Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

1997 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
198about this part
Share
11%of 1,731 total for the year
Median mileage
98,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 198 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 11% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Since the Explorer was 5 years old the driver side of the truck was starting to settle/ be lower than the passenger side. Until it was so bad the shop stated we needed to replace the rear springs, shocks and stabilizer and *** the rear was also lower than the front. So we had to replace the front shocks and several suspension parts to try to level the vehicle back to normal. Now with the engine blown the truck again was settling to the passenger side and toward the rear!!!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10499338, filed 2013-02, 42,000 miles

“I have had my1997 Ford Explorer for two years, the same problem keeps recurring. It becomes suligish on the on set, than the check engine light comes on. 12 times now I have had to replace the spark plugs, 3 times I have done fuel enjection cleans, 2 times I have changed the o2 sensor. I have talked to other owners that speak of the same problems.”

NHTSA complaint #10089030, filed 2004-09, 52,000 miles

“1997 Ford Explorer 4.0 sohc, my engine is making a terrible rattle sound while running, I have been told by many that its the timing chain tensioners, and that Ford knows about the problem but is not doing anything to help owners to get this repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #10248975, filed 2008-11, 127,000 miles

“My 1997 Ford Explorer has an intake manifold failure. I understand by reading many message boards and other complaints on the internet that Ford has recalled this item on some vehicles but not all. I really can't believe that Ford would actually use a plastic intake on anything. I believe it is a break down in judgement and Ford should be responsible for the replacement of this part.”

NHTSA complaint #10090520, filed 2004-09, 100,000 miles

“Egr valve failed at cost of over $250. This is part of the emissions system and is covered by an extended warranty. I requested warranty status for this part from Ford motor co. Customer relations center in letter of 7/17/03 with 76,172 miles on vehicle. Initial check engine light for this failure was at about 66,000 on 8/30/02. Ford did not answer my inquiry, instead referring me to their customer service reps in india, against my wishes.”

NHTSA complaint #10062715, filed 2004-03, 66,502 miles

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202311%
202221%
2021102%
2020212%
201962%
2018294%
2017775%
20161145%
2015664%
2014674%
2013673%
2012142%
2011212%
201033%
200913%
200843%
2007105%
200616426%
2005296%
2004715%
2003696%
20021635%
20013910%
2000909%
19991007%
199818910%
199719811%
1996816%
1995455%
1994746%
1993556%
19926410%
1991529%
1990217%

Other parts of the 1997 Ford Explorer

Tires
669 complaints
Vehicle speed control
202 complaints
Suspension
105 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
104 complaints
Brakes
96 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
90 complaints
Electrical system
80 complaints
Fuel system
56 complaints
Seat belts
54 complaints
Body and structure
50 complaints
Other or unknown
40 complaints
Equipment
39 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