1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Explorer Van › Ford Explorer › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Explorer Van Ford Explorer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
9 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
1997 ford explorer, bought as a program vehicle (returned) with 40,000 miles.ehicle now has 103,000 easy miles. Mostly sits in carport. Not driven daily. Vechicle has had the following problems 1. Check engine light has been on since we bought the vehicle, have replaced )2 sensor twice. Came…
1997 ford explorer, bought as a program vehicle (returned) with 40,000 miles.ehicle now has 103,000 easy miles. Mostly sits in carport. Not driven daily. Vechicle has had the following problems 1. Check engine light has been on since we bought the vehicle, have replaced )2 sensor twice. Came back on shortly after. Runs rough in the morning. 2. Blend door failed (this causes either warm or cool air to blown into the vehicle), rendering either ac or heater inoperable. This IS a potentially dangerous condition, when defroster IS needed quickly. ford dealer said ford used defective part, now has new and improved blend door. Estimated cost $574.00 3. Spare tire winch failed after 1 use. 4. Throttle body failed (received a recall notice, had repaired at dealer, failed again 6 months later).this IS a potentially dangerous condition, accelerator pedal IS hard to depress, causing operator to step harder, potentially causing vehicle to lurch dangerously. 5. Timing chain failed at approximately 80,000 miles, independent auto repair mechanic (whom I trust) stated shop manual said entire engine would have to removed and head removed to repair. Estimated cost $1000.00 looked into engine swap, est. Cost $1500.00 6. Seat recliniing handle (to recline seat) simply broke off, was not even in use.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
It has been brought to my attention after 5 trips to the service dept. That my 1997 ford explorer needs a catalytic converter. This was after sensors were replaced the first 4 times. The check engine light has been on almost constantly since the purchase in june. I was told that this was an ongoing…
It has been brought to my attention after 5 trips to the service dept. That my 1997 ford explorer needs a catalytic converter. This was after sensors were replaced the first 4 times. The check engine light has been on almost constantly since the purchase in june. I was told that this was an ongoing problem with the explorer and ford would not recall them for this major defect. I did not purchase this vehicle to constantly make repairs to a defective part or parts. Ford should make this right. Please contact me immediately. [Xxx]. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
There IS a problem with the door blend on my vehicle. ford states that they never heard of this problem, however, any website you go to that has ford owners on it have multiple complaints. I have changed the thermostat, traced all vacuum lines, checked the heater cor etc. the blower throws out…
There IS a problem with the door blend on my vehicle. ford states that they never heard of this problem, however, any website you go to that has ford owners on it have multiple complaints. I have changed the thermostat, traced all vacuum lines, checked the heater cor etc. the blower throws out cold air only. ford wants in excess of $1,100 to repair the problem. I will not pay this amount. I plan on consulted with my family attorney, and possibly see if a class action lawsuit can be filed. they refuse to accept responsibility for the problem with the door blend, and deny any reports of problems.
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Rear end collision- at 35-40mph the driver seat went all the way back & the back of the seat went to a reclining position. I received a contusion on the back of my head and was knocked unconsious for about 50 ft. This happened when the person behind me hit a speed bump I had just gone over.
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
The spare tire on my 1997 ford explorer fell off while driving down the road. This could have killed someone if I had been going down a busy street or highway. The spare IS stored under the vehicle with a cable which snapped, dropping the tire into the road. Ford does not think I should worry about it. I believe it IS a very serious safety issue.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
Heater and defroster on my low mileage ford explorer no longer blows warm air. This IS a safety issue as my windshield fogs up while I am driving at highway speeds and I have no way of defogging my windshield. I feel this vehicle IS no longer safe to take my family on extended trips. I feel…
Heater and defroster on my low mileage ford explorer no longer blows warm air. This IS a safety issue as my windshield fogs up while I am driving at highway speeds and I have no way of defogging my windshield. I feel this vehicle IS no longer safe to take my family on extended trips. I feel strongly this IS a safety defect (poorly designed or improper factory installation of the "blend door"), but ford refuses to fix this problem since my car IS out of warranty. Ford wants $1200.00 to fix this defect which I can not afford. Ford has a redesigned part, but will not admit to this safety problem. *nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When the temperature drops below zero the anti lock brakes on our 1997 ford explorer do not work properly. My wife was returning from work one morning and she was not able to stop at a light and ended up running it. We took it to a mechanic who could not find any problems but said this was a common problem on fords. This has happened on one other occasion. *nlm
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
4WD low and high light illuminated / six times flashing every three minutes. While in reverse the car would shutter/bang. Followed by the vehicle not engaging into drive.
- Fuel system, other · Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
I have a AWD with appx 75,000/mi and the entire differential went out on the vehicle. replacement cost $4,700.00. I do not or have been rough with this vehicle. normal highway driving only... and my gas gauge went out on my vehicle also.
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