Eight problems related to defogger have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Heater blend door broken, Ford is aware of it in 1995 to about 1999-2000 Ford Explorers, with blend door broken there is not a proper flow of heat to the windshield, and the cost from Ford is $1000. 00 dollars to replace, and they state there is no recall or warranty.
This problem started out as an inconvenience but has grown to be a safety issue as the defrosters fail to function. I have no control over the heat/ac and when the windows are hit with water below freezing I have a safety problem. At times fog and moisture cannot be removed from the window w/o pulling ofer to wipe it. The dealer says that it is a $1000 repair and TSB's say it is a known issue. Please advise.
While driving consumer notice flames coming from rear window, consumer took vehicle to dealer, the delaer stated connection to rear defroster unit caught on fire. . Delaer stated it was a short in the circuit.
Blend door in the ventilation system does not operate. Leads to excessive heat in the summer and significant difficulty defrosting the windshield in the winter. This is a known problem to Ford. They have begun to replace the original plastic blend doors with nylon blend doors.
Consumer was unable to defrost vehicle because of air temperture coming out of defrogger. Contacted dealer. They sad this was a result of blend door case being broken.
Broken blend door in 1998 Ford Explorer, a/c only runs on high and heat only runs on high, common problem on numerous Explorers from 1995 to 1999-2000. Ford either states they have never heard of it, or its not a big deal but either way will not cover the 800. 00 to 1,000. 00 cost to repair the broken door unit.
My client suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns of right forefoot and toes from extreme heat emitted by vehicle's manually controlled heater. The heater vent is just inches above the gas pedal, directed at driver's foot. Burn victim required skin grafts, then 3 toes amputated. Over $400,000 in medical bills and treatment. Heater tested at 180 degrees over the gas pedal. Client's feet were numb due to diabetes, and didn't feel extreme heat while driving car on highway for 25 miles over, 1/2 hour with heater on. Ford says "no defect" - other Explorers with same temp readings.
Ongoing problem with defogger fogging up window for a short peroid of time before it clears up. Mfr. Notified dealer, and was informed to contact NHTSA on this matter.