Vehicle Safety Data

1998 FORD EXPLORER Electrical Systemwiring Problems

10 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical Systemwiring Issues in the 1998 FORD EXPLORER

10 electrical systemwiring complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

10
Complaints
0
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical Systemwiring Complaints

#10152034 | Fire
1. MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT BURST INTO FLAMES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING WHILE PARKED AT MY DAUGHTER'S HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT. 2. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT BROUGHT TWO UNITS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. 3. AFTER FILING MY INSURANCE CLAIM, I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE FORD EXPLORER POSES A BIG FIRE RISK. 4. SPECIFICALLY, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING 3 MONTHS AGO AND JUST AS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY THE NHTSA, THE DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE. 5. I THANK MY LUCKY STARS NOBODY WAS HURT....BUT IF MY EXPLORER HAD BEEN PARKED INSIDE MY APARTMENT BUILDING THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE BURNED DOWN MY BUILDING. PLS LET ME KNOW IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION OR PHOTOS. *NM
#10151195 |
1998 FORD EXPLORER, 5.0, SN [XXX], SPEED CONTROL AFTER LEARNING ABOUT THE FIRES CAUSED BY THE SPEED CONTROL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES I CHECK THE '98. VOLTAGE IS MEASURED AT THE SPEED CONTROL DISENGAGE SWITCH LOCATED ON MASTER CYLINDER. USING A VOLTAGE METER I MEASURED 12 VOLTS TO THIS SWITCH WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. THIS INDICATES THAT THE SWITCH IS HOT 100% OF THE TIME. I HAVE NOT HAD A FAILURE YET, BUT AM CONCERNED THAT THIS REPRESENTS A POSSIBLE FAILURE IN THE FUTURE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO URN UP. I HAVE NOTED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 16 FAILURES AND FIRES ON 1998 FORD EXPLORERS DO TO THIS PROBLEM. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#10118951 | Fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE HOME AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
#10103274 |
VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DID NOT OPERATE. THE RESULT SHOWED THAT A NEW COMPUTER MODULE WAS NEEDED. THEN, VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHEN CONSUMER HEARD A CRACKLING NOISE COMING FROM INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE RETURNED BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE STEERING COLUMN. REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY THE REPAIR SHOP.*AK
#10000433 | Fire
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT NIGHT, DRIVE LIGHTS WENT OUT AND STEERING COLUMN WAS GLOWING AND SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC. WIRING HARNESS, MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH BOTH MELTED. NO AFTER MARKET ADD ON OR MODIFICATIONS MADE TO VEHICLE. TS
#8008389 |
WHEN MAKING TURNS, ESPECIALLY RIGHT TURNS, VEHICLE SLIDES AND ALMOST TURNS OVER.*AK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS,AND THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, SIGNALS ARE NOT WORKING, DEALER REPLACED A DEFECTIVE CONNECTOR AND MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, FIRESTONE TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, WHICH WERE REPLACED IN JULY 2001, THE REAR SEATS MOVE/BOUNCE WHEN DRIVING, THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BUCKLES, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, DEALER REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THE WINDSHIELD WAS CHIPPED, THE ALARM WOULD NOT CHUT OFF AT TIMES, DEALER REPLACED A BAD LOOSE WIRE.*JB
#608725 |
WIRES IN STEERING COLUMN FAILED . YH
#824777 |
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTERIOR LAMPS/ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER, WIPERS, AND POWER WINDOWS WENT OUT. POSSIBLE CAUSE DEFECTIVE FUSE. DEALER'S ENGINEERS ARE LOOKING INTO PROBLEM. *AK DEALER REPAIRED WIRING. *SLC
#830550 | Fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CONSUMER LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND SAW THE VEHICLE UP IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL WIRE. *AK
#816849 |
THE DEALER/ FACTORY DID NOT FULLT TIGHTEN THE THE MAIN POWER WIRE IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED POWER SURGES IN ALL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT BY CONSUMERLOOSENING POWER TO STEERING/LIGHTS OR BRAKES. *AK

