1998 Ford Explorer Safety Rating — NHTSA Crash Tests
The 1998 Ford Explorer was rated under NHTSA's program before model year 2011, which gave no overall score: 4 stars for the driver, 4 for the front passenger in the frontal test. Check a specific Explorer’s crash and title history below.
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1998 Ford Explorer— By the Numbers
- Frontal crash — driver
- 4★
- Recall campaigns on NHTSA's file
- 14
- Owner complaints
- 2248
Frontal crash — driver
Recall campaigns on NHTSA's file
Owner complaints
Quick Answer
- What is the 1998 Ford Explorer safety rating?
- The 1998 Ford Explorer was rated under NHTSA's program before model year 2011, which gave no overall score: 4 stars for the driver, 4 for the front passenger in the frontal test. These are results for the 1998 Ford Explorer 4-DR. 4x4, from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program.
- Did NHTSA test every part of the 1998 Ford Explorer?
- No. NHTSA published no result for the side barrier test, the side pole test, rollover resistance on this version. "Not rated" means the test was not run or not published — not that the vehicle failed it.
- Does the 1998 Ford Explorer have recalls or complaints on file?
- NHTSA's record for this version lists 14 recall campaigns, 2248 owner complaints and 8 investigations. Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is answered by its VIN, not the model year.
1998 Ford Explorer crash-test ratings
This Explorer carries a frontal rating and nothing else: driver and passenger scored alike, and NHTSA published no side-impact or rollover result.
The 1998 Ford Explorer was rated under NHTSA's program before model year 2011, which gave no overall score: 4 stars for the driver, 4 for the front passenger in the frontal test.
With side impact and rollover unrated and no stability control listed, the stars describe a frontal hit and nothing else. The rest of this record is its recall, complaint and investigation files, so run the VIN through a recall check and ask for proof that any open recall work was done.
Inspecting a used 1998 Explorer
The ratings describe the Explorer as it left the factory. A car that has been in a serious crash, rebuilt, or had its airbags replaced is no longer the car NHTSA tested.
With no rollover rating on file, look for the marks a rollover leaves: roof pillars or a roof panel out of line, a rippled or re-glued headliner, a replaced windshield, and door gaps that open up along the top edge.
No stability control is listed, which leaves tyres and suspension to keep it settled in a swerve. Make sure the tyres match, carry a readable recent date code and the correct load rating, and look over the shocks, bushings and ball joints for wear.
Side impact was never rated, so open and close every door, look at the B-pillar and sill seams for fresh sealer or paint, and make sure the airbag lamp lights and then clears when the engine starts.
What NHTSA did — and did not — test
A star rating is only as complete as the tests behind it. This is which of NHTSA's four crash tests the 1998 Ford Explorer actually went through.
No. NHTSA published no result for the side barrier test, the side pole test, rollover resistance on this version. "Not rated" means the test was not run or not published — not that the vehicle failed it.
The rating is for the ExplorerNHTSA crashed. Check the one you’re buying.
Salvage and rebuilt brands, reported accidents and odometer records follow the VIN.
Recalls, complaints and investigations
NHTSA keeps these alongside the crash-test results for the 1998 Ford Explorer 4-DR. 4x4. They answer a different question: not how the vehicle was built to perform in a crash, but what owners and the agency have reported since.
A recall campaign covers a range of vehicles; whether the repair was done on a particular car is a per-VIN question. Check open recalls by VIN.
Why these stars come from different tests than a newer model's
NHTSA announced new NCAP crash tests and rating criteria in July 2008, including a new overall rating that combines the frontal, side and rollover results. It then postponed the change by a year: the new criteria apply to vehicles tested beginning with model year 2011, not 2010 as first announced.
One limit applies to every vehicle here. NHTSA notes that the frontal crash rating “depends on vehicle mass, and cannot be compared across vehicle weight classes” — a full-size truck's frontal stars and a compact car's are not the same measure.
- Federal Register, 73 FR 79206 (Dec. 24, 2008) — new NCAP criteria begin with model year 2011
- Federal Register, 73 FR 40016 (July 11, 2008) — NCAP testing and rating changes, including the overall rating
- Federal Register, 68 FR 59250 (Oct. 14, 2003) — NCAP rollover resistance ratings
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Compare and keep going
Ratings from before model year 2011 compare only with each other.
Rated before the current program
5 stars overall
5 stars overall
4 stars overall
Whether a recall was repaired on one specific car.
Reported crashes and damage after the car left the factory.
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1998 Ford Explorer Safety FAQ
What NHTSA’s record shows for this model year, and what it cannot tell you about one car.
What is the 1998 Ford Explorer safety rating?+
The 1998 Ford Explorer was rated under NHTSA's program before model year 2011, which gave no overall score: 4 stars for the driver, 4 for the front passenger in the frontal test. These are results for the 1998 Ford Explorer 4-DR. 4x4, from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program.
Did NHTSA test every part of the 1998 Ford Explorer?+
No. NHTSA published no result for the side barrier test, the side pole test, rollover resistance on this version. "Not rated" means the test was not run or not published — not that the vehicle failed it.
Does the 1998 Ford Explorer have recalls or complaints on file?+
NHTSA's record for this version lists 14 recall campaigns, 2248 owner complaints and 8 investigations. Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is answered by its VIN, not the model year.
Can I compare the 1998 Ford Explorer's stars with a newer model?+
Not like for like. NHTSA changed its crash tests and rating criteria starting with model year 2011 and added an overall score, so a star from before then was earned under different tests. Compare it with vehicles rated under the same program.
Does a good safety rating mean a used Explorer is safe to buy?+
A rating describes the vehicle as it left the factory. A used Explorer that has been in a serious crash, rebuilt from salvage, or had an airbag replaced is no longer the vehicle NHTSA tested. A VIN check reads its title brands, salvage and accident records from NMVTIS.
Five stars at the factory. What about since?
A crash rating can’t see a salvage title, a rebuilt frame or a replaced airbag. The VIN record can.
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