1997 Ford Explorer Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have two 1997 Ford explorers (an xlt and an eddie bauer) both vehicles have numerous problems with door latches and power locks. Occupants have been unable to exit the vehicles on several occasions due to inoperable handles and/or locks. I believe someone could become trapped in one of these vehicles in the event of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10105689, filed 2005-01, 131,000 miles“Accelerator pedal was stuck when applied to pass on an incline. Dealer notified. Ts dealership removed throttle cable and found frayed fragments inside cable covering. There was a recall regarding this condition however, vehicle's VIN was not included. Had multiple problems with hood latch. Cruise control engaged on its own.”
NHTSA complaint #8023739, filed 2002-12, 81,000 miles“Rear doors won't open from inside and it is not the child deterrent lever on door, heating system overrides A/C heater sometimes dosen't work. Recline lever broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #10052552, filed 2004-01, 85,000 miles“A year ago my door locks started to cycle up and down without my help. The dealer replaced the module but it continues to do it but only about once a month. It is hard to take it in when it is happening because it stops and does not do it again for a long time. At times it will go on for 10 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #738211, filed 2000-12“When I purchased this vehicle the back passenger door would not open from the inside and the child safety lock was not locked. The dealership fixed that for me, but now the driver side back door will not open. I think this is a big safety issue when you have children riding in the back seat. This time I have to pay 200.00 to get this fixed and I shouldn't have too. If I were to have an accident and my 7 and 9 year olds are in the back seat the one that is setting behind me cannot get out. This is a big concern to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #750340, filed 2001-08Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 16 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 50 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 65 | 3% |
| 1997 | 32 | 2% |
| 1996 | 34 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 1% |
| 1994 | 23 | 2% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
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 29, 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