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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
33,667 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 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #15

Mar 012016

Explorer

  • 285,000 miles

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

The drivers side seatbelt will not engage to the lock position.

- El Sobrante, CA, USA

problem #14

Mar 012011

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver and passenger seat bolts fractured and caused the seats to separate from the frame. The bolts were replaced several times; however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V281000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage as 330,000.

- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

problem #13

Dec 082006

Explorer 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that a vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle and the driver side seat belt failed to restrain. The contact received injuries to the shoulder and neck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the failure was located at the driver seat. The dealer advised that the seat was detached from the base and caused the seat belt buckle to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/01/11 updated 1/19/2012

- Anchorage , AK, USA

problem #12

Sep 122003

Explorer

  • miles

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

NHTSA# 03-V-281-000 on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. The consumer has the same problem.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #11

Apr 272002

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When making a right turn driver's side seat leans from side to side. Took to Ford, and they welded driver's side seat. Consumer is asking for refund.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #10

Sep 252001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
While stopped at a traffic light, vehicle was rear ended by another SUV going approximately 60mph. The back support for the drivers seat apparently broke as a result of the impact and went to a fully reclined position, providing no support. As a result, my wife sustained neck and lower back injuries (herniated disks) among other injuries. Have any other problems been reported regarding the seat failing to hold up and provide proper support during a severe rear end collision?

- South Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #9

Mar 012000

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Holes in the seat and the lever is broken.

- Baldwin, NY, USA

problem #8

Apr 011997

Explorer

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Laguna Beach, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 011998

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front seat track failed.

- Los Angele, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 281999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Adjustment handle snapped off of seat.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #5

Jan 291999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles

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

While driving and applying gas the driver's seat rocks back and forth. Also, when the brakes are applied the seat rocks forward. Dealer was contacted.

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #4

Mar 241998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Rear seats not designed to lock down.

- Spring Hil, FL, USA

problem #3

Mar 031998

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Flaw in seat cover.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #2

Nov 101997

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Child got hand stuck in seat while playing with the control buttons, the child sustained injuries due to failure.

- Miami, 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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