Chevrolet Explorer Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet Explorer (1995–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 9. Across all years, the part named most often is vehicle speed control (6 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Explorer model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 7 | 30,000 | 0 | 62 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 5 | — | 0 | 9 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 5 | 123,000 | 0 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 9 | — | 0 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 7 | — | 0 | 2 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 5 | 160,000 | 0 | 2 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Vehicle speed control6 19%
- Transmission and drivetrain5 16%
- Tires4 13%
- Engine cooling4 13%
- Brakes4 13%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3 9.4%
- Steering3 9.4%
- Exterior lighting3 9.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “The vehicles automatic transmission sticks in the gear it's currently in or hesitates when changing gear. The dealership replaced parts in attempt to correct the problem, but the problem still exist. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10055809, filed 2004-01, 30,000 miles1997: “My wife and I were driving on I 75 in florida going about 60mph on easter sunday 2000(1997 ford Explorer xlt). Without any warning the back passenger side tire blew out. The car pulled suddenly to the right, I managed to gain control of the vehical and stop it in the middle of the road. The tire did $2800($500 deductable) in damage to the vehical. The tred peeled off of the tire and bent the rear fender under the car. It also broke the rear tail light and scratched the paint. A claim was filed with nationwide ins. And with ford motor credit.( DOT number: tire size: 235/75 )”
NHTSA complaint #726889, filed 2000-081995: “Vehicle driving south on interstate near atlanta. Tread on rear drivers side delaminated and blew out causing loss of control and car to flip in medial of highway. Incident sounds exactly like other incidents recently reported in newspaper accounts. It was a hot summer day. Vehicle was totalled and towed to a location north of atlanta. I want this report to be sent to ford”
NHTSA complaint #726884, filed 2000-08Other Chevrolet models
19,366 complaintsChevrolet Silverado 1500
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10,408 complaintsChevrolet Tahoe
10,060 complaintsChevrolet Equinox
9,208 complaintsChevrolet Silverado
8,790 complaintsChevrolet Blazer
8,199 complaintsChevrolet Suburban
8,170 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology