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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,786 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 steering problems

steering problem

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1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #14

Feb 202016

Explorer

  • 160,000 miles

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

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.

- Troutman, NC, USA

problem #13

Dec 222011

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 131,000 miles
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.

- Hammonton, NJ, USA

problem #12

Aug 102006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Power steering gear box is leaking. Both the gearbox and tie rods need replaced. Only 75,000 miles on the vehicle.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #11

Sep 082003

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While driving at highway speeds the steering wandered and swerved. At this time the cause is undetermined.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #10

May 312001

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While making a left turn steering failed. As a result, vehicle made a complete turn and damaged front and rear end of vehicle. Dealer has advised that there was no problem with steering. Please add additional information.

- Santa Fe, TX, USA

problem #9

Oct 242000

Explorer

  • miles
Steering failed.

- Bethany Beach, DE, USA

problem #8

Nov 072000

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

On 11-7, vehicle was making S-like movements, consumer had difficulty keeping vehicle in the lane, after about 10 seconds, the problems ceased, however the following day the same problems occurred and consumer was unable to control vehicle, the vehicle would not respond to the steering wheel being turned, consumer collided twice with the guardrail.

- Ft Washington, PA, USA

problem #7

May 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
When turning at any speed, the steering mechanism makes a soft but loud grinding noise. With car at stop, you can see the power sterring fluid resivour cavitate. After 9 trips to the dealer, they have yet to be able to fix the issue. They have tried new hoses, flushing the system, resetting the computer, and parts from the 6 cl. Engine to resolve issue. Noise appears after car has been running for at least 5 minutes, and is more prominent the warmer the engine/outside temperature.

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

problem #6

Oct 121998

Explorer

  • miles
When driving and trying to switch lanes consumer lost control of vehicle, causing vehicle to run on the side of the road and rollover.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I stated to johnson Ford, scrapping noise coming from right front when you turn. Buring smell, and worst on left turns.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

problem #4

Jun 261998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Steering problems associated with grinding, hesitation and vibration.

- Victoria ,B.C., CD, USA

problem #3

Aug 041998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While driving 50 to 60 mph vehicle hit water puddle which caused vehicle to flip and roll on its side.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #2

Feb 091998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle lost steering control resulting in a collision.

- Wantagh, NY, USA

problem #1

Apr 251998

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving on dry straight road at approximately 55 mph vehicle jerked suddenly to the left. When attempting to correct steering, vehicle went out of control and veered to the right, the spun back to the left. Turned around on the road backwards and flipped on passengers's side and slid into median. Also, ABS brakes/suspension and transfer case failed.

- Hubbard, OH, USA

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