1997 Ford Explorer engine problems
The 1997 Ford Explorer has 227 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
227
Engine complaints
11%
Share of year
2
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE. MY PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN. FORD TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS PART. IT WAS A FAILED TIMING CHAIN GUIDE. THEY ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING IT FOR…”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 1997 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 227 complaints about the 1997 Ford Explorer engine — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.