1997 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 90about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 90 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heater blend door failed on my 1997 Ford Explorer while driving it in snowy conditions. I only had cold air blowing on my windows. After reviewing web sites, I have found that the top piece of my heaters hot and cold blend door is broken. The cost of replacing this one piece of plastic is around $1000. Ford has a replacement part that is now stronger, but fails to realize the defect in the older doors.”
NHTSA complaint #10146639, filed 2005-12, 90,400 miles“Ford Explorer heater plenum/actuator stopped working this past winter. Climate control is stuck on cold and defrost does not work in cold weather. During a road trip to a nearby city early this spring I was barley able to see out the windshield because of the ice and fog on my windshield. I believe this is a known mechanical defect by Ford and dealers. This is a very dangerous problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10017037, filed 2003-05, 115,000 miles“Heater in vehicle became inoperative during a sleet and ice storm. Heater blend door failed causing only cold air to blow out of heater and defroster, windshield and windows fogged up and I could not see the road. Heater box and blend door replaced that cost me $700.00. 8nm”
NHTSA complaint #10107838, filed 2005-01, 83,986 miles“My heater temperature control became inoperative. The blend door inside the plenum chamber is broken and no longer moves (on full heat). The new plenum chamber now contains a nylon door in stead of plastic. This looks like Ford knows there is a problem with the old style doors but will not give any assistance on repairs. The cost of repair is steep! I was quoted $108.00 for the plenum chamber and $598.00 to install it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014226, filed 2003-04, 50,250 miles“Heater blend door on my 1997 Ford Explorer does not change positions. It is stuck in the position only giving me air conditioning full time. No matter where the dial on the dash is turned the heat refuses to activate. Through a quick series of odd weather occurrences I found my windshield covered in a layer of ice that could not be removed since the heat did not work on the defroster. This almost caused a near fatal head-on collision. I have no option now but to have the heater plenum replaced at a cost $1010.”
NHTSA complaint #10073217, filed 2004-05, 107,654 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 69 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 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 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 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