Recalls
9campaigns
4 vehicle speed control · 1 seat · 1 lighting
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
1,959filed
Owner reports, 1994–2003 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
17mpg combined
$3,842/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
4 L 6-cyl· 5-speed manual
8 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (9)
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/OVERHEATS
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V399000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/SUPPLEMENT
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence
- 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)
Repair progress not yet reported1,200,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V286000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/HIGH BACK SEATS
Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,552,880 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V281000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/THROTTLE
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.
Repair progress not yet reported220,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V422000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/FMVSS 108/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported20,637 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V168000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Consequence
- IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.
Repair progress not yet reported854,288 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V164000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/CRUISE/SPEED CONTROL CABLE
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported898,739 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V062001
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/JUMP STARTING
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported320,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V060000
Listed for 1998 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/FMVSS 114
Electrical system · ignition · anti-theft · control module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,100 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V215000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (1,959)
1,959 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The tires is mentioned most often.
181involved a crash
102involved a fire
215injuries reported
16deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 1,959 |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 696 | 35.5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 281 | 14.3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 189 | 9.6% |
| Electrical system | 114 | 5.8% |
| Suspension | 111 | 5.7% |
| Visibility | 108 | 5.5% |
| Power train | 103 | 5.3% |
| Service brakes | 90 | 4.6% |
| Seats | 70 | 3.6% |
| Steering | 70 | 3.6% |
How 1998 compares with other Explorer years
Best and worst Explorer years →19941,207
1995843
19961,450
19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 1,207 | 4 |
| 1995 | 843 | 5 |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 6 |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 7 |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 9 |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 9 |
| 2000 | 952 | 9 |
| 2001 | 375 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 4 |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 2 |
This year (1998)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 17 mpg combined
17
mpg combined
15
city
20
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,950
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 523 g/mi
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$3,842per year
$320per month
882gallons a year
Miles ÷ 17 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1998 Explorer for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1998 Ford Explorer FAQ
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 09V399000 (vehicle speed control), 06V286000 (vehicle speed control), 03V281000 (seat), 00V422000 (vehicle speed control), 00V168000 (lighting), 99V164000 (latch), 99V062001 (vehicle speed control), 98V060000 (fuel system), 97V215000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1998 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners filed 1,959 complaints with NHTSA. Tires (696), Vehicle speed control (281), Engine and engine cooling (189) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1998 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates the 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1998 Explorer compare with other years?
Among the 1994–2003 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2001 drew the fewest complaints (375) and the 2002 the most (3,295). The 1998 drew 1,959. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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