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1998 Ford Explorer brakes problems

94 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000. 20 crashes reported.

owner complaints
94
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
71,000
crashes
20
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    47
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    11
  • Foundation components
    7
  • Pedals and linkages
    4
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    4
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    4
  • Foundation components: disc
    4
  • Conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Explorer brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Ford Explorer brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Grinding brakes 24ABS 21Brake failure 15Premature wear 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Brakes · MN

So since my daughter bought the ford a brake line that's connected to the caliper gets stretched and bent and it breaks about every 6 to 7 months. I feel as if it's a design flaw.I can't afford to put a new brake line on every time it breaks. I called a dealership and the mechanic there said once every 5 years he repairs the lines, I don't believe that. The turning of the tires stretches the line and it wears it down and then the line leaks and cracks.

Filed Apr 19, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 191,000 miles · MS

The cruise sensor on top of the brake master cylinder stay hot all the time and it keeps blowing my number 13 fuse that goes to the brake lights and when I put a new fuse in. The cruise sensor starts sparking an smoking really bad im a phrase that it's going to catch fire soon.

Filed Apr 2, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 131,000 miles · NJ · fire

The explorer brake peddle went to the floor to stop the vehicle . There was smoke coming from under the hood . In a few seconds , the truck was in flames. Police and firemen were called to the location . They put the fire out in a few minutes .

Filed Dec 14, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · 236,000 miles · IL

I was driving 45 MPH when the accelerator went all the way to the floor, I put the car in neutral and then speedometer went all the way up to the max, and coasted off to the side as soon as I could. This caused the engine to be damaged and the car is not drivable.

Filed Dec 28, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 50,000 miles · NV · crash · 2 injuries

1998 ford explorer VIN#[xxx] registered to the state of nevada; original owner: [xxx]...registered because of disability reasons to wife [xxx]...we were involved in a car crash accident...resulting to a total loss at baker, california because of the vehicle cruise control recall which could cause the tire to be treaded...pushing the car to be out of control..while the brake fluid leaking...and the air bag safety failed to develop (open). I think ford motor company is the primary responsible of the mechanical failure of the workmanship and the car design. I got in touch with their legal department: product recall & liability. The accident report# [xxx] ncic#[xxx]. The injured driver [xxx]; passenger and the permanent disabled passenger were taken to barstow community hospital emergency room. I need your help in removing all 1998 ford explorer from the road; this car could cause major & fatal injuries to the public at large. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · GA · crash

I own a 2000 ford ranger and a 1998 ford explorer. I believe the accelerator pedal and the break pedal are too close together on both vehicles. On at least four occasions I have experienced my tendency to have my foot on both pedals at the same time when in a situation where I have to stop quickly. I t seems that I "panic" to some degree when in a situation where I must stop quickly to avoid a collision. This may be a very isolated personal 'quirk" as it were, but I have caused two rear end collisions so far and I now know that I am pressing both pads when trying to break. I know this because I remember vividly how my motor was accelerating while I thought my foot was only on the brake and I could not understand why my vehicle was not coming to a stop when most likely I had plenty of space available to make a sudden stop and avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me.

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Brakes · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. While driving approximately 10-15 MPH she engaged the brakes and the pedal went almost to the floor. The ABS system activated with limited braking ability. He stated that none of the warnings lights illuminated. One year later the failure recurred. The contact referenced recall 09v399000, vehicle speed control and stated that the recall was performed on the vehicle last year in 2009. The contact stated that the dealer did not inspect the ABS control module connector and repaired it as necessary per the recall. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer next week. He called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 164,000. Updated 12/14/2011 *cn updated 03/02/11

Filed Apr 4, 2010 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · NJ

98 ford explorer, ABS lockup dry weather, slow speed.... Now has accelerated during one of these episodes ....relatively certain the edge of my foot did not catch the gas pedal...

Filed Oct 10, 2008 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · NJ · crash

1998 ford explorer had brake failure due to the brake fluid eating through the metal. *nj when the brakes failed, the consumer hit another vehicle. The brake line was made of metal and had a hole in it.

Filed Dec 10, 2007 · Brakes · 162,550 miles · CA · crash

I put on the brakes and the pedal simply chattered like the anti lock brake mechanism was working. However, even when I let off and lightly hit the pedal again for 3 separate times the brakes did not work and only chattered. I ran into a tree to avoid a hitting another car and some pedestrians which wrecked my front end, right fender, right door, hood and other parts on the right.

Questions about the 1998 Ford Explorer brakes

Does the 1998 Ford Explorer have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 94 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Explorer, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Ford Explorer brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Ford Explorer brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Explorer have bad brakes?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (261 complaints), 1993 (244 complaints) and 1996 (132 complaints).

Other 1998 Ford Explorer problems

Tires 696Acceleration 280Engine 194Electrical 114Suspension 111Visibility 108Transmission 102Seats 70Steering 70Locks 65Fuel system 64Body 48Airbags 40Lights 40Seat belts 38Wheels 18Driver assistance 1

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