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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 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 012002

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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 #5

Mar 222001

Explorer

  • miles
While driving about any mph could lose control of vehicle due to steering. Took vehicle to dealer, and they found out that rack and pinion was leaking oil and had to be replaced.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #4

Mar 231997

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Was driving to Georgia & steering was not handling properly. Took to dealer in ga & vehicle placed on machine. Nothing was found. Moved to nc 1 1/2 yr later & had regular maintenance done. Also had steering checked again due to same problem. Nothing found again. Vehicle went for inspection & failed due to problem with steering. Took to local mechanic & indication was rack & pinion was messing up. Took back to dealership & mechanic indicated a problem with the rack & pinion & it needed to be repaired or replaced.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #3

Mar 221999

Explorer

  • miles

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

Rack and pinion steering is defective. Also, power steering makes loud noises when turning. Would lose power steering fluid. Will be taking to dealer to have it checked.

- Newbury Park, CA, USA

problem #2

Dec 231997

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Rack and pinion steering too sensitive and too tight, causing lack of steering control (wanders).

- Palm Coast, FL, USA

problem #1

Oct 271997

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving the engine cut completely off. Dealer replaced engine. Consumer states that after engine replacement, oil pump assembly failed and then oil was leaking again after that was replaced, dealer has agreed to replace consumer's explorere with a 1998 model. Rack and steering was replaced, due to lost fluid in front end. Seat bracket failed.

- Cridersville, OH, USA

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