1997 Ford Explorer Sport Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport, 8% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 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.
“Blend door cracked on 1997 Ford explorer, causing lack of ability to defrost windows. I live in wisconsin and the windows fogged up badly. Very difficult to drive when it's 20 below out and the defroster doesn't work. Cost to replace air plenum with revised, redesigned one about $900.”
NHTSA complaint #10110647, filed 2005-02, 96,500 miles“The heating system stopped operating and caused poor visibility to the driver because the windshield could not be defrosted. An independent auto mechanic determined that the entire heating system needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10057340, filed 2004-02, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. The windshield wipers at any speed other than high didn't operate normally. When the rain was heavy or light the windshield wipers only operated on higher speeds. The failure mileage was 116000 ,and the current mileage was 126000.”
NHTSA complaint #10188862, filed 2007-04, 116,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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