THE CLOSER I GOT HOME THE TRANSMISSON STARTED SLIPPING GEARS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 3, 2018MN
GAS PEDAL BRACKET WELDING BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND GAS PEDAL IS NOW JUST DANGLING - CHECKED ON INTERNET AND THERE ARE A LARGE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME THING - SHOULD BE A RECALL
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 15, 2018185,000 milesPA
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK AND LATCH STUCK AND UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. OCCURS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 11, 2018CO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND DROVE HOME WITH CAUTION. THE DEALER (PHIL LONG FORD AT CHAPEL HILLS, 1565 AUTO MALL LOOP, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80920, (719) 387-1099) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN THAT IF THE PART WERE REPLACED, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 2018140,000 milesOH
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
Power Train
Filed Aug 30, 2017SC
REAR END ROARS AND SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 2, 2016140,000 milesCA
WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND STARTED TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, I LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO ROLL OR COAST VERY SLOWLY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE IN A DANGEROUS POSITION IN TRAFFIC WHEN I COULD COAST NO FURTHER. THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF THE FIREWALL AND WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR. THE BRACKET HAD BEEN ATTACHED BY THREE SPOT WELDS. SOME OTHER PEOPLE STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED ME TO A SAFE PLACE TO PARK. THE FORD DEALER PARTS' DEPARTMENT HAS NO PARTS TO FIX IT AND SUGGESTED WE BUY SOME BOLTS SOMEWHERE AND REATTACH IT OURSELVES SOMEHOW. TO COMPLETELY LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! THANK GOD I WAS IN A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION AND NOT TURNING LEFT ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR IT COULD HAVE TURNED OUT MUCH WORSE. READING ONLINE BLOGS AND COMMENTS SHOWS THIS PROBLEM OF THE GAS PEDAL BRACKET FALLING OFF FORD PRODUCTS AND LOSING POWER IS NOT UNCOMMON.
Steering
Filed Feb 24, 2016160,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING ROD FELL OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 2015160,000 milesOK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 16, 2015200,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START AND SMOKED APPEARED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT WORK AND THE BATTERY HAD A SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 25, 2015100,000 milesTX
ONLY GOT MY SERVICE DOG OUT, THANK GOD I WAS IN A GLASS FRONT RESTRAUNT. CD PLAYER CAUGHT THE DASH ON FIRE AND BURNED THE TRUCK COMPLETELY UP. TRUCK WAS PARKED AND OFF FOR 20 MIN.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2015MN
SO SINCE MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT THE FORD A BRAKE LINE THAT'S CONNECTED TO THE CALIPER GETS STRETCHED AND BENT AND IT BREAKS ABOUT EVERY 6 TO 7 MONTHS. I FEEL AS IF IT'S A DESIGN FLAW.I CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT A NEW BRAKE LINE ON EVERY TIME IT BREAKS. I CALLED A DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC THERE SAID ONCE EVERY 5 YEARS HE REPAIRS THE LINES, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT. THE TURNING OF THE TIRES STRETCHES THE LINE AND IT WEARS IT DOWN AND THEN THE LINE LEAKS AND CRACKS.