Other 1998 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas

Tirestreadbelt 381 complaints Tires 340 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 154 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline 100 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 87 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengine 55 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip 48 complaints Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner 44 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 40 complaints Suspensionfront 40 complaints Unknown Or Other 40 complaints Suspension 39 complaints Electrical System 36 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 34 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 33 complaints Seats 27 complaints Tiressidewall 25 complaints Air Bags 22 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 22 complaints Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor 21 complaints Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc 18 complaints Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 18 complaints Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher 18 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 16 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 16 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood 15 complaints Electrical Systemignition 14 complaints Steering 14 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 13 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 13 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 13 complaints Structurebodydoor 13 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 12 complaints Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash 11 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 11 complaints Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System 11 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor 11 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 11 complaints Structure 11 complaints Vehicle Speed Controllinkages 11 complaints Visibilitywindshield 11 complaints Power Train 10 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 10 complaints Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 10 complaints Wheels 10 complaints Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 9 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 9 complaints Seat Belts 9 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 9 complaints Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher 9 complaints Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar 8 complaints Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor 8 complaints Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 7 complaints Seat Beltsfrontanchorage 7 complaints Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly 7 complaints Seat Beltsrearother 7 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components 7 complaints Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing 7 complaints Visibilityglass Siderear 7 complaints Electrical Systemignitionmodule 6 complaints Engine 6 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly 6 complaints Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System 6 complaints Seat Beltsfrontretractor 6 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint 6 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element 6 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 5 complaints Equipment 5 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch 5 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedelivery 5 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch 5 complaints Power Trainaxle Assembly 5 complaints Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc 5 complaints Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion 5 complaints Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 5 complaints Structurebody 5 complaints Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 5 complaints Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator 4 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 4 complaints Exterior Lighting 4 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 4 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch 4 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 4 complaints Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages 4 complaints Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments 4 complaints Structureframe And Members 4 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint 4 complaints Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar 4 complaints Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire 4 complaints Wheelsrim 4 complaints Electrical Systemhorn 3 complaints Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack 3 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch 3 complaints Exterior Lightingfog Lights 3 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap 3 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 3 complaints Interior Lighting 3 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 3 complaints Power Traindriveline 3 complaints Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 3 complaints Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device 3 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections 3 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump 3 complaints Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments 3 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate 3 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm 3 complaints Suspensionrear 3 complaints Visibility 3 complaints Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices 3 complaints Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior 3 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 3 complaints Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module 2 complaints Child Seat 2 complaints Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module 2 complaints Electrical Systemignitionswitch 2 complaints Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control 2 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch 2 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signal 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors 2 complaints Fuel System Other 2 complaints Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System 2 complaints Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft 2 complaints Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 2 complaints Power Trainmanual Transmission 2 complaints Service Brakes 2 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 2 complaints Steeringlinkages 2 complaints Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm 2 complaints Structurebodybumpers 2 complaints Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments 2 complaints Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar 2 complaints Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcables 2 complaints Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior 2 complaints Air Bagssidewindow 1 complaint Child Seatharness Buckleconvertible 1 complaint Child Seatshellinfant 1 complaint Electrical Systemstarter Assembly 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk 1 complaint Electronic Stability Control Esc 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 1 complaint Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lights 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail 1 complaint Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Parking Brakeconventional 1 complaint Power Trainclutch Assembly 1 complaint Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle 1 complaint Seat Beltsfront 1 complaint Seat Beltsfrontwebbing 1 complaint Service Brakes Air 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilock 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule 1 complaint Steeringcolumn 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut 1 complaint Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments 1 complaint Structurebodytrunk Lid 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm 1 complaint Suspensionfronthub 1 complaint Suspensionfrontshock Absorber 1 complaint Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System 1 complaint Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs 1 complaint Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assemblyleaf 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core 1 complaint Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherlinkages 1 complaint Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasherswitchwiring 1 complaint
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