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5.1

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,600 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 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #10

Jun 012010

Explorer

  • 196,000 miles

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

Multiple issues with vehicle when turning either right or left vehicle comes to a complete stops then a very loud bang is heard, told it was hub but replaced hub and still happens, was also told it was U-joint on drive shaft have yet to replace it have not notified dealer as of yet.

- Brentwood, NY, USA

problem #9

Mar 152003

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and with no warning steering bolts are lose and it is causing the steering wheel to jump around, making it hard for consumer to steer the vehicle. Dealer notified.

- Clarksburg, WV, USA

problem #8

Jul 012002

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling 10-15mph on highway and without prior warning, consumer was turning left approching her driveway and the steering wheel became hard to turn. Dealership was aware of problem. Consumer states that the rack and pinion part of the steering unit failed. Ford Motor Company repaired the problem.

- Lamont, MI, USA

problem #7

May 062001

Explorer

  • miles

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

When truning the steering it would get hard in different places.

- Thomaston, AL, USA

problem #6

May 102000

Explorer

  • miles
Camber caster and toe misadjusted. Nlm

- La Grange, KY, USA

problem #5

Sep 171999

Explorer

  • miles
Engine misses and stalls in various situations including highway speeds and from a stop. Dealer has been unable to repair after replacing ignition wires and vaccuum assembly. I consider this to be a very dangerous situation because of loss of power steering and brakes. It also causes the vehicle to act as if the brakes have been applied causing a stop from high speeds.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #4

Jul 251999

Explorer

  • miles

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

Vehicle lost control over vehicle while towing trailer, resulting in crashing into barriers. (Ohio traffic crash reports). Mjs

- Reading, PA, USA

problem #3

Feb 241999

Explorer

  • miles
When driving at any speed and making any type of turn, the steering wheel is jumping and consumer almost lost control of the vehicle.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #2

Mar 241998

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has very sensitive steering when driving 50 mph or more.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #1

Nov 011996

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 50 mph the steering vibrates, causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel.

- New London, NH, USA

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