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1997-1998 · 2 model years

Explorer Van Ford Explorer Problems by year

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the Explorer Van Ford Explorer across 2 model years, and it has 0 recalls. The 1997 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (9). The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the seats & seat belts.

Most complaints for its age19979 complaints · 0 recallsSee the 1997
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Ford Explorer complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19986000Seats & seat belts-
19979010Engine & cooling-

Most common Ford Explorer problems

Latest Ford Explorer complaints

1997 Explorer Van Ford ExplorerEngine & cooling

1997 Ford explorer, bought as a program vehicle (returned) with 40,000 miles.Ehicle now has 103,000 easy miles. Mostly sits in carport. Not driven daily. Vechicle has had the following problems 1. Check engine light has been on since we bought the vehicle, have replaced )2 sensor twice. Came back on shortly after. Runs rough in the morning. 2. Blend door failed (this causes either warm or cool air to blown into the vehicle), rendering either ac or heater inoperable. This is a potentially dangerous condition,...

Read the full complaint

when defroster is needed quickly. Ford dealer said ford used defective part, now has new and improved blend door. Estimated cost $574.00 3. Spare tire winch failed after 1 use. 4. Throttle body failed (received a recall notice, had repaired at dealer, failed again 6 months later).This is a potentially dangerous condition, accelerator pedal is hard to depress, causing operator to step harder, potentially causing vehicle to lurch dangerously. 5. Timing chain failed at approximately 80,000 miles, independent auto repair mechanic (whom I trust) stated shop manual said entire engine would have to removed and head removed to repair. Estimated cost $1000.00 Looked into engine swap, est. Cost $1500.00 6. Seat recliniing handle (to recline seat) simply broke off, was not even in use.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10064332
1998 Explorer Van Ford ExplorerTransmission & drivetrain

I had to replace the center armrest on 9-9-99 under waranty and a second time at my expense. The transmission mount bolt was missing. Razzari ford in merced, ca, cannot fix under warranty. *Jb ford motor company claims missing bolt and defective armrest is not under warranty. I reminded them I will not buy new fords again.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10062664
1998 Explorer Van Ford ExplorerBody, doors & structure1 injury

While the hood was open, the hydraulic hood "struts" gave way, & the hood came crashing down & hit me on the back of my head. Luckily, it was a glancing blow, & I didn't sustain a major injury.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10051307
1997 Explorer Van Ford ExplorerEngine & cooling

It has been brought to my attention after 5 trips to the service dept. That my 1997 ford explorer needs a catalytic converter. This was after sensors were replaced the first 4 times. The check engine light has been on almost constantly since the purchase in june. I was told that this was an ongoing problem with the explorer and ford would not recall them for this major defect. I did not purchase this vehicle to constantly make repairs to a defective part or parts. Ford should make this right. Please contact me immediately. [[redacted]]. *La information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10047380
1998 Explorer Van Ford ExplorerLights

Eddie bauer ford explorer bright light switch on steering column failed when returning from bright headlights to regular lighting. The headlights went out due to the switch, had to wiggle switch to get lights back on. I discovered by holding the switch towards my direction (the flash brights mode), I could get home. This occurred while driving in pitch dark . Lights unexpectedly went out during this action. It was rather shocking to have the headlights to turn off unexpectedly. *Ak

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10045449

Questions about the Explorer Van Ford Explorer

Which Explorer Van Ford Explorer years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 1997 (9), 1998 (6). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 1997 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

What are the most common Explorer Van Ford Explorer problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (4), seats & seat belts (3), engine & cooling (2) most often.

How many recalls does the Explorer Van Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for any Explorer Van Ford Explorer model year on file.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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