1997 Ford Explorer Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 0%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 0% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When I drive my vehicle, I press the gas pedal and it feels heavier than normal. Then when I press the brakes to slow down it has a clocking sound. And it pulls back when I press the gas pedal to go faster.”
NHTSA complaint #10435949, filed 2011-11, 120,000 miles“My lights don't work stabilizing bar is bad,speed control dose not work security key code not working,door controls do not work.wiper work sometimes.ball joint are bad, tires wearing bad,,bushings are very bad.transmission is starting to slip,all wheel drive does not work, it grinding sound.heaf light only brights work.”
NHTSA complaint #11195896, filed 2019-04, 175,000 miles“It is hard to keep the vehicle in the lane when on the freeway. The front end has been done and the tires replaced. Manufacturer stated this vehicle was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10094447, filed 2004-09, 88,000 miles“While driving 65 MPH vehicle started swaying uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a dealership for inspection. Mechanic determined that the sway bar sheared off while driving, and needed replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10075711, filed 2004-06Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 14 | 1% |
| 2013 | 45 | 2% |
| 2012 | 19 | 2% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 3 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 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 27, 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