1998 Ford Explorer Sport Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch Problems
NHTSA component category: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 121 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport overview page.
What owners report
“THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING, LOCKING AND UNLOCKING ITSELF. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL IT JUST LOCKED AND WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. BOTH THE OUTSIDE…”NHTSA complaint 10211011 — filed 12/06/2007
“DRIVER'S SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK DID NOT UNLOCK EITHER WITH THE KEY OR LOCK BUTTON. IT TOOK MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET THE DOOR UNLOCKED, LEAVING…”NHTSA complaint 10190511 — filed 05/11/2007
“MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH A KEY OR THE UNLOCK BUTTON…”NHTSA complaint 10185592 — filed 03/19/2007
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport have latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch problems?
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch is the most-reported problem area on the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport: 23 of 121 complaints on file (19%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport have in total?
121 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 5 involved a crash, 13 involved a fire, 13 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
