Explorer Van Ford Explorer Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Explorer Van Ford Explorer (1997–1998) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 9. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (4 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Ford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 6 | 82,344 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 9 | 71,500 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain4 27%
- Seats3 20%
- Other or unknown2 13%
- Engine cooling2 13%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)1 6.7%
- Tires1 6.7%
- Body and structure1 6.7%
- Fuel system1 6.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1997: “Rear end collision- at 35-40mph the driver seat went all the way back & the back of the seat went to a reclining position. I received a contusion on the back of my head and was knocked unconsious for about 50 ft. This happened when the person behind me hit a speed bump I had just gone over.”
NHTSA complaint #10040841, filed 2003-09, 98 miles1998: “Eddie bauer Ford Explorer bright light switch on steering column failed when returning from bright headlights to regular lighting. The headlights went out due to the switch, had to wiggle switch to get lights back on. I discovered by holding the switch towards my direction (the flash brights mode), I could get home. This occurred while driving in pitch dark . Lights unexpectedly went out during this action. It was rather shocking to have the headlights to turn off unexpectedly.”
NHTSA complaint #10045449, filed 2003-11, 124,900 milesAbout this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology