Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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 windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #8

Dec 011999

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Windshield washer comes on intermittently while driving. Vehicle taken to dealer twice, multi function switch was replaced the first time. It did not remedy the problem. Second time dealer could not find cause. The consumer stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for one day in cold weather outside, problem was replicated and they found relays overheating and sticking caused by shorted malfunction switch on prior repair and they replaced both relays.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #7

Dec 021999

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
On the first occasion, the headlights would go out when the turn signal was turned on. The vehicle was out of warranty(over 36,000 miles) so we had our regular mechanic repair, but we asked to keep the replaced part. The most recent problem (only 11/2 years& approx 8000 miles later)was that the windshield wipers would not work. This time we took it to a Ford dealer. The service manager mentioned that there had been a problem with this part and that Ford had made an upgrade, but no recall had been enacted. Again we asked to keep the replaced part (both are Ford parts#13K359). If there are any questions regarding this claim, please leave message on home phone, or contact diane rutt between the hours of 9-5 at 717 336-7534.

- Denver, PA, USA

problem #6

Sep 021999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Windshield wipers intermittently become inoperable in rainy weather conditions.

- Watsonville, CA, USA

problem #5

Feb 141998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Freezing rain the night before a trip occured, wipers stopped working 20 miles into a 130 mile trip and refused to work rest of trip. Requested an appointment with roth Ford in petersburg, wv to enlarge windshield wiper storage area drain hole. Dealer refused, said that at least 20 people had call in with wipers frozen. During the remainder of the trip, I tried to get the wipers to work. They would barely move, but would not operate. After vehicle sat in airport parking lot for 10 days, wipers worked. I saw an article in a recent newspaper about this malfunction, so even though I did not prusue it with the local dealer or with the original dealer, I wanted to inform NHTSA that it is probably more of a problem than the 35 incidents mentioned in the article.

- Cross Lanes, WV, USA

problem #4

Nov 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I saw a tv report about Explorer owners complaining about wipers. Mine don't work in cold or damp weather. They only work after the SUV has been driven several miles. Dealership has no clue on how to fix problem.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #3

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Rear windshield wiper failed.

- Los Angele, CA, USA

problem #2

Jan 041999

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving in cold/ icy weather the windshield wiper arms froze, causing the windshield wipers to be inoperative, which could cause visibility problems and an accident..et.

- Frackville, PA, USA

problem #1

Dec 221997

Explorer

  • miles
Windshield wiper/washer failed, replacement of the multi-function switch and wiper motor did not rectify failures.

- Sanford, FL, USA

Not what you are looking for?