Model year record

1997 Ford Explorer

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,150 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V422000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
220,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-12-27
Owners notified
2001-03-05

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). SOME OF THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES INSTALLED ALLOWED A GAP BETWEEN THE PLATE AND BORE TO BE BUILT TOO NARROW. THIS REDUCED CLEARANCE ALLOWED THE ENGINE DEPOSITS NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO CONTACT OR BRIDGE THE GAP. IF THE ENGINE DEPOSITS BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN THE THROTTLE PLATE AND BORE AND THEN HARDENED, ON THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THE OPERATOR WOULD NEED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BREAK THE BRIDGE.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE SURGE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BREAKS FREE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V402000

Suspension

Component
Suspension
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
810,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-11-28
Owners notified
2000-12-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.

Safety risk

VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V168000

Exterior lighting

Component
Exterior lighting
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
20,637
Reported to NHTSA
2000-06-19
Owners notified
2000-07-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Safety risk

THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V062001

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
898,739
Reported to NHTSA
1999-03-30
Owners notified
1999-03-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Safety risk

IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V060000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
320,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-03-19
Owners notified
1998-04-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL LINE BRACKET THAT IS LOCATED NEAR THE BATTERY. SINCE THE BRACKET IS NOT GROUNDED, THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL LINE BRAID COULD ACT AS A GROUND POTENTIALLY OVERHEATING THE PTFE INNER LINER OF THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.

Safety risk

THE FUEL LINES CAN LEAK, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WARNING LABEL ON THE FUEL LINE BRACKET ADVISING OWNERS NOT TO USE IT FOR A JUMP START GROUND. ALSO A REVISED BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT JUMP START GROUND LOCATION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V074000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
23,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-04-30
Owners notified
1997-06-02

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THESE VEHICLES, WHEN OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW -20 DEGREES FARENHEIT, DO NOT RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE IN THE THROTTLE BODY.

Safety risk

ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN BE CONTROLLED BY EITHER APPLYING THE SERVICE BRAKES OR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE CAN RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM WITH WATER HEATED VACUUM SOURCE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires: tread/belt39667,500 mi
Tires332115,871 mi
Vehicle speed control121100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine77120,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline7415,743 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal6091,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4452,459 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3861,061 mi
Suspension38126,000 mi
Unknown or other3628,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system3572,000 mi
Suspension: front33130,000 mi
Electrical system28144,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2585,000 mi
Tires: sidewall2575,700 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner2176,000 mi
Structure: body: door2169,000 mi
Air bags: frontal19105,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift19
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1672,720 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly16140,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1698,197 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings15103,000 mi
Seats15120,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling1490,000 mi
Seat belts14160,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages1481,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor13120,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition12
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1266,241 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1278,132 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft12
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1225,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system10108,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1086,000 mi
Steering10196,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components9
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire974,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module8
Fuel system, gasoline8102,266 mi
Power train8112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic8158,143 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages8
Structure878,132 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar8
Suspension: rear859,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element877,000 mi
Visibility: windshield8
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer8
Air bags790,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood7
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control7
Exterior lighting: headlights7100,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system7
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system7
Structure: body7106,505 mi
Visibility790,400 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core783,986 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor758,000 mi
Wheels7103,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system6
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift6186,000 mi
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack6
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings667,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion6
Visibility: power window devices and controls656,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring5
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly5
Equipment586,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly5
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch581,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly5130,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system5
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly5
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments5
Suspension: front: control arm5
Engine4147,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)466,502 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery4
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)494,187 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch4
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint450,077 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar485,500 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery3
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator314,800 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3
Equipment: electrical3
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.330,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights3
Latches/locks/linkages3167,299 mi
Parking brake369,304 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Power train: driveline: differential unit361,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission3
Seat belts: rear/other386,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads313,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder3
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm3
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments375,000 mi
Structure: frame and members3
Suspension: front: wheel bearing3
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs3130,000 mi
Electrical system: horn2
Electrical system: starter assembly298,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)2120,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)288,000 mi
Equipment: other: labels278,132 mi
Exterior lighting2144,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal2100,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap250,000 mi
Fuel system, other2
Interior lighting230,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional2
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal2
Power train: clutch assembly2
Power train: driveline2125,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint2
Seat belts: front2186,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly2
Service brakes2147,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Structure: body: tailgate2
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields2
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint250,077 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: air suspension system2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices2
Wheels: hubcap/cover2
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat1
Child seat: handle (infant)1
Child seat: harness buckle: infant1
Child seat: shield assembly1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1130,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: ignition: switch175,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Equipment adaptive/mobility1140,000 mi
Exterior lighting: back up lights1
Exterior lighting: back up lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1176,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1103,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler1
Service brakes, air: drum: shoes/linings179,000 mi
Service brakes, electric1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: multiple axle1110,300 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems1130,000 mi
Tires: valve1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Vehicle speed control: springs1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer156,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.