1997 Ford Explorer Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 669about this part
- Share
- 39%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 669 complaints about the tires of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 39% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 56 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On november 10th I replaced the rear passenger tire on my 97 Ford Explorer with the spare tire that was under the truck. On december 18th on my way to work traveling south on 95 at approx. 5:40am I heard a very loud noise, it was like a bomb went off. A second after the noise my truck was out of control and flipping down the highway. My truck was totaled, but I was lucky enough to live through this accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212425, filed 2007-12, 130,000 miles“I just discovered the tires I have on my car have had the date code buffed off. It's a good job, barely noticeable unless viewed with a slanting light source, but all four are the same. Is this a violation of some federal law pertaining to tires?”
NHTSA complaint #10274179, filed 2009-06, 1 miles“***alert*** I have four (4) firestone wilderness at tires that were not manufactured at the decatur, il plant. Each of these tires exhibits a continuous fissure around the perimeter of the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. I replaced these tires immediately and have retained them here at my home so that I may bring them to the NHTSA facility here retained them here at my home so that I may bring them to the NHTSA facility here in northern virginia. I believe these tires were in immediate danger of catastrophic failure in a fashion similar to the recalled tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #10007024, filed 2000-10, 51,495 miles“While driving at 60 MPH consumer heard a loud explosion and the vehicle veered to the left. Vehicle ended up in a gully facing oncoming traffic. Consumer examined the vehicle and found that the tread peeled completely off of the right rear tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10081566, filed 2004-07, 67,500 miles“Right rear wheel detached from 1997 eddie bauer Explorer on freeway near rawlins wyoming on 7-3-03 the rate of speed was approx. 70 MPH the rear tires were replaced about 4000 miles prior to the incident. I witnessed the installer torque the lugnuts to specs.”
NHTSA complaint #10025484, filed 2003-07, 130,000 milesTires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 4 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 21 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 19 | 1% |
| 2003 | 15 | 1% |
| 2002 | 38 | 1% |
| 2001 | 62 | 17% |
| 2000 | 217 | 23% |
| 1999 | 370 | 27% |
| 1998 | 696 | 36% |
| 1997 | 669 | 39% |
| 1996 | 570 | 39% |
| 1995 | 205 | 24% |
| 1994 | 331 | 27% |
| 1993 | 243 | 26% |
| 1992 | 128 | 20% |
| 1991 | 102 | 17% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Explorer
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 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