Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,678 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Ford Explorer brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #48

Mar 152010

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 10-15 mph she engaged the brakes and the pedal went almost to the floor. The ABS system activated with limited braking ability. He stated that none of the warnings lights illuminated. One year later the failure recurred. The contact referenced recall 09V399000, vehicle speed control and stated that the recall was performed on the vehicle last year in 2009. The contact stated that the dealer did not inspect the ABS control module connector and repaired it as necessary per the recall. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer next week. He called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 164,000. Updated 12/14/2011 updated 03/02/11

- Charles City, VA, USA

problem #47

Dec 072007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 162,550 miles
I put on the brakes and the pedal simply chattered like the anti lock brake mechanism was working. However, even when I let off and lightly hit the pedal again for 3 separate times the brakes did not work and only chattered. I ran into a tree to avoid a hitting another car and some pedestrians which wrecked my front end, right fender, right door, hood and other parts on the right.

- Mill Valley, CA, USA

problem #46

Apr 212005

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
The ABS light came on and stayed on while driving. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, and a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer determined that the module for the ABS and speed senor went out. The dealership also noticed the pins for the frontal air bags were never connected at the factory, rendering the air bags inoperative.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #45

Sep 302004

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While attempting to stop brakes locked. As a result, consumer had to pump the brakes several times to unlock the brake pedal.

- Walkersville, MD, USA

problem #44

Sep 082004

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles
Vehicle is having a problem with the ABS hydrolic unit. When the vehicle is in motion, it spits out brake fluid which damaged the rotors and the brakes. Owner took the vehicle to a service center to have this problem resolved. Owner later contacted the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and the owner had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. Provide further details.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #43

Dec 232003

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles
While driving at night the interior and exterior lighting shut off which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The rear end of the vehicle began to fish-tail and the vehicle rolled over twice. All systems including the antilock brakes failed. The accident was a result of multiple system failures.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #42

Sep 172003

Explorer

  • 6,007 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When applying ABS brakes, they would fail. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic could not determine cause of failure.

- Groves, TX, USA

problem #41

Apr 182002

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Torque converter did not disengage when trying to stop the vehicle. Vehicle went through a stop sign and stopped when braking stalled the engine. Ford recommended replacing the solonoid that controls the torque converter. This is a safety issue. This failule is totally without warning and makes the vehicle difficult to stop. Stopping occures only when the brake is applied hard enough to stall the engine.

- Marshall, MI, USA

problem #40

Feb 011999

Explorer

  • miles
There will be resistance behind the brake pedal when trying to stop vehicle. This has occurred approximately six times. Dealership could not determine cause for this problem. Please provide any additional nformation/attachments.

- Pomfret Center, CT, USA

problem #39

May 052001

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling 60mph and let up to reduce speed. Throttle never lifted for vehicle to slow down. Consumer road 2-3 miles, hitting brakes and throttle to see if pedal would lift. Consumer ended up running into a field, slowing to 40mph and slammed on brakes. All four brakes were burned up. Consumer wasn't sure if transmission was damaged. Vehicle is at Ford to be looked at.

- Olive Branch, MS, USA

problem #38

Apr 292001

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Master cylinder failed, causing loss of brakes, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified.

- Burlington, WI, USA

problem #37

Jul 012000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle accelerated on its own when applying brakes to come to a stop. Engine revved, and even though consumer applied brakes, vehicle went through garage wall. Dealer could not find problem. On Mar 13, 2001 this happened again. Consumer pulled into parking space on 5th level of parking garage, applied brakes, and vehicle suddenly accelerated and hit concrete wall. Vehicle at dealer at this time. Consumer no longer feels safe driving vehicle.

- Helena, AL, USA

problem #36

Feb 032001

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer was traveling 5to 10mph. While entering into a parking lot he applied brakes, and vehicle continued to acellerate and hit another vehicle.

- Pittsford, NY, USA

problem #35

Jan 192001

Explorer

  • miles
Was braking to slow down to come to a stop, and a semi trailer had slammed on brakes suddenly. Driver of Explorer slammed on brakes, pedal was hard, and would not move. Had no brakes, and rearended semi trailer. Brakes returned to normal after vehicle was moved to side of road.

