FordExplorer1998Overview/ford/explorer/1998/base/

1998 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Explorer.

Body SUV

The 1998 Ford Explorer is a sport utility vehicle that requires 5.0 quarts of 5W-20 API oil. This model year accumulated 2,248 owner complaints, with tires as the most frequently cited issue, and was subject to 14 recalls. Within the Explorer’s complaint history from 1990 to 2025, the 1998 model sits well above the low of 12 complaints for 1990 but below the peak of 3,620 for 2002, marking it as a year with elevated but not the highest reported concerns.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920181998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 650 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 650 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225-70R15SLOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-,7-JJ inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.5 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height66.9 in
Wheelbase101.6 in
Curb weight3309 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 58.7 in

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Explorer of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.4–11.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.40 sec — 2000 Sport 2-door
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1997XLT 4.0L V68.50 sec16.50 sec160 hp4x4
1999XLT 4.0L V68.40 sec16.60 sec210 hp4x4
1996XLT V8 5.0L V88.80 sec16.90 sec210 hpRWD
1996XLT V8 5.0L V88.90 sec16.80 sec210 hp4x4
1996XLT V8 5.0L V89.50 sec17.30 sec210 hp4x4
2000Sport 2-door 4.0L V68.40 sec16.50 sec160 hp4x4
1995XLT 4.0L V610.70 sec17.90 sec160 hp4x4
1995Eddie Bauer 4.0L V610.90 sec17.90 sec160 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.5 Pints (rear)
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs11-12 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings19-24 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts110-130 (302) ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts79-85 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsLower: 9-; Upper: 5 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15-18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 15-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15-18 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)65.0-87.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket57.0-77.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle74.0-97.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket74.0-97.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug4WD: 18.0, With AWD: 13.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub184-250 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 SOHC rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.052-0.056 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.88 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type68
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance650 cca
Standard BCI Group Number65

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature183-190 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)30-45
Engine Oil Pressure40-60 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM2000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 21-26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle80 ft-lbs / 73-97 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.060; Rear: 0.030 in
Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.005 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.433 in / 0.965 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
122-26 ft. lbs.22–26 ft. lbs
252-56 ft. lbs.52–56 ft. lbs
390
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
125-35 ft. lbs.25–35 ft. lbs
245-55 ft. lbs.45–55 ft. lbs
385-95
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5211 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
119-25 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9019–25 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
126 ft. lbs., Step 2: 67-7626 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 miClutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension System (lubricate)
Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miClutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Shift Linkage (lubricate) · Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension System (lubricate)
Every 12,000 miBattery (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 21,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1998 Ford Explorer sits at the peak of the first-generation complaint wave, with 2,248 complaints—its highest annual total in the dataset, surpassing 1997's 1,981 and exceeding the 1,568 logged in 1999. Its 14 recalls match the early-generation high point, while 8 ongoing investigations represent a notable escalation from the 6 recorded in 1997. The TSB count of 385, though down from 405 in 1997, remains substantial and reflects an actively serviced platform. Among the complaint categories, tires dominate with 735 filings, followed by vehicle speed control at 245; the 192 crash complaints and 122 fire complaints underscore the severity of issues reported that model year. Compared to the broader generation arc, this model year captures the worst of the early reliability crisis before metrics began declining in 1999–2001, though it predates the second major complaint spike in 2002. The data does not specify root causes for the tire, speed control, or fire complaints, but the sheer volume and severity indicators make this a year to approach with caution. A prospective buyer should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, verify recall completion status, and scrutinize tire condition and related components before committing.

14
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
385
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
8
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
2,248
Owner complaints
192 involved a crash · 122 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 2,248 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Tires735
Vehicle Speed Control245
Engine & Engine Cooling185
Electrical System95
Visibility95
Power Train91
Latches/Locks/Linkages80
Suspension77

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06V286000Vehicle Speed ControlReported 01/08/2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT. Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE…

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 385 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
0305082005-04-01Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
0424192004-12-13SuspensionREVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER…
0421072004-12-13Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
042172004-11-01Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04752004-01-01Electrical SystemDRIVEABILITY-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Explorer. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Explorer take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1998 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.