MotorDeets

1997 Ford Explorer Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport: 0 recalls, 37 owner complaints.

0vehicle recalls
37owner complaints
4mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1997 Ford Explorer Sport
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling8
Transmission & drivetrain8
Brakes (hydraulic)4
Seats4
Tires3
Visibility (wipers, glass)3
Electrical2
Equipment2

What owners describe

The 1997 Ford Explorer Sport has 37 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 10 Explorer Sport model years for complaints (well below the 74 average). Complaints peaked in 2007 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 98,250 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (121 complaints, 0 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Ford Explorer Sport manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Ford Explorer Sport manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Ford Explorer Sport manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Ford Explorer Sport manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 Ford Explorer Sport problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (8), transmission & drivetrain (8), brakes (hydraulic) (4).

Where can I get a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Explorer Sport years

1993199719981999200020012002200320042005