1997 Ford Explorer Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 25 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was involved in an accident in february that was not my fault. The other driver failed to stop at a stop sign and came into the intersection as I was coming from through it. I was wearing my seat belt and the airbag did deploy, causing the majority of my injuries. I had several lacerations on my cheeks, chin and mouth. My upper lip was split open and I sustained a serious injury to my jaw. All of these injuries were caused when my head went forward as the airbag cover popped back and the airbag was inflating. …”
NHTSA complaint #745295, filed 2001-05“The absence of a driver side airbag disable switch has failed the safety standards of the country, morally. I am appauled the manufacturers won't recall these vehicles, or give owners the option for free disable switches to be installed. In addition, with all the reports of deaths to infants and teens with driver side airbags, I'm insulted that I need my governments permission to install a disable switch to protect my family. This is a design defect, everyone knows it. The manufacturer is responsible. It should be a massive recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #701355, filed 1998-12“The contact stated while driving 20mph a vehicle collided with the contact's vehicle. This was a side and frontal impact and the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The seat belts were in use. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. Upon inspection the steering wheel was separated three milliliters as if the air bag was going to deploy. The airbag warning and check engine light were illuminated. The manufacturer has not been alerted and no repairs were made.”
NHTSA complaint #10152109, filed 2006-03, 105,000 miles“Pe 00020: while driving 75mph vehicle started to vibrate. Was pulling to side when a loud explosion was heard. Lost control of vehicle, went towards median & hit guardrail. Air bags failed to deploy. When vehicle finally stopped, got out & checked. Noticed no tread on left rear tire. No serious injury. Firestone wilderness, size p235/75r15 with 61,000 miles on it. Did not have the tire.”
NHTSA complaint #867864, filed 2000-08“While driving at 55 MPH and trying to avoid being hit by another vehicle, Explorer ran into a guardrail, and shoulder belt didn't prevent consumer from hitting her head on windshield and falling on passenger's side of vehicle. Also, driver's side air bag didn't deploy, althought the passenger side air bag did.”
NHTSA complaint #839838, filed 1999-06Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 7 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 34 | 2% |
| 2016 | 99 | 4% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 47 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 3% |
| 2011 | 44 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 39 | 3% |
| 2003 | 50 | 4% |
| 2002 | 162 | 5% |
| 2001 | 28 | 7% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 97 | 7% |
| 1998 | 40 | 2% |
| 1997 | 27 | 2% |
| 1996 | 41 | 3% |
| 1995 | 27 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 1% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Explorer
669 complaintsVehicle speed control
202 complaintsEngine cooling
198 complaintsSuspension
105 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
104 complaintsBrakes
96 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
90 complaintsElectrical system
80 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsSeat belts
54 complaintsBody and structure
50 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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