Most common 1997 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer Sport complaints by model year
Best Explorer Sport years: 2005, 2004, 1997. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport:
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On September 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…
What 1997 Ford Explorer Sport owners say
Engine & cooling
I had taken my vehicle to the dealership on three separate occassions due to coolant loss and the temparature guage reading cool. On each occassion they replaced the thermostat. The last time was just prior to the expiration of the extended warranty. I specifically requested that it be tested and checked thouroughly becasue I did not want to replace an engine after the warranty expired. They replaced the thermostat. Shortly after I experienced the same difficulty. I took the vehicle to a private garage and they reported that the head gaskets had failed and were leaking. I contacted the service manager at the dealership and he requested that I bring the vehicle to them for tests. Several days later the service department called and informed me that the head gaskets had failed and that coolant was entering the cylinders. They offered to replace the engine for $4600.00. Not going to happen.
To best describe my problem is that the camshaft broke off right at timing pulley.this break cause the serpentine belt to wrap around all the other components. I was traveling along the express way at 65 MPH, when I loss of power steering, and a loss control of the vehicle for a period of time until I regain control.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on an incline when it rolled forward and crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the repair shop stated that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 148,600 and the current mileage was 148,700.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. While driving approximately 45 MPH she heard a ticking noise. She was unable to identify where the noise was located. She stated that no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of the vehicle. She continued to drive home and parked the vehicle. Two hours later she started the vehicle, shifted into reverse and it continued to make a noise. The contact stated that when the vehicle started the noise was not there but as soon as she shifted the vehicle into reverse, neutral or any gear the noise began again. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer or local mechanic. The contact stated that the failure began on September 20, 2010. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 229,000.
Wheels & tires
Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side rear tire thread separated while driving 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer where the tire was replaced. A recall letter #[redacted] was received regarding the tires. The tire manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement and determined the tire was not eligible for reimbursement.
Consumer experienced tread separation, he was advised that he did meet the recall criteria, but the tires that he has were not manufactured in decatur il.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Explorer Sport rates better than average: 73% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer Sport at the same age. It is one of the best Explorer Sport years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (8) and wheels & tires (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer Sport?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 1998 and 1999. See the full Ford Explorer Sport years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Explorer Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.