1997 Ford Explorer drivetrain & axles problems
49 complaints about drivetrain & axles have been filed for the 1997 Ford Explorer, which is 2% of all its NHTSA complaints.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 49 2% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 111,000 miles 12 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When drivetrain & axles problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 12 drivetrain & axles complaints that report mileage, