Vehicle Safety Data

1997 FORD EXPLORER Engine Problems

4 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 1997 FORD EXPLORER

4 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

4
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11414983 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, THE CONTROL ARMS, THE FRONT OXYGEN SENSOR, AND THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
#11327709 | Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN IT GETS WARM EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
#10503052 | Fire
I HAVE NO EXPLANATION FOR THE FIRE, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT A BLOCK FROM MY HOME AND THEN IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DRIVEWAY. MY UNCLE SON SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM WHEN THEY HEARD THE CAR ALARM AND LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDOW TO SEE CLOUDS OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUCK. MY SON ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT IT WAS TO INTENSE, MY SON CALLED 911. THIS WOULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF THEY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT SAY WHAT CAUSED THIS FIRE. THE TIRES EVEN MELTED. ALL SEVERE DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT, THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS FIRE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR PHOTOS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT I NEED TO MAKE SURE NO FAMILIES....
#10499337 |
THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND JUST QUIT. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY *AGAIN* AND FOUND OUT THAT *2 (TWO)* TIMING CHAINS WENT OUT. THE DRIVERS SIDE SNAPPED IN TWO AND THE PASSENGER SIDE (REAR) HAD OVER 1 1/2 INCHES OF PLAY IN IT AND OBVIOUS STRETCHING OF THE TIMING CHAIN. THE FRONT BROKEN ONE TOTALED THE ENGINE, ALL TENSIONERS, SPACERS ETC WERE NOR IN PIECES LYING IN THE ENGINE. AND GUESS WHAT TO REPLACE THE REAR TIMING CHAIN YOU HAVE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE ENGINE FROM THE VEHICLE! THANKS AGAIN FORD!!!!!!!! *TR

Other 1997 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas

Tirestreadbelt 396 complaints Tires 332 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 121 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengine 77 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline 74 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 60 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip 44 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 38 complaints Suspension 38 complaints Unknown Or Other 36 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 35 complaints Suspensionfront 33 complaints Electrical System 28 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 25 complaints Tiressidewall 25 complaints Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner 21 complaints Structurebodydoor 21 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 19 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift 19 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 16 complaints Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly 16 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 16 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 15 complaints Seats 15 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 14 complaints Seat Belts 14 complaints Vehicle Speed Controllinkages 14 complaints Seat Beltsfrontretractor 13 complaints Electrical Systemignition 12 complaints Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash 12 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 12 complaints Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 12 complaints Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 12 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 10 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys 10 complaints Steering 10 complaints Seat Beltsfrontanchorage 9 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components 9 complaints Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire 9 complaints Electrical Systemignitionmodule 8 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 8 complaints Power Train 8 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 8 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages 8 complaints Structure 8 complaints Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar 8 complaints Suspensionrear 8 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element 8 complaints Visibilitywindshield 8 complaints Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher 8 complaints Air Bags 7 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood 7 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control 7 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 7 complaints Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System 7 complaints Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System 7 complaints Structurebody 7 complaints Visibility 7 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core 7 complaints Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor 7 complaints Wheels 7 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 6 complaints Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift 6 complaints Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack 6 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 6 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc 6 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings 6 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 6 complaints Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 6 complaints Electrical Systemwiring 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly 5 complaints Equipment 5 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 5 complaints Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 5 complaints Power Trainaxle Assembly 5 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 5 complaints Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 5 complaints Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments 5 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 4 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedelivery 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch 4 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint 4 complaints Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar 4 complaints Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 3 complaints Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 3 complaints Equipmentelectrical 3 complaints Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc 3 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Parking Brake 3 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter 3 complaints Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 3 complaints Power Trainmanual Transmission 3 complaints Seat Beltsrearother 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder 3 complaints Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm 3 complaints Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments 3 complaints Structureframe And Members 3 complaints Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing 3 complaints Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior 3 complaints Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 3 complaints Electrical Systemhorn 2 complaints Electrical Systemstarter Assembly 2 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 2 complaints Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc 2 complaints Equipmentotherlabels 2 complaints Exterior Lighting 2 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signal 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap 2 complaints Fuel System Other 2 complaints Interior Lighting 2 complaints Parking Brakeconventional 2 complaints Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal 2 complaints Power Trainclutch Assembly 2 complaints Power Traindriveline 2 complaints Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint 2 complaints Seat Beltsfront 2 complaints Seatsmidrear Assembly 2 complaints Service Brakes 2 complaints Service Brakes Airantilock 2 complaints Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor 2 complaints Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar 2 complaints Structurebodytailgate 2 complaints Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields 2 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint 2 complaints Suspensionrearspringsair Suspension System 2 complaints Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices 2 complaints Wheelshubcapcover 2 complaints Air Bagssidewindow 1 complaint Child Seat 1 complaint Child Seathandle Infant 1 complaint Child Seatharness Buckleinfant 1 complaint Child Seatshield Assembly 1 complaint Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitionswitch 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel 1 complaint Equipment Adaptivemobility 1 complaint Exterior Lightingback Up Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingback Up Lightsswitch 1 complaint Exterior Lightingfog Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lights 1 complaint Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdrumshoeslinings 1 complaint Service Brakes Electric 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist 1 complaint Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump 1 complaint Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting 1 complaint Structurebodybumpers 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut 1 complaint Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm 1 complaint Suspensionfrontshock Absorber 1 complaint Suspensionmultiple Axle 1 complaint Suspensionrearshock Absorber 1 complaint Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Tiresvalve 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcables 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlsprings 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window 1 complaint Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher 1 complaint Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor 1 complaint Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring 1 complaint
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