CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Ford Explorer has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,731 complaints with NHTSA, including 155 crashes, 53 fires, 214 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Tires (764 reports).
1997 Ford Explorer recalls
Most common 1997 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 1,731 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Tires | 764 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 223 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 213 |
| Power Train | 119 |
| Suspension | 112 |
| Visibility | 97 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 91 |
| Electrical System | 86 |
| Seat Belts | 57 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 54 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, THE CONTROL ARMS, THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN IT GETS WARM EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
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.
RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT AXLE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKEOFF AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE AND BECAUSE OF THIS CAUSE LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH .THE VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOSS.
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE TO THE LOCK POSITION.
1997 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 1997 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 1997 Ford Explorer: Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control; Suspension; Exterior Lighting; Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Explorer?
Based on 1,731 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Tires (764), Engine And Engine Cooling (223), Vehicle Speed Control (213).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.