1997 Ford Explorer Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 0% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 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.
“Far left dash lights and lights behind indicators on left side of steering wheel went out shortly after receiving the vehicle in 1998; this was repaired under warranty; the lights went out again sometime after the warranty period expired. The sound system amplifier goes out intermittently with no discernible cause; this has gone on for years; the dealer says it would cost over $600 to replace the amplifier.”
NHTSA complaint #10224359, filed 2008-04, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4x4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08”
NHTSA complaint #10217244, filed 2008-02, 56,000 milesInterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 6 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 4 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 4 | 0% |
| 1995 | 5 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 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