Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Multiple issues with vehicle when turning either right or left vehicle comes to a complete stops then a very loud bang is heard, told it was hub but replaced hub and still happens, was also told it was u-joint on drive shaft have yet to replace it have not notified dealer as of yet.
The steering column knuckle that holds the two-piece column together (under the dash) was improperly maintained or manufactured. One of two assembly pins was missing causing the steering wheel to free-spin, resulting in complete steering loss.
While driving on I-95 in florida in the passing lane all of a sudden had no control of steering. Car went out of control, flipped over into the grassy median , and was totalled. Had the vehicle towed to the insurance agency.
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. …
This problem started this year when raining. Today 9/16/00 in tampa fl. There is a hurrican approching I was getting supplies. The power steering locked up 2x as tring to return home in heavy rain. I called & took this vehicle immediately to autoway Ford in st. Petersburg who prevesiously noted this problem at last rain.[said manufacture defect] but did nothing or charge at that time. Now with a major hurricane approching!! They documented the problem & wanted to keep the car til Monday! I said no! Storm to hit this area sun/mon.morn, & I would be stranded> took car back home which is on the gulf. I am very frightened & will call the local news on this matter. It,s not just tires now with the Ford Explorer.
Was driving to georgia & steering was not handling properly. Took to dealer in ga & vehicle placed on machine. Nothing was found. Moved to nc 1 1/2 yr later & had regular maintenance done. Also had steering checked again due to same problem. Nothing found again. Vehicle went for inspection & failed due to problem with steering. Took to local mechanic & indication was rack & pinion was messing up. Took back to dealership & mechanic indicated a problem with the rack & pinion & it needed to be repaired or replaced.
Engine misses and stalls in various situations including highway speeds and from a stop. Dealer has been unable to repair after replacing ignition wires and vaccuum assembly. I consider this to be a very dangerous situation because of loss of power steering and brakes. It also causes the vehicle to act as if the brakes have been applied causing a stop from high speeds.
While driving the engine cut completely off. Dealer replaced engine. Consumer states that after engine replacement, oil pump assembly failed and then oil was leaking again after that was replaced, dealer has agreed to replace consumer's explorere with a 1998 model. Rack and steering was replaced, due to lost fluid in front end. Seat bracket failed.
While traveling 10-15mph on highway and without prior warning, consumer was turning left approching her driveway and the steering wheel became hard to turn. Dealership was aware of problem. Consumer states that the rack and pinion part of the steering unit failed. Ford motor company repaired the problem.
While driving lost control of vehicle and side driving a rock wall. Then, vehicle stopped and found out that left front and left rear tires were blownout without a prior warning. Consumer said it felt like steering wheel locked up. Firestone, wildeness at, t-255/70r16 109s radio.
NHTSA investigations
Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 196,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.