1998 Ford Explorer Sport problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch (21) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner (9) · Latches/Locks/Linkages (8)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Explorer Sport model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
69 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (11)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2004-11-01 · 04217 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
general power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 2002-07-01 · 16021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles with 4wabs may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes c1233 and c1234 (anti-lock brake sensor output failures) in slippery conditions. *tt
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components 2002-05-01 · 15910 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
concerns with brake vibration, roughness and / or grinding noise, and excessive brake rotor corrosion. *tt
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 2002-05-01 · 15859 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles with 4wabs may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes c1233 and c1234 (anti-lock brake sensor output failure). *tt
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery 2002-03-04 · 0245 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines. *tt
Unknown Or Other 2002-02-18 · 0232 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with the 4.0l sohc engine may exhibit a check engine light on with diagnostic trouble codes p0300 (random misfire) or p0301. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 11 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.