1997 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,731 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the wheels of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the rims were completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10546435, filed 2013-10, 170,000 miles“Started applying brakes after going 30mph. Vehicle did not slow down or stop. Rearended several vehicles. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Left front wheel came off. Prior to impact, cv joint made knocking noise when turning. Took to dealer twice for knocking noise.”
NHTSA complaint #822673, filed 1998-04“Vehicle would pull to the right while driving 35mph. Have taken to dealership to check on alignment. Informed not alignment. Mechanic indicated problem iwas located in wheel hub. It was not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #897160, filed 2001-10“Improper camber adjustment component part of original equipment does not allow wheel alignment. This causes excessive tire wear on the inside corner of the tire and poor handling of the auto. Car pulls to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #731760, filed 2000-09Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 2% |
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 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