1997 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“After pulling off the interstate I noticed my 1997 Ford Explorer was making awful noises and didn't handle well. When I got home I realized the sway bar link had snapped. After looking at your website I saw that the 1997 Ford Explorer was recalled for sway bar links breaking. After bringing my Explorer to the dealership to get the item fixed I was told my vehicle wasn't part of the recall and that they go by VIN #'s. So my question is why are only certain 1997 explorers recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116161, filed 2005-03, 120,000 miles“Last fall we noticed that there was a burning rubber smell coming from the rear right wheel well. It only seemd to manifests itself when we drove on the highway at an approximate speed of 60 MPH. When we drove on the city streets at the posted rate of speed, we found there was no smell whatsoever. We had our mechanic check things out and later our local tires plus, in both instances nothing was found. Today we went to our local Ford dealer and had them check it out and they found nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10058379, filed 2004-02, 110,300 miles“My lights don't work stabilizing bar is bad,speed control dose not work security key code not working,door controls do not work.wiper work sometimes.ball joint are bad, tires wearing bad,,bushings are very bad.transmission is starting to slip,all wheel drive does not work, it grinding sound.heaf light only brights work.”
NHTSA complaint #11195896, filed 2019-04, 175,000 miles“Multiple issues with vehicle when turning either right or left vehicle comes to a complete stops then a very loud bang is heard, told it was hub but replaced hub and still happens, was also told it was u-joint on drive shaft have yet to replace it have not notified dealer as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10349491, filed 2010-08, 196,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V402000Nov 28, 2000Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.Covers: Ford Explorer 1995–1997, Mercury Mountaineer 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10204995Nov 28, 2000Letter Pursuant to Part 573 of Title 49 of the Code fof Federal Regulations, Defect and Noncompliance Reports, Ford Motor Company submits the following information concerning a…
- 10076008Nov 28, 2000This recall action involves replacement of the front stabilizer bar links in certain 1995 through 1997 model year Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles. Under certain conditions…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Explorer
669 complaintsVehicle speed control
202 complaintsEngine cooling
198 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 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 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