1997 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1997 Ford Explorer was parked outside a local restaurant when I was alerted that the interior of my vehicle was on fire and that the fire department had been called. Black smoke was pouring out of the slightly opened windows when I approached the SUV and ultimately put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. Closer examination indicated that the source of the fire came from under the drivers side seat. One of the firemen on the scene speculated that the motor that controls the power seat overheated and started the fire. My first call was to Ford motor company. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186815, filed 2007-04, 103,000 miles“Seat recliner levers break off. Back seat passenger(s) must climb over seat to enter or exit. If there was an emergency rear seat passengers would have difficulty exiting vehicle. The cheap metal part that fractured is attached to a $70.00 part that with labor would be $240.00 for both driver and passeenger repair. This is more than inconvenience.”
NHTSA complaint #10005010, filed 2003-01, 38,000 miles“The consumer noticed the driver side seat back reclined backwards after opening the driver's side door. Prior to this incident, the consumer had informed the dealership that the seat was loose and rocked. The dealer provided no assistance. Recall 03v281000 was issued for the high back seat, however, this vehicle was not included in recall due to the vehicle identification number.”
NHTSA complaint #10048046, filed 2003-12, 76,000 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“While vehicle was parked consumer was trying to recline/adjust the seat. The seat reclining handle snapped. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10063461, filed 2004-03, 90,000 milesSeats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2020 | 41 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 0% |
| 2013 | 10 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 20 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 27 | 18% |
| 2007 | 24 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 0% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 30 | 1% |
| 2001 | 24 | 6% |
| 2000 | 39 | 4% |
| 1999 | 68 | 5% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 38 | 2% |
| 1996 | 29 | 2% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 20 | 2% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 20 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
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 28, 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