Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Far left dash lights and lights behind indicators on left side of steering wheel went out shortly after receiving the vehicle in 1998; this was repaired under warranty; the lights went out again sometime after the warranty period expired. The sound system amplifier goes out intermittently with no discernible cause; this has gone on for years; the dealer says it would cost over $600 to replace the amplifier.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While changing the tire, the bottom metal plate for the jack popped off. The failure occurred after the vehicle had been lifted for ten minutes. This was the first time the jack was used. The manufacturer would not make a replacement. There were no injuries or damage to the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 186,000.
1997 Ford Explorer driver's seat belt latch receiver failure. After owning the car for 12 to 13 years, the latch/receiver would not engage the strap. I replaced it with one from a salvage yard and after three years this replacement latch/receiver has failed also.
Consumer is a victim of odometer fraud, encountering problems with the vehicle that's uncharacteristic for the mileage on the vehicle. (nar) exhaust system, ball joint, and instrument panel had to be replaced.
Vehicle experienced several engine problems, consumer stated that the engine sounded like no oil was in it when started, dealer has replaced gaskets, upper intake cam tensioner three times, and there was a coolant leak. Left front door hinge replaced, it was making noise. Power steering pump was replaced, it was noisy when turning the wheel. Vanity mirror on driver's side would not close all the way and popped when opened, dealer replaced it. The right front of the vehicle was lower than the left front. Brakes were squeaky, dealer replaced front brake pads and turned rotors. A tap noise was heard while playing cd's. Vehicle experienced several transmission problems, while going over bumps and railroad tracks, transmission jumped out of gear, dealer intalled overhaul kit because the clutch had burned. …
Both running boards on the driver and passenger side have a serious rust problem. Both sides are rusting through in the exact same way, in the same area. This area is on top mainly near the plastic tread. In the past 4 months I have seen nearly 12 other explorers with the identical problem. This is on the identical model, the identical part. In some cases, the problem on the others is more advanced and severe. I have told local Ford dealer as well as Ford customer service, there response is not covered outside 3yr./36 month warranty. Mainly contacting you to see if this simular problem has been reported by others.
Jack handle shattered in jack base while lowering vehicle after changing tire. Was eventually able to lower jack using screwdriver. However, jack handle is also required to retract the spare-tire holding cable, so that had to be left loose until we got to a tire store. Handle is made of very weak metal, and it is thinnest at the point of most stress, where it is inserted into the jack.
This truck has been to the shop over 4 times in the last 2 months for the problem and it is not fixed yet. They told me that my truck is not the only one and that they are working on it. They were to call last week for the flight recorder box to be used I called them today they state it will be next week. I am very tired of taking my truck in for the same problem. Please help.
While vehicle was driven spare tire cable sheared off, causing spare tire to fall off which could have caused an accident. The cable was swinging back and forth and rubbing against metal. This is a design flaw.
Seat belts in back seat and speed control will not cancel after being set. A lady had latch her seat belt in the right rear seat,and it would not release had to cut the belt to get her out.
Equipment complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are equipment problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the equipment & accessories of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 1% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is mechanical › carrier/rack (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for the 1997 Ford Explorer, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Explorer equipment problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to equipment & accessories problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.