Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Vehicle was operated below speed limit when it started to shimmy and shake violently causing operator to lose control. Vehicle wanted to go towards the right and would not respond to operator's attempts to steer towards the left. Vehicle abruptly responded towards the left, dipped down on the passenger side front and rolled over hitting n embankment causing it to flip up on it's wheels (right side up). Police and insurance adjuster noticed shredded and mangled tires on the passenger side of the vehicle, but had no explanation. I now realize the cause of the crash/rollover must be the Firestone tires. I no longer have possession of the vehicle or tires, as the vehicle was totaled and taken by insurance company. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734298
On November 10th I replaced the rear passenger tire on my 97 Ford Explorer with the spare tire that was under the truck. On December 18th on my way to work traveling south on 95 at approx. 5:40 am I heard a very loud noise, it was like a bomb went off. A second after the noise my truck was out of control and flipping down the highway. My truck was totaled, but I was lucky enough to live through this accident. The tire was a Firestone wilderness at, which I have found out had a recall on it because over time would fall apart and the tread would come off the tire causing accidents that could result in injury's or death.
Right rear wheel detached from 1997 eddie bauer Explorer on freeway near rawlins wyoming on 7-3-03 the rate of speed was approx. 70 MPH the rear tires were replaced about 4000 miles prior to the incident. I witnessed the installer torque the lugnuts to specs.
Had a tire blowout on 4/99 and it ran off the road and ruined the wheel, no other damage but to the tire and the wheel itself. I put the spare on and drove to a shop to have the tire and wheel replaced. I thought I hit something in the road, but I remember the guy telling me that the tire had separated. At the time they said there was nothing they could do but replace the tire. No warranty applied as to that. Now that I think about it, it makes me wonder if it could of been the tires having a defect. It angers me knowing I could of been hurt or had hurt someone. I sent an e-mail to Firestone and Ford and got a general response. I know my tires start with dot# (w-2), but if someone from Firestone or Ford would examine my tires they would see the others look like they are separating or dry rotting at the start of the treadwall. …
We went off the road as a result of the tire tread breaking loose from the tire. A double trailer truck behind us almost hit us as a result of our vehicle vibrating and slowing down. Luckily we could pull on the side of the road, but the front fender was dangling, and the wheel cover was torn and bent, rubbing on the tire that remained without the tread. A scary situation. Our insurance company has determined that the tire was faulty. They are now taking legal action to recover their cost of repair from Firestone. My husband had several treatment to his shoulder, and an orthoscopic operation to the shoulder as a result of the incident. I am still frightened each time I drive the Explorer, worrying about the remaining tires for fear the same thing May happen. Firestone has not been very cooperative in resolving the issue. They refuse to take responsiblity. …
I have the wilderness at Firestone tires. They seem to not be the recall tires but the dot # is w2hl. My husband and I were on a road trip and going 70 MPH and the tread just ripped off the rear right tire. Our Explorer sport just swerved hard to the right tilting upwards and then coming down, then swerving to the left tilting upwards and then coming down, another swerve to the right and then to the left before we stopped. This was on the interstate and everyone behind us began slamming on their brakes to avoid us. That scared me very much but we are being told that no one can help us. There was damage to my truck and I had to buy two new tires at my cost. We had a mechanic look at another tire and we could almost move the tread it was getting that bad. It was ready to blow he said. So we bought two. I am unhappy with Firestone right now and I don't want these tires on my truck. …
***alert*** I have four (4) Firestone wilderness at tires that were not manufactured at the decatur, il plant. Each of these tires exhibits a continuous fissure around the perimeter of the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. I replaced these tires immediately and have retained them here at my home so that I May bring them to the NHTSA facility here retained them here at my home so that I May bring them to the NHTSA facility here in northern virginia. I believe these tires were in immediate danger of catastrophic failure in a fashion similar to the recalled tires. I would like the NHTSA to extend the recall o the wilderness at tires to include all tires manufactured in all plants and am willing to provide the proof needed to justify this recall. Please contact me at my home phone immediately. Thank you. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734318
Used tire wherehouse put two wrong size tires on my car. Greated 2 1/2 circumference. My vehicle was inspected by an independent third party inspector who verified the cause of the failure to my vechicle as the large difference in circumference from the front tires and the rear tires. The first tires being 2 1/2 more in circumference. At the time of failure, I had three young children with me 6 months, 11 years old and 14 years old. My car is all four wheel drive, should have the same tires. Used tire wherehouse tire stated that it is commin to have larger tires on the back of a truck. My front end needs to be relaced. My car caught on fire. My wheels locked. Damage $1900. Used tire whrehouse 35516 pacific hwy. South, federal way wa 8003, owner mike barber, [phone].could you help me?
Vehicle was operated below speed limit, when it started to shimmy and shake violently causing operator to loose control. Vehicle wanted to go towards the right and would not respond to operator's attempts to steer towards the left. Vehicle abruptly responded towards left, dipped down on the passenger side front and rolled over, hitting an embankment causing it to flip up on it's wheels (right side up). Police and insurance adjuster noticed shredded and mangled tires on passenger side of vehicle, but had no explanation. I now realize the cause of the crash/roll-over must be the Firestone tires. I no longer have possesion of the vehicle or tires, as the vehicle was totalled and taken by insurance company. (dot number: unknown tiresize: p235/75r15)
The left rear tire of my Ford Explorer became separated on arizona highway I-17 at the speed of about 70 MPH. The tire was sent to the Firestone/Bridgestone in nashville,tn,and the company paid for the repair expenses caused by the tire separation. This incident changed our lives, because we could have got seriously injured or killed had it been one of the front tires... As victims, we strongly support the government's investigation into the situation involving the tires manufactured by Firestone/Bridgestone. Better yet, we hope Ford will recall all the f/b tires. We are going to have them replaced anyway, and Ford or f/b should reimburse my cost.( dot number: 8xhlipy )
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 680 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 39% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (396 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 58 crashes, 2 fires and 135 injuries and 29 deaths to wheels & tires 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.