Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Ford Explorer
The 1998 Ford Explorer has no confirmed owner complaints, but it does have 14 recall campaigns. Key issues include speed control and seat recliner problems. Limited complaint data suggests that while the vehicle may have unresolved issues, further inspection can identify potential problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Ford Explorer has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of . try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1998 Ford Explorer. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09V399000 SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/OVERHEATS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V286000 SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/SUPPLEMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V281000 FORD/HIGH BACK SEATS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01X001000 Tires — Tread/Belt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V422000 FORD/THROTTLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00T005000 FIRESTONE/TREAD SEPARATION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V168000 FORD/FMVSS 108/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V164000 FORD/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V062001 FORD/CRUISE/SPEED CONTROL CABLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V060000 FORD/JUMP STARTING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #97V215000 FORD/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
Known issues to inspect
Speed control deactivation switch leaks
How to check: Inspect under the hood for any signs of fluid leaks near speed control switch.
Driver's seat recliner bolt fractures
How to check: Inspect driver's seat for stability and check recliner mechanism functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Persistent clattering or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe stability of the seat adjustments.
Red flag: Significant seat rocking or instability
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test speed control for proper function.
Red flag: Speed control is unresponsive or erratic
- 04
First highway acceleration
What to check: Accelerate smoothly and note any throttle issues.
Red flag: Throttle sticking or delayed response
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and vibrations.
Red flag: Shaking or noise during braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the speed control switch been fixed?
- Any history of seat recliner issues?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Can you confirm any past accidents?
- Is there a maintenance record available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair records
- Maintenance logs
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Emissions test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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