Vehicle Safety Data

1997 FORD EXPLORER Visibility Problems

7 NHTSA complaints on file

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Visibility Issues in the 1997 FORD EXPLORER

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

7
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Visibility Complaints

#10436121 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DEFROSTER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT CLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND THE BLENDING CHAMBER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 07/10/13*LJ UPDATED 07/12/13 *JS
#10371778 |
WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SUNROOF SHATTERED NOTHING BUT RAIN HAD FALLEN ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
#10317253 |
HAVE EXPERIENCED PERIODS WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE WHEN THE CONTROL IS ON. HAS OCCURRED WHEN FIRST TURNING ON THE CONTROL AS WELL AS WHEN CHANGING FROM A DIFFERENT SPEED SETTING ON THE CONTROL. NO REGULARITY IN THE OCCURRENCE, SEEMS TO BE RANDOM. THIS HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP SINCE 2000. I WAS CHECKING THE DATABASE AND FOUND AN ENTRY ON THIS PROBLEM UNDER "DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS" SO I AM ADDING MY EXPERIENCE TO YOUR RECORDS. *TR
#10173306 |
WHEN I STOPPED USING MY AC AND TURNED ON THE HEAT IN MY 97 FORD EXPLORER ALL I GET IS COLD AIR. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL HEAT SETTINGS INCLUDING DEFROST. I TALKED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MAN THERE SAID IT IS PROBABLY THE BLEND DOOR AND THAT IT WOULD COST $800-1000 TO REPAIR. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET AS I DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH SPARE CASH FOR THIS REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE 116,000 MILES ON IT BUT I HAVE BEEN CHECKING THIS OUT ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH 95-99 EXPLORERS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE FROM FORD ON THIS? *JB
#10146639 |
THE HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED ON MY 1997 FORD EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING IT IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. I ONLY HAD COLD AIR BLOWING ON MY WINDOWS. AFTER REVIEWING WEB SITES, I HAVE FOUND THAT THE TOP PIECE OF MY HEATERS HOT AND COLD BLEND DOOR IS BROKEN. THE COST OF REPLACING THIS ONE PIECE OF PLASTIC IS AROUND $1000. FORD HAS A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IS NOW STRONGER, BUT FAILS TO REALIZE THE DEFECT IN THE OLDER DOORS. *NM
#10060649 |
IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I'VE FOUND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD. I HAVE A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IN 1998 AND I TOOK IT TO LES PINKAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KY FOR REPAIR. WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT, THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THE BLEND AIR DOOR HAD BROKEN AND IT WOULD COSTS $800 TO REPAIR IT. THINKING HE WAS LYING, I TOOK IT TO BILL COLLINS FORD IN LOUISVILLE, KY. AGAIN, THE SAME RESULTS AND REPAIR ESTIMATE. TECHNICIANS AT BOTH PLACES, TOLD ME IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. I EVENTUALLY HAD LES PINKAM REPAIR IT. IT SEEMS THAT FORD WOULD DESIGN A SYSTEM THAT WOULDN'T REQUIRE THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE DASH TO REPAIR IT, MUCH CONTINUE WITH A DESIGN WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. YEARS LATER AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. IN...
#10014226 |
MY HEATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE BLEND DOOR INSIDE THE PLENUM CHAMBER IS BROKEN AND NO LONGER MOVES (ON FULL HEAT). THE NEW PLENUM CHAMBER NOW CONTAINS A NYLON DOOR IN STEAD OF PLASTIC. THIS LOOKS LIKE FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLD STYLE DOORS BUT WILL NOT GIVE ANY ASSISTANCE ON REPAIRS. THE COST OF REPAIR IS STEEP! I WAS QUOTED $108.00 FOR THE PLENUM CHAMBER AND $598.00 TO INSTALL IT. FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THE PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED TO ME, IN FACT THE DEALER I PHONED HAD JUST SOLD A REPLACEMENT PLENUM THE PREVIOUS DAY AND WAS WAITING FOR ONE TO ARRIVE TO FILL THERE STOCK. WHEN A DEALER STOCKS A PART THERE USUALLY IS A LARGE DEMAND FOR IT! *NLM

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 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 4 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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