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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Explorer drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #12

May 282002

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transfer case bearing broke while driving, causing excessive shimmering and shaking, driver lost control and the vehicle went off the road immediately. After repairs, main driveshaft bearing failed with same result.

- Portland, CT, USA

problem #11

Jul 032000

Explorer

  • miles
The sway bar links broke prior to the recall notice, consumer was sent a check for the repairs of the front sway bar links, however the left front drive shaft was also replaced due to the links breaking which caused damage to the drive shaft, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the drive shaft as well.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #10

Jul 032000

Explorer

  • miles
Left front drive shaft worn out and replaced.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #9

Jul 032000

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The sway bar links broke prior to the recall notice, consumer was sent a check for the repairs of the front sway bar links, however the left front drive shaft was also replaced due to the links breaking which caused damage to the drive shaft, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the drive shaft as well.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #8

Jul 032000

Explorer

  • miles
The sway bar links broke prior to the recall notice, consumer was sent a check for the repairs of the front sway bar links, however the left front drive shaft was also replaced due to the links breaking which caused damage to the drive shaft, consumer is requesting reimbursement for the drive shaft as well.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #7

Nov 082001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Getting on highway at 55 mph, steering wheel and front of car began excessive vibrating (shaking and sputtering). Car cut off at side of road. Towed to dealer who said they never heard of symptoms and could not reproduce problem (after 4 days). On day 4 they told me it was my driveshaft which needed to be replaced. Car has not been the same since and still maintains a constant vibrating although significantly different than first episode. Car still has troubles at 70-75 mphs.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #6

May 232001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle has a emmisions related torque converter problem which must be repaired by an authorized Ford dealer. It effects the the shifting of the transmission and the engaging of the torque converter. This problem was reported to the dealer on August 17, 1999 with 22,941 miles and again on February 2, 2000 with 32,304 miles. The dealer stated it was a normal characteristic and since no trouble lights come on that the Ford division would not be willing to do anything about the problem. This is Ford problem not mine I have been driving this vehicle under much stress daily and Ford needs to own up to the problem and make the repair at their cost not mine. Ford made the faulty vehicle and I should not be left with the expense of fixing their faulty equipment. Let me add torrington Ford will not be involved in this nor will they touch this vehicle. The Ford dealership will be of my choice and I want a loaner vehicle while the repair is being made. I don't care if they have to replace the transmission, torque converter, front driveshaft and the pinion seal. This vehicle is faulty and it will not be at my expense. Thank you, [xxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Harwinton, CT, USA

problem #5

May 172001

Explorer

  • miles
The crank/drive shaft completely sheared off and fell out with the pulley still attached. The dealer's service manager and three other service personnel stated they have never seen anything like this before. The service manager also stated he could not even begin to explain how it would have happened.

- Lake In The Hills, IL, USA

problem #4

Oct 012000

Explorer

  • miles
On two occasions the driveshaft broke without warning causing the driver to loose temporary control of the vehicle. Nlm

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #3

Dec 121997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at 45 mph, applied brakes, and they went straight to the floorboard. Also, emergency brake didn't work at all, and consumer is having problems with the drive train.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

problem #2

Apr 201998

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving the vehicle made a cracking noise, driveshaft failed, and then became unable to drive. Dealer has fixed it.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #1

Jul 261997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driving 68mph on highway when vehicle started vibrating excessively. Slowed down for 1st exit & vibrations decreased; but started up again. Took to mechanic at gas station to check out & informed was driveshaft. Had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.

- Shelbytownship, MI, USA

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