1997 Explorer Van FORD EXPLORER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
9 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
71,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 9 complaints (11.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 11.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 1 |
| Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) | 1 |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 1 |
| Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor: 1; Fuel System, Other: 1; Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit: 1; Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive): 1; Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 1; Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 1 |
2003: 8; 2004: 1
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10010508 · 2003-03-15 (March 15, 2003)
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW ZERO THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ON OUR 1997 FORD EXPLORER DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. MY WIFE WAS RETURNING FROM WORK ONE MORNING AND SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AT A LIGHT AND ENDED UP RUNNING IT. WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS BUT SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON FORDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ONE OTHER OCCASION. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010508 at NHTSA ↗