1997 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Ford Explorer Sport sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport years: 44 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 94, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), transmission (8), and seats (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
44
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
4
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Explorer Sport years?
What are the most common 1997 Ford Explorer Sport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 20% | new |
| Transmission | 8 | 18% | new |
| Seats | 5 | 11% | new |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 7% | new |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 7% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 5% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING ALONG EVERYTHING IS FINE, LOSE POWER PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE I SEE BLACK SMOKE AND THEN FLAMES, COULDN'T GET OUT BECAUSE OF POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS. WENT TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND KICKED MY WAY OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN MINUTES AND BURNED TO…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN IT ROLLED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED…”
“1997 FORD EXPLORER AND BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY ON THE WAY TO WORK. I USED THE ELECTRICAL SEAT MOVER BUTTON TO MOVE MY SEAT BACK A FEW INCHES AND WITHIN ONLY 10 SECONDS SMOKE WAS IN MY FACE. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND RAN IN MY HOUSE. I GOT WATER TO TRY AND…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. HE NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE RUSTED AND CAUSED THE LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE THREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. A RECALL LETTER #[XXX] WAS RECEIVED REGARDING THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND DETERMINED THE TIRE WAS…”
1997 Ford Explorer Sport — common questions
Is the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 44 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Explorer Sport year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1997 Explorer Sport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), seats (5 complaints).
Does the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport.
Is the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Explorer Sport years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.