1997 Ford Explorer transmission problems
The 1997 Ford Explorer has 119 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
119
Transmission complaints
6%
Share of year
11
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“CONSUMER TURNED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ALARM CHIMED, INDICATING THAT A DOOR WAS AJAR. DRIVER GOT OUT TO CHECK THE DOORS. HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING. THEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. CONSUMER GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS DRAGGED 300 FEET…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 1997 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 119 complaints about the 1997 Ford Explorer transmission — 6% 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.