1997 Chevrolet Explorer
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 5 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2002 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle sudden accelerated out of control, resulting in consumer's vehicle hitting another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-14
Power train
2 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Clutch slave cylinder became noisy. Yh
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-21
Exterior lighting
2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal and tail lights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tempreature and directional guage failed. Yh
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-30
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at 20MPH engine shutdown, forcing vehicle to pull off the road. Crankshaft broke inside engine. Dealer notified nothing they could do. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-29
Tires
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Chevrolet Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.