1998 Ford Explorer locks problems

Filed May 11, 2015 · Body, Locks · 220,000 miles · OR

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 dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. Updated 7/1/15

Filed Dec 24, 2009 · Locks · 203,000 miles · TN

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 the driver or passenger had to climb over the arm rest to get in and out of the vehicle. I would strongly suggest that you address this safety issue with ford motor co. Asap. It may be too late for me. However, it will be a help to others who might have an accident and not be able to escape a fire or worse. If this had happened with my mother in the car, it would have been extremely difficult. The friend who had to climb in and out of the vehicle over the arm rest ended up with a sore back. We were out of town when the second incident occurred.

Filed Oct 25, 2009 · Locks · 135,000 miles · GA

Door locks are stuck on passenger side of 1998 ford explorer. The door will not open at all.

Filed Sep 24, 2009 · Locks · 116,500 miles · OR

I own a 1998 ford explorer xlt with electric door locks. Both the front driver and passenger door locks do not operate using any of the three available methods for unlocking. The remote key fob operation, the exterior driver door entry pad or the interior locking mechanism do not unlock the doors. This vehicle has the doors set to automatically lock when put in to any other gear than 'park' and the doors can only be opened using the interior handle which is only accessible from the rear door of my 4-door vehicle. This vehicle was purchased today to replace a similar vehicle (1999 ford explorer xlt) that had the exact same issue. Thankfully when I totaled the vehicle in an unfortunate accident the door did not stick close with the lock being the culprit.

Filed Jun 16, 2009 · Fuel system, Locks · SC

Doors and locks on my 1998 ford has been out of order they work when they want to!! I saw that it had a recall in 1999 I guess the last owner didn't get it fixed im sometimes locked out of my car 10-15 min at a time!! I was wondering can you do something or is it too late!! I really need to get this taken care of because when I leave work it's dark!!

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Locks · 125,000 miles · MD

One day when I attempted to enter my 1998 ford explorer, parked in my garage, the drivers side door would not unlock. Whenever the automatic feature locks the doors when I am driving or I lock the door using my key fob, it will not open from the exterior. I have to reach in from the rear door (or if I am in the drivers seat) and open the door with a very strong pull on the door handle. I have not taken the vehicle in for repair as yet. I have been aware of this situation for about 2 weeks as of today. Tedwards

Filed Dec 29, 2008 · Locks · 76,000 miles · TX

1998 ford explorer driver side door lock won't open. It won't open if you use the key, remote, or manually try to pull up on it while inside. However, the other doors and tailgate unlock ok. I am forced to enter the car on the passenger side and climb over a console in the middle to get into driver seat. I believe this is a serious safety issue as there is no way to get in or out of the car on the driver side. I am 76 years old and this is extremely difficult to get in over the console on passenger side. There are numerous complaints on internet for this exact problem.

Filed Oct 20, 2008 · Locks · WA

Drivers side door is permanantly locked....a small spring fell out of door. It started about 7 months when the handle was getting a little difficult to pull. You could feel the pressure between the door and handle...about 3 weeks later the panel around the handle fell out and I found a small spring on the trucks floor....for a while after that I was able to open the door from the outside but not the inside. Very scary thought to know that if you were in accident you wouldn't be able to get out from the inside however, 2 weeks after that the door wont open at all (from the outside or inside!). Its such a pain to have to crawl through the vehicle to get in and out and im pretty sure this very unsafe in case of an emergency. I know it cant be something I did to the vehicle because it was perfectly fine when I drove off the lot 2 years ago. I've researched this situation online and have found that there are tons of other people with the same problem, yet no solutions has been made...any ideas on this matter would be greatly appreciated, seeing how im still making payments on this vehicle and am literally "stuck" in it till its paid off.

Filed Apr 17, 2008 · Locks · 135,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that he could not open the driver side door from the inside or outside. The door handle would not respond to any movement and the door would not unlock. The manufacturer has not been notified. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 140,000 and failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Body, Locks · 145,000 miles · TX

All locking door mechanism's have failed and I have spent money to repair them. The rear hatch lock is no longer operating unless the key is in the lock and then, only sporadically. The driver's side handle, has broken off twice and been replaced twice. I was unable to open the door with the engine was off, thereby effectively "trapping" me in the vehicle. In an emergency, I would not have been able to exit the car and remove myself from any potential danger. In order to exit the car, I had two options, either climb out over the center console or put the key back in the ignition, turn on the vehicle, lower the power window and open the car from the outside, I opted for the second solution until I was able to order a second new door handle and replace it.