MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Explorer Sport

▲ Better than typical
1997 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:55:24.615Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Sport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
1997: 37 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19935
199737
1998121
199993
200071
2001188
2002133
200365
200418
20055

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TO BEST DESCRIBE MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAMSHAFT BROKE OFF RIGHT AT TIMING PULLEY.THIS BREAK CAUSE THE SERPENTINE BELT TO WRAP AROUND ALL THE OTHER COMPONENTS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040106

POWER TRAIN 22%

22% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and manual transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN IT ROLLED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120405

SEATS 14%

14% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

FIRE
TIRES 11%

11% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, HE WAS ADVISED THAT HE DID MEET THE RECALL CRITERIA, BUT THE TIRES THAT HE HAS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED IN DECATUR IL. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20010530

I OWN A 1997 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, VIN # [XXX] PURCHASED BY ME IN DECEMBER 1996 IN NJ, THAT HAS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT P255/70R16 TIRES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000905

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2000 ● 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.