Suspension
Filed Jun 25, 2015123,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WOULD TIP OVER AND SWAYED WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70-75 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 11, 2015220,000 milesOR
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*CN
Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2015191,000 milesMS
THE CRUISE SENSOR ON TOP OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER STAY HOT ALL THE TIME AND IT KEEPS BLOWING MY NUMBER 13 FUSE THAT GOES TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND WHEN I PUT A NEW FUSE IN. THE CRUISE SENSOR STARTS SPARKING AN SMOKING REALLY BAD IM A PHRASE THAT IT'S GOING TO CATCH FIRE SOON. *TR
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 2, 2015AZ
AS I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE ON RAMP LIKE ANY OTHER MORNING GOING TO WORK I BEGAN TO YIELD AS THERE WAS TRAFFIC COMING IN MY DIRECTION. AS I BEGAN TO YIELD MY CAR FLIPPED OVER AS IF SOMEONE PURPOSELY TILTED THE VEHICLE OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THE CAR ROLLED OVER ONTO MY LEFT ARM AND LEG BREAKING MY ANKLE AND CAUSING MANY OTHER INJURIES AND DISTRESS. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jan 26, 2015170,000 milesOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGED OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE AS THE FLAMES WERE EXTENSIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 19, 2014DC
UNKNOWN SPEED AND UNKNOWN MILES ON VEHICLE AND CENTER CONSOLE HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH ELECTRIC ISSUE OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE STILL NOT WORKING
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Nov 10, 2014WI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 27, 2014164,581 milesCO
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE BRACKET THAT SUSPENDS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE FREE FROM THE FIREWALL (IT WAS TACK WELDED IN SEVERAL SPOTS). THIS CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER. LUCKILY I WAS LEAVING MY RESIDENCE WITH NO TRAFFIC BEHIND. IF I HAD BEEN ACCELERATING VIA ON RAMP TO HIGHWAY WITH VEHICLES RIGHT BEHIND ME MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY. LOCAL GARAGE REPAIRED ($47.50) BY DRILLING HOLES AND REATTACHING WITH BOLTS. ACCORDING TO "SERIOUS EXPLORATIONS" USERS GROUP, NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Aug 14, 2014200,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND SHATTERED ALL OF THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2014172,000 milesAK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Seats
Filed May 28, 201453,360 milesWA
UPON GETTING INTO MY CAR THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARDS , THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING DOWN THE STREET I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THE POST THAT HOLDS THE DRIVERS SEAT IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION BROKE. AFTER CHECKING ON LINE FOR RECALLS I FOUND THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED BUT MY VIN IS NOT IN THE DEALERS DATA BASE SO THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE REPAIRS. I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. *TR
Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 27, 2014228,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH, THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS BECAME JAMMED AND WERE UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 2, 2014180,000 milesNJ
MY CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS OFF. WE HEARD A NOISE FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE AND MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE AREA. WE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS QUICKLY ENGULFED. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 23, 2014168,654 milesNJ
GAS PEDAL AND BRACKET HOLDING GAS PEDAL BROKE FREE OF IT'S MOUNTING LOCATION ON THE FIREWALL. 3 SPOT WELDS FAILED COMPLETELY. GAS PEDAL IS NOW DANGLING FROM ITS CABLE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jul 18, 2013166,000 milesUT
THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE ALLOWING THE CHAIN TO SLIP. IT WAS A RECALL PROBLEM BUT I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE PROBLEM MUST NOT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED, OR ELSE THE RECALL DIDN'T GET DONE PROPERLY. AFTER THE REPAIR IT HASN'T HAD GOOD OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE. IT IS TOO BAD THAT FORD PUT THIS MOTOR IN SO MANY VEHICLES AND DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEY. IT IS POOR DESIGN IN MY OPINION TO HAVE FOUR TIMING CHAINS ON A 4.0 LITER MOTOR IS CRAZY. I WISH THAT FORD WOULD HAVE PUT MORE EFFORT INTO SEEING THAT MY VEHICLE WERE RECALLED AND NOT ALLOWED TO DEPRECIATE BECAUSE IT WAS HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHER EXPLORER. *TR
Power Train
Filed May 5, 2013250,000 milesSD
MY 1998 EDDIE BAUER FORD EXPLORER DOES NOT MOVE AND WHEN I TRY TO PUT IT IN ANY GEAR IT SQUEALS. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed May 2, 2013137,662 milesAZ
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED. THE SEAT BELT LATCHED IN THE MORNING BUT WOULDN'T CATCH IN THE AFTERNOON. TRUCK WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURED. *TR
Suspension
Filed Oct 17, 2012100,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS BEING MANEUVERED. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHENEVER MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Wheels
Filed Aug 8, 2012150,000 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE WHEELS WERE DETERIORATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHROME PORTIONS OF THE WHEELS WERE DETACHING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE WHEELS WELDED AND BOLTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
EngineFire
Filed Jul 12, 2012120,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES WITH THE SOUND OF A LARGE EXPLOSION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED AS DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 8, 201299,000 milesCA
MAY 20, APPROXIMATELY 03:30AM, 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. THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ON THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER IS USED TO CONTROL THE "BRIGHT LIGHTS" AND ALSO CONTROLS WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I AM NOT CERTAIN; BUT, I BELIEVE I HAD THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ASSEMBLY REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO BY A FORD DEALER IN SAN DIEGO...NEITHER OF THE DEALERS I USED TO HAVE SERVICE MY VEHICLE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AT THAT TIME, HAD TO DO WITH THE WIPERS CUTTING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY; AND, EVENTUALLY, NOT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. FIRST: IS THIS SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INVESTIGATE "BEFORE" HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED? SECOND: SHOULD FORD BE THE ONE INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM? THIRD: SHOULD FORD REPLACE THE TURN LEVER A
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire
Filed Apr 2, 2012131,000 milesNJ
THE EXPLORER BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE . THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD . IN A FEW SECONDS , THE TRUCK WAS IN FLAMES. POLICE AND FIREMEN WERE CALLED TO THE LOCATION . THEY PUT THE FIRE OUT IN A FEW MINUTES . *TR
Electrical System
Filed Feb 6, 2012130,000 milesWV
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.
