1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 22%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer, 22% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a awd with appx 75,000/mi and the entire differential went out on the vehicle. Replacement cost $4,700.00. I do not or have been rough with this vehicle. Normal highway driving only... And my gas gauge went out on my vehicle also.”
NHTSA complaint #10005333, filed 2003-02, 75,000 miles“4wd low and high light illuminated / six times flashing every three minutes. While in reverse the car would shutter/bang. Followed by the vehicle not engaging into drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10007634, filed 2003-02, 43,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 2 | 33% |
| 1997 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer
About 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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology