MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:51.890Z

Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
6

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1997: 6 complaints 1997 6 1998: 5 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints
1997: 6 complaints 1997 6 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2002 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2004 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2008 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints 2010
1997: 6 complaints 1997 6 1998: 5 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 167 complaints 2001 2002: 144 complaints 2002 2003: 78 complaints 2003 2004: 86 complaints 2004 2005: 66 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 100 complaints 2007 2008: 23 complaints 2008 2009: 6 complaints 2009 2010: 31 complaints 2010

1997: 6 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19976
19985
19990
20003
2001167
2002144
200378
200486
200566
20065
2007100
200823
20096
201031

Known problem areas

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving 1997 Ford explorer xlt 4X4 V6 sohc upon acceleration on to freeway, the gas peddle stuck to floor and would not release.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-27

Suspension

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Structure

1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hatchback/liftgate.

Seat belts

1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

I drive a 1997 Ford explorer xlt. The driver's side seat belt today became unlatched when I hit the breaks hard. This is the second time that this has happened. Had I hit another car, I would have gone through the windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-09

Power train

1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 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 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 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.