1997 Ford Explorer Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 2 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 have a 1997 Ford Explorer xlt. My AC blend door failed this winter. I can get either full heat or full cold and no in between. From what I have read, this costs about $1000 to have fixed. It is a ridiculous problem that seems to happen fairly often in Ford vehicles. The affected models should be recalled and fixed. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10165949, filed 2006-08, 151,000 miles“I returned from a trip to notice that the spare on my 1997 Ford Explorer had disappeared . Seems that the cable that holds it had rusted out and given way dropping the spare who knows where. I had never used the spare and had only noticed thinking I had seen fluid under my car. I have the car inspected for state purposes and nothing was ever said to me. I mentioned the occurrence to an online buddy and he said the same had happened to him. Another acquaintance said he had it happen with his pick up truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156447, filed 2006-04, 98,000 miles“Running on the highway the right axle of the differential brokeoff and the wheel came off with the brake caliper and brake hose and because of this cause loose control and crash .the vehicle is total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11098437, filed 2018-05, 28,000 miles“Several problems with this auto, it seems to be falling apart. The driver side seat belt no longer latches. We have to loop the driver side through the passenger side. It appears this is an issue with several of these models. This is a serious safety hazard and seat belts are mandatory by law. Is there anything being done? The left turn indicator has had electrical issues for years. It makes a zzzz sound and no longer works. I am also down to only one door that the key works on. That is the back lift. The door key had not worked on the driver side for years, then the passenger side went. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129981, filed 2005-07“Ticking noise in engine since purchase. Had the SUV in a Ford service center several times for recalls etc. Had only 21,000 mile at purchase. Went to another Ford service center with engine service light on at 36,200. Told I needed the timing chain replaced at my cost. According to your web posting a service bul. Has gone out on this problem long ago. Ford should have had a recall . If not fixed in other engines this will couse major engine failure and major expense to others. Ford should have covered this! …”
NHTSA complaint #736023, filed 2000-11Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 26% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2024 | 4 | 19% |
| 2023 | 26 | 23% |
| 2022 | 58 | 21% |
| 2021 | 90 | 20% |
| 2020 | 212 | 17% |
| 2019 | 48 | 16% |
| 2018 | 168 | 23% |
| 2017 | 374 | 22% |
| 2016 | 434 | 18% |
| 2015 | 407 | 22% |
| 2014 | 343 | 20% |
| 2013 | 351 | 16% |
| 2012 | 108 | 13% |
| 2011 | 118 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 6 | 18% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 48 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 27 | 3% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 43 | 2% |
| 1997 | 40 | 2% |
| 1996 | 33 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 16 | 1% |
| 1993 | 11 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
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 complaintsEquipment
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