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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,210 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 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Oct 072003

Explorer

  • miles

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

While driving 60 mph on the highway and without warning driver's reclining seat broke in half. Driver was not hurt, but was concerned because the mechanic at the dealer was aware of the problem but would not fix it.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #23

Sep 292003

Explorer

  • miles
While driving seat reclined without warning.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #22

May 202003

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles
The bolt of my drivers seat broke on my way form vacation in navada, almost causing an accident. I fell into the back seat trying to maintain my balance I grabbed the arm rest which broke, and the bottom frame broke also. I took my car to southbay Ford in torrance ca. To make the" recall ' repairs but they refused to fix or repair my seat. Stating, the broken seat was not part of the recall. I onformed the service rep., that the damage was due to the seat dropping backward. I called the number provided on the recall notice and made a complaint but was told the dealership had made a final decision. All I could do was to buy another seat and wait to see if another "recall" comes out and to try to get reinbursted. I had my family in my SUV with me when this bolt broke and we all could have been killed if traffic would have been heavier. Also I use my vehicle daily on my job as a mileage vehicle, having it propped up so I can drive is an hazard in itself. This vehicle is the fourth new Ford product I have purchase, and the only time I have ever had a problem will make this the last one for

- Gardena, CA, USA

problem #21

Sep 152003

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

While driving 20 mph on a curve the reclining seat back lurched forward. This abrupt forward motion caused the recliner handle to break off.

- West Allis, WI, USA

problem #20

Sep 162003

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer received a recall letter concerning front assembly seat recliner from the manufacturer, but dealer indicated they did not have yet recall parts.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #19

Sep 012003

Explorer

  • miles
While driving driver's side seat reclined without warning.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #18

Sep 052003

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles

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

Consumer received recall#03V281000 concerning front seat assembly recliner. Passenger's seat recliner lever broke. Passenger's seat had to be supported by two tennis rackets in order for the seat back to stay in the upright position.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #17

Aug 012003

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles
The consumer received recall # 03V281000 concerning the high back seats. The lever to recline the seats broke off before receiving this recall notice. According to the dealer, the lever was not included in the recall repair instructions..

- Indian River, MI, USA

problem #16

Aug 182003

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Driver's side seat wobbles and is not sturdy. Dealer will fix the seat at owner's expense.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #15

Nov 152002

Explorer 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,910 miles
Driver's seat reclined without warning while driving down the road (heard a snap and then the seat fell back). Talked with the dealership - ended up having to replace the upper recline bracket bolt. The replacement of this bolt was not covered by extended warranty or safety.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA

problem #14

Sep 012002

Explorer

  • miles

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

I was sitting in my car prior to starting the engine when the seatback suddenly collapsed without warning. The dealer stated they have seen this type of failure before. I am conncerned that my seat could fail again while driving. The part that failed is 1/4 inch bolt that was inside the seat back and not subject to any water or rust damage. I see where a number of complaints have been filed regarding the same area.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #13

Jan 132002

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
When driving on highway I went to adjust the drivers seat recliner. The recliner metal latch broke off and in the process the drivers seat went backwards and almost cause me to get into an accident. I was able to get the seat back into position. I understand that Ford has changed the metal thickness on the recliner metal latch assembly but won't replace it at no charge. Cost can be $50- $70 plus service charge. I consider this a defect and should replace at no charge to me.

- Howell, NJ, USA

problem #12

Dec 112001

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Electrical problems with the electric door locks on drivers side has broke 3 times. Gas pedal sheared off while driving down the road. Heater went out; mechanic said there was a 1997 Ford part on the 1998 truck. Face plate for the radio, time is out. Lever for the passenger seat broke off. All of this happened at 25,000 miles. This is the first Ford I ever owned and unfortunately the last!

- Collinsville, IL, USA

problem #11

Sep 132001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The seat lever broke, where do I complain to.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #10

Aug 092001

Explorer

  • miles
Driver's seat latch broke due to metal fatigue and rust, and passenger's side latch is cracked. Dealer has been notified. Please provide additional information.

- Amityville, NY, USA

problem #9

Feb 152001

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driver's seat back broke while driving 55 mph.

- Waynesville, GA, USA

problem #8

Jan 101999

Explorer

  • miles
Rear seats, 2 door model does not lock in place. Anyone exiting the vehicle is vurtually ejected out of the car. Entering the car the person could be on the floor if they use the seat for leverage.I notified Ford in the beginning but got no response.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #7

Jan 101999

Explorer

  • miles
Rear seats, 2 door model does not lock in place. Anyone exiting the vehicle is vurtually ejected out of the car. Entering the car the person could be on the floor if they use the seat for leverage.I notified Ford in the beginning but got no response.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #6

Apr 252000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Hit from rear and pushed into car in front of me driver's seatback did not stay upright - it reclined all the way back upon impact.

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #5

Mar 012000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
We were stopped and another car hit us in the rear. Passenger front seat slid forward on impact although prior to being hit it was locked in place. The driver side back seat fell back (lounged back) on impact.

- Elmhurst, NY, USA

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