1998 Ford Explorer: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Ford Explorer first registered in 1998: we looked at the 209 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 209 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Ford Explorer?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Ford Explorer than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Ball joint dust cover4.2× usualFord Explorer14.4% All 1998 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Common 1998 Ford Explorer MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Ford Explorer MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes40% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension39% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics37% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Tyres21% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Ford Explorer
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1998 Ford Explorer as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Ford Explorer?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Ford Explorer compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2005 | 115 | Suspension 40% |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | 223 | Suspension 38% |
| 1999 | 206 | Suspension 48% |
| 1997 | 119 | Suspension 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ford Explorer cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score