1998 Ford Explorer latches/locks/linkages problems
65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the latches/locks/linkages on the 1998 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the front passenger side door did not open from the inside or outside. The contact stated that the passenger had to climb over and go out of the front driver's side door. The vehicle was not taken to a…”
filed May 11, 2015
“I drive a 1998 ford explorer sport. Over the past two years, the locks on both the driver and passenger door have jammed, preventing the occupant from opening the door. The repairs have been very costly (around $800 total), and the faulty/jammed locks have posed significant safety concerns, since…”
filed Dec 24, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Latches/locks/linkages problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 Explorer | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 Explorer | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 Explorer | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 Explorer | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 Explorer | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.