Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Consumer turned on the ignition switch and the alarm chimed, indicating that a door was ajar. Driver got out to check the doors. Heard something that sounded like the gear was engaging. Then vehicle suddenly began to roll backwards. Consumer grabbed the steering wheel but was dragged 300 feet before the vehicle came to a stop by slamming into a neighbor's house.
On 5 separate occasions when driving in the snow, the 4-wheel drive failed, resulting in the vehicle skidding and hitting a guard rail, a mail box and rocks. When the four wheel drive engaged the vehicle went into a skid.
We (herndon, va residents - jane, my son tj-15, my daughter bobbie-13, and I) were returning from spending christmas with jane's sister, anne, and our brother-in-law, jack, in detroit. We departed from farmington hills mi (detroit) at 9:30 am in a light snow. It worsened as we got into ohio, but the roads were cleared and in some areas were salted. Most traffic was moving at approximately 50 MPH in one lane, the far right one closest to the shoulder. That is where I was when the accident occurred. Shortly after we started the trip I heard a series of loud noises from under the car. My sport utility vehicle (SUV), a 1997 Ford Explorer, has a series of settings for 4 wheel drive (4wd), I.e., auto 4wd, 4wd high, and 4wd low. At the time I believed the noise to be the car shifting from 2wd to 4wd as it sensed the road conditions. I attempted to set it to 4wd, but the noise continued. …
Transmission out before I reached 87,000 miles. When my husband changed the transmission fluid, large chunks of metal came out. The problem occured when driving home from krogers and vehicle did not shift out of 2nd gear, rmps went up past 4000, then vehicle would loss power. Would take my foot off gas til rmps 0, then repeat this cycle for my 5 miles home. My husband towed vehicle to peffley Ford of dayton, ohio on dec 24, 2003. They said this is normal for that many miles, but according to my search, this is not. Ford transmissions have been problems for other buyers. Could have been fatal if I was on interstate. We are being charge $2100 for a new transmission, today is jan 1, 2004 and I don't even have it back.
Loss of reverse. Failure of bearing race above valve body caused fluid to be ported to both forward and reverse drive at same time. When reverse was selected, the vehicle would only travel in rearward direction two to three feet before binding and all motion ceased. Drive forward was not adversely effected before the repairs were completed. Ford motor company recommended the replacement of the transmission with a rebuilt unit at the cost of $2800. With only 61000 miles on the vehicle, I opted for a second opinion. A reliable transmission shop diagnosed the problem with the "exploder" transmission and completely rebuilt the unit for half the Ford replacement cost.
The engine slowed down and just quit. Would not restart. Had it towed to a repair facility *again* and found out that *2 (two)* timing chains went out. The drivers side snapped in two and the passenger side (rear) had over 1 1/2 inches of play in it and obvious stretching of the timing chain. The front broken one totaled the engine, all tensioners, spacers etc were nor in pieces lying in the engine. And guess what to replace the rear timing chain you have to completely remove the engine from the vehicle! Thanks again Ford!!!!!!!!
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle began to jerk excessively. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. He noticed that the rear driver's side axle was split in half. The failure occurred without warning. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4x4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the transmission failed causing the rpms to increase continuously. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and was advised that the speedometer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 256,000.
Transfer case failed with no apparent problems. When taken apart by tech. It looked perfectly fine. Must have complete replace of transfer case, can't just change parts. Msn auto-tecs brings up a number of mechanics who found same problems. Ford has built better after market replacement but never notified anyone of this problem. Some mechanics say that customers have brought in with this problem and they have never engaged their 4x4.
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 104 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 6% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.