Power Train
Filed Jan 23, 2012110,000 milesIL
VEHICLE ACCELERATES FROM STOPPED AND BRAKE POSITION FOR 3 SECONDS AND THEN RETURNS TO NORMAL. *TR
Engine and Engine CoolingCrash
Filed Jan 23, 2012112,000 milesIL
WHEN BACKING UP AT 5MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED WENT UP CURB AND HIT GUARDRAIL. AFTER 2-3- SECONDS VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN TO 0 MPH. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 14, 2011236,000 milesIL
I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN SPEEDOMETER WENT ALL THE WAY UP TO THE MAX, AND COASTED OFF TO THE SIDE AS SOON AS I COULD. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BE DAMAGED AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. *TR
Unknown or OtherFire1 injured
Filed Sep 16, 2011150,000 milesAZ
WE USED THE FORD EXPLORER EALIER IN THE DAY TO VISIT LOCAL RELATIVES. WE PARKED THE CAR IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE AT AROUND 4PM THAT DAY. WE WERE WOKEN UP AROUND 1AM TO NOISES COMING FROM THE GARAGE. UPON OPENING THE GARAGE DOOR FROM OUR LAUNDRY ROOM, I FOUND THE HOOD OF THE FORD EXPLORER IN FLAMES. I SLAMMED THE LAUNDRY ROOM DOOR AND PROCEEDED TO GET OUR 3 YR OLD SON OUT FROM HIS ROOM THAT IS LOCATED ABOVE THE GARAGE AND OUT OF THE HOUSE. MY HUSBAND ALSO WENT INTO THE GARAGE TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING, BY THEN THE TRUCK WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. HE WAS GOING TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO CHANCE.THE FIRE WAS TOO BIG BY THEN AND BEING THAT OUR GAS WATER HEATER WAS LOCATED NEXT TO THE VEHICLE, HE QUICKLY EXITED THE GARAGE BUT DID RECEIVE 2ND - 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO HIS HANDS, FEET AND RIGHT FLANK OF HIS BACK. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED ON SCENE, THE GARAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE GARAGE, THE SUPPORT BEAMS FOR THE SECOND FLOOR ABOVE THE GARAGE AND THE LAUNDRY ROOM. ALSO, THE ENTIRE FIRST FLOOR HAS SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE AND THE SECOND FLOOR IS MOSTLY SMOKE DAMAGE. *TT
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 9, 201198,000 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY, FOUND THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 30, 201123,000 milesAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT MENTION IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FIRE AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jun 24, 201196,160 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND ORIGINATED NEAR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,160. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Mar 28, 2011167,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNOCCUPIED OUTSIDE OF THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHEN IT BURST INTO MASSIVE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V422000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 05/23/11
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Feb 16, 201195,000 milesTX
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.
Complaints 1-50 of 1,959, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Explorer years to avoid: owners filed 1,959 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Explorer year. The most common complaint is about the tires (35%).
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford Explorer?
The tires: 678 of the 1,959 complaints (35%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (4%). The typical report comes at 82,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Explorer have?
14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 13, 2009. The largest, 00T005000, covered 14,400,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 100,000 miles. For the tires the midpoint is 82,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1998 Ford Explorer?
Yes, 8 times. The latest, DP05005 ("SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD"), was opened Sep 22, 2005 and closed Jan 4, 2006.
Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Ford Explorer?
The manufacturer filed 349 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (85), the engine (84) and the electrical system (22). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
16 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.