10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,040 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #5

Jun 211999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
In addition to the locks unlocking while vehile is unattended, the locks sporatically click while vehicle is in motion. Also, the locks don't lock immediately when the SUV is put in gear, they lock sometimes up to a couple of minutes of driving. This is a definite safety issue as occupant(s) of vehicle are not safe from outside goings on unless vehicle is locked. In addition, this presents a problem with insurance if vehicle is stolen because it is unlocked. Please respond directly.

- Longwood, FL, USA

problem #4

Mar 231999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Rear door locks won't unlock unless you use unlock button on front door first. Child safety door lock won't disengage on left rear door, someone has to open left rear door from the outside. Keyless control will not unlock either if right rear door lock gets hung up. I have tried several times to get repaired, but have no documentation except once in 1997. I seldom have passengers in the back, but if there was an accident anyone in the rear could not get out. I just want the door locks fixed. There are some similiar complaints with the NHTSA, idi id 702648, 827786, 829733, 537402, 538918, and 530692. Any help will be appreciated.

- Meridian, MS, USA

problem #3

Jan 271999

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The rear door locks bind up whenever a rear passenger attempts to open a door without the driver depressing door unlock button manually. Once locks bind up, the only way to open door is from exterior door handle. Rear passengers are essentially trapped in the vehicle until doors are opened from outside. It appears that locks are malfunctioning somewhat like the child door lock protection system even though the child locks are not engaged. This is a severe safety hazard which traps a person in the rear seat. If there were a fire, accident or any other type of emergency, they could not get out of the vehicle from the rear seat. Dealer claims not a problem; that this how locks were designed, but refused to put on repair slip stating only "unable to duplicate". help! help! help! Ford has a problem here and it needs a NHTSA directed recall to get them to properly correct it. In your data base there are numerous similar reported problems with rear door locks. This is a major catastrophy just waiting to happen.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #2

Mar 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The right side door that automatically locks comes open when moing speeds from2 to 60 miles an hour. This vehicle needs to be checked by the Ford Motor Comapny, now for the 4 time we have problem with the same door. A friend had the same problem with 2 Ford explores.( dot number: Tire size: 235-70-15 )

- Steubenville, OH, USA

problem #1

Sep 011997

Explorer

  • miles
Rear passenger's side door opens intermittently.

- Gig Harbor, WA, USA