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9.5

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,071 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #14

Oct 121998

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

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

Vehicle would not start. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer indicated that battery was leaking acid.

- Troy, MI, USA

problem #13

Jun 162002

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Immediatly after starting vehicle there was a loud explosion under the hood, then a knocking sound. Vehicle was towed to dealership, a spark plug had blown out, causing damage to engine.

- Elk Ridge, UT, USA

problem #12

Nov 011997

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Stalling - Ford says it's not their responsibility.

- Chrisney, IN, USA

problem #11

Nov 012001

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Multiple severe hesitations on acceleration from stop. Close calls from oncoming traffic 2 times, most recently 8/17/01. When parked in front of home, would not start for 2 days.towed to a dealer-atchley Ford in omaha. They said could find no problem and started for them ok. Has hesitated twice since then but not stalled. Told by atchley mechanic Explorer does not have ignition problem. Claimed to be no error codes in processor.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #10

Aug 282001

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Ignition often dies if accelerating from around 20 mph -- as when accelerating from toll booth, or after slowing to turn left or right.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #9

Apr 072001

Explorer

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Glendora, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 242000

Explorer

  • miles

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

The ignition coils were overheating and melting causing the vehicle to backfire and run rough. Father is writing in for daughter and is requesting assistance.

- Bristow, VA, USA

problem #7

Jan 011999

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling at a 30% grade or more with a 1/4 tank of gas or less engine shut off. Dealer has checked twice, and said that it happened due to design flaw.

- Wenonah, NJ, USA

problem #6

Nov 032000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle hesitates when pulling onto the highway. It has been taken to the dealership 14 times for this problem. Dealership was not able to detemine what was causing this problem. This has been an ongoing problem for the last 5 months.

- Mexia, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 212000

Explorer

  • miles
This vehicle has repeated stalling problems (only accelerating from a stop or from low speeds). This trouble has been reported four times to the dealership and they always say nothing is wrong. On Sept 21 my wife was almost hit in the passengers side while pulling into traffic. The vehicle has also stalled once at the dealership with a service tech. Inside. They immediately searched for trouble codes and found none. The problem does not occur often but it occurs when you have to accelerate from a stop or into traffic. I am concerned about the well-being of my family and the dealership is not making any reasonable offers to remedy the problem. Any response would be appreciated.

- Al., AL, USA

problem #4

Sep 011999

Explorer

  • miles

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

Periodically vehicle would stall, especially when vehicle is pulling into an interstate. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealership on four different occasions. Dealership only attempted to fix vehicle on the 3rd occasion. Dealership has not been able to recognize the cause or issue a remedy.

- Wilmer, AL, USA

problem #3

Aug 132000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The intermittent hesitation problem has occurred under conditions that have posed safety risks to the occupants of the vehicle. The servicing dealership has been unable to repair due to the intermittent nature of the problem, although there is a manufacturer's technical bulletin for this condition. All confidence in the safety of the vehicle has been lost at this point. Also, I have heard similar complaints from other Ford Explorer owners while waiting at the dealership. I believe that this problem may be widespread.

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #2

Oct 031997

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Two spark plugs are dead.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 151998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
When I try to start the truck, the theft light flashes at me and won't allow the truck to start. This has already been towed to the dealer once and they re-programed the theft system. They accused me of sticking another key in the ignition. I am the only one that drives this truck. Thank god, we only have one Ford- this one! I know the difference between a Ford and a GM key. I never stuck any other keys in the ignition. It happened again 6 days after the dealer re-programmed the system. Now I have to have the truck towed again! please help. I think there is a problem. I never know if the truck will start when I drive somewhere.

- West Chester, OH, USA

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