- Yorkville, IL, USA

problem #34

Jul 072000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I have already reported the tire failure that I will refer to, and would like to report the behavior of the brakes. When driving at 65 to 70 mph, the cruise control was set, and we were going down a moderate grade when the left front tire blew out. I maintained directional control and attempted to apply moderate braking. The brake pedal remained firm, but I got no brake effectivness (not reduced brakeing -- zero brakes!) so I stepped harder on the brakes and still there was no deceleration -- no brakes at all, in fact, because we were going down hill, I cannot even be certian that the cruise control switched off. Assuming that the lack of brakes had to be related to the ABS malfunctioning, I took all pressure off the brake pedal and switched off the ignition switch, then I reapplied gentle pressure to the brakes and the brakes worked normally. To recap: After the tire blew, I had no brakes with the engine running, after switching off the ignition switch the brakes worked normally. I estimate that 3 to 5 seconds elapsed from when the blow out occured to when I switched off the ignition. When I got the vehicke stopped on the shoulded of the road there was very little left of the tire and there was substantial damage to the outer bead of the wheel rim. No other damage to the vehicle was evident, and after installing the spare tire the brakes functioned normally. Several days later the local Ford dealer checked the brakes and ABS and found it to be normal. I told the service representative about the brake problem, and he told me that the problem I described couldn't have happened. I assure you -- it happened as I have described. (dot number: Vdlhip4447 tiresize: P235/75R15)

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #33

Jul 242000

Explorer

  • miles
My accident occurred at approximately 7:00 P.M. on 24 July 2000 as I was driving to my residence located at [xxx], in my 1998 Ford eddie bauer Explorer. I was traveling East on highway 190 in the right hand lane at 60 mph, when a car pulled in front of the truck I was following. The truck braked causing me to brake. Upon braking, both tires on the left hand side of the vehicle exploded causing me to go into a tail spin. I did everything possible to keep the vehicle on the road without hitting anyone else. Fortunately, I did not hit another vehicle or hurt anyone else. My vehicle ended up rolling over four times and ended up facing in the opposite direction on the median. Although the vehicle was completely totaled, I was fortunate enough not to have suffered life threatening injuries. The police, paramedics, and firemen arriving on the scene could not believe that I was alive. The vehicle had to be cut to get me out. There were witnesses to this accident who provided statements to the police. There was no citation issued. My right hand was badly cut, I had severed an artery and muscle, and received 12 stitches. My left ear was cut and had to be stitched. The left side of my body, to include my head, was badly bruised. This accident has had a serious physiological effect on me. It took two weeks for me to begin driving again. Usaa, my insurance company, informed us, as a result of their investigation, that they had flagged my vehicle because the tires were the Firestone tires being recalled and were found at fault for causing my accident. Since purchasing my vehicle brand new in May 1998, it has been regularly serviced in accordance with the service manual, by cove Ford in copperas cove, Texas. Wheels have also been rotated on a regular basis. At no time was I informed that my tires were unsafe or were the cause of previous accidents. Had I of been informed by the Ford Motor Company of possible tires. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

problem #32

Jul 242000

Explorer

  • miles
My accident occurred at approximately 7:00 P.M. on 24 July 2000 as I was driving to my residence located at [xxx], in my 1998 Ford eddie bauer Explorer. I was travelling East on highway 190 in the right hand lane at 60 mph, when a car pulled in front of the truck I was following. The truck brake causing me to brake. Upon braking, both tires on the left hand side of the vehicle exploded causing me to go into a tail spin. I did everything possible to keep the vehicle on the road without hitting anyone else. Fortunately, I did not hit another vehicle or hurt anyone else. My vehicle ended up rolling over four times and ended up facing in the opposite direction on the median. Although the vehicle was completely totaled, I was fortunate enough not to have suffered life threatening injuries. The police, paramedics, and firemen arriving on the scene could not believe that I was alive. The vehicle had to be cut to get me out. There were witnesses to this accident who provided statements to the police. There was no citation issued. My right hand was badly cut, I had severed an artery and muscle, and received 12 stitches. My left ear was cut and had to be stitched. The left side of my body, to include my head, was badly bruised. This accident has had a serious physiological effect on me. It took two weeks for me to begin driving again. Usaa, my insurance company, informed us, as a result of their investigation, that they had flagged my vehicle because the tires were the Firestone tires being recalled and were found at fault for causing my accident. Since purchasing my vehicle brand new in May 1998, it has been regularly serviced in accordance with the service manual, by cove Ford in copperas cove, Texas. Wheels have also been rotated on a regular basis. At no time was I informed that my tires were unsafe or were the cause of previous accidents. Had I of been informed by the Ford Motor Company of possible tires. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

problem #31

Jul 212000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling on highway on March 29, there was an intermittent problem with ABS brake system. She was approaching red light, and when she went to apply brakes, brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and problem couldn't be duplicated. Brakes felt like a sponge, and consumer was forced to put vehicle in park, and use emergency brake to stop. Consumer states Firestone tires dot W2hl, tires make thumping noises and Firestone dealer will not replace tires because they are not on recall.

- Ft Meyers, FL, USA

problem #30

Apr 222000

Explorer

  • miles
While driving vehicle will slide after stepping on brakes. Currently, tires are cracking and opening.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #29

May 011997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving a vehicle in front suddenly stopped, forcing consumer to step on brake pedal to stop vehicle. But, vehicle did not stop, consumer lost control, resulting in an accident. Also, rotors had to be replaced.

- Pomona, NY, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?