1997 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Explorer: 7 recalls, 1731 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V074000 · 1997 · 23,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l engines originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, idaho, iowa, maine, michigan (upper peninsula only), minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles, when operated for extended periods of time at highway speeds and temperatures below -20 degrees farenheit, do not return to idle due to ice in the throttle…
Why it matters: Although the vehicle can be controlled by either applying the service brakes or shifting the transmission to neutral, increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance can result.
The fix: Dealers will install a revised pcv system with water heated vacuum source.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #98V060000 · 1998 · 320,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l single overhead cam engines. The engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line.
Why it matters: The fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result.
The fix: Dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground. Also a revised bolt will be installed in the alternator bracket to provide a convenient jump start ground location.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #99V062001 · 1999 · 898,739 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from May 29, 1996 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5l, 3.0l ffv/efi or 4.0l engines and cruise control built from January 5, 1998 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 mustangs equipped with 3.8l, 4.6l 2-valve or 4-valve engines and cruise control built from March 2, 1998…
Why it matters: If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #00V402000 · 2000 · 810,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
Why it matters: Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #00V422000 · 2000 · 220,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l sohc engines and still retain the original throttle body (part numbers 97jf-9e926ab or 97jf-9e926-ac). Some of the original throttle bodies installed allowed a gap between the plate and bore to be built too narrow. This reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the throttle body to contact or bridge the gap. If the engine deposits bridged the gap between the throttle plate and bore and…
Why it matters: This could result in engine surge when the accelerator pedal breaks free.
The fix: Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began…
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Tire recall #00T005000 · 2000 · 14,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size p235/75r15, produced at the decatur, illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx II tires, size p235/75r15. Operation of these tires at low inflation pressures, high speed, and in hot weather, can contribute to separation of the tire tread.
Why it matters: If the tread separates from the tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash causing injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 53 mention a fire, 214 injuries and 34 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (668): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (655).
- Speed control / throttle (202): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (29), stalls / loses power (13).
- Engine & cooling (198): the most common themes are noise or vibration (44), stalls / loses power (43), warning light on (13).
- Suspension (105): the most common themes are noise or vibration (34), steering problems (10).
The 1997 Ford Explorer has 1731 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (1.9× the average Explorer year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (666 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 99,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (1450 complaints, 6 recalls), 1998 (1959 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford Explorer, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 1731 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (668), speed control / throttle (202), engine & cooling (198).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Ford Explorer 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.