MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Explorer Sport

▲ Better than typical
1997 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:51.116Z

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
37
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 5 complaints 1997: 37 complaints 1997 37 1998: 121 complaints 1999: 93 complaints 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 37 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 37 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 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% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).

FIREINJURY
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, 2004-01-06

Power train

22% · 8 reports

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, 2012-04-05

Seats

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

FIRE

Tires

11% · 4 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-30

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, 2000-09-05

Service brakes

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

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 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.