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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,786 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 engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #14

Aug 032002

Explorer

  • miles

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

Consumer states while driving the accelerator pedel sticks causing the vehicle to surge forward.

- Haddam, CT, USA

problem #13

Nov 222002

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
Accelerator pedal was stuck when applied to pass on an incline. Dealer notified. Ts dealership removed throttle cable and found frayed fragments inside cable covering. There was a recall regarding this condition however, vehicle's VIN was not included. Had multiple problems with hood latch. Cruise control engaged on its own.

- Victor, ID, USA

problem #12

Mar 282002

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The throttle cable on our Explorer snapped when the car was being put on cruise control; the car accelerated to 75 mph. Our 19 yr. Old daughter put both feet on the brakes but could only get the car down to 55 mph. She was weaving in and out of traffic on the dulles access rd but was able to grab her cell phone and call 911. They asked her if she could get over to the right side of the road (which she managed to do) and told her to put the car in neutral. She followed their instructions and was able to roll to a stop without hitting any one or anything...a miracle. No one was injured. The car suffered $3500 worth of damage. Ford has said that they are not responsible for this.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #11

Feb 012001

Explorer

  • miles

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

While driving took foot off accelerator to slow down and car started to accelerate, then once gas pedal got stuck. Consumer had to manually pull it back up.

- West Lynn, MA, USA

problem #10

Apr 172001

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving about 55 mph vehicle suddenly accelerated without prior warning, and odometer will stay stuck in place. Consumer states vehicle has been repaired, and transmission has been rebuilt.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #9

Dec 011999

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Sudden acceleration when engine is cold. Vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and unable to locate the problem.

- Meridian, MS, USA

problem #8

Jan 012000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Light switch assembly on T cruise control on the steering column has failed twice in less than 12 months. Do not believe this should be happening & could cause problem when driving at night trying to figure out which switch to use.-- (tiresize: 235/75R15)( dot number: Tire size: 235/75R15 )

- Frankfort, IN, USA

problem #7

Jul 122000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While in a parking lot space vehicle suddenly accelerated without a prior warning, lost control and stroke a bulding.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #6

Jan 051999

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle experiences sudden acceleration. Mehicanic is having a hard time trying to get part in because Ford is redesigning the part.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #5

Jun 051999

Explorer

  • miles
When consumer was trying to turn off the engine the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Driver couldn't stop vehicle by applying brakes, and he had to move the pawl to neutral and turn switch off. Cruise control failed. The entire keyless entry electronic system failure caused the starter kept turning over and over, but the engine did not start.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #4

Jan 271998

Explorer

  • miles

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

Throttle body was sticking and defective, consumer having problem with getting part from dealer bacause of back orders.

- Crestview Hills, KY, USA

problem #3

Nov 011997

Explorer

  • miles
Accelerator sticks and causes unintended acceleration due to a dirty throttle assembly.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #2

Oct 201997

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While driving 70 mph with the cruise control on, the vehicle increased its speed to 85 mph and would not decrease speed, until after having to press brakes for several seconds.

- New Hudson, MI, USA

problem #1

Jun 231997

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Accelerator stuck, causing sudden acceleration. (attorney of client)

- Tulsa, OK, USA

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