Two problems related to hatchback/liftgate hinge have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. While driving 65 mph, the contact noticed that wind was entering the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the liftgate glass strut was disengaged for the rear window and the hinges were fracturing abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure or repairs. The manufacturer was called and advised the contact there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
The consumer stated that 1998 Ford Explorer had a liftgate problem. The left side of the hinge busted at the top. There has been a recall on the hinges, but the consumers vehicle was not included in the recall. The hinge was noticed about three months ago. The liftgate cannot able to close completely due to the broken hinge. The consumer talked to Ford, and they did not offer any free remedy. The consumer has not taken the vehicle to the dealership to have it repaired yet, but was going to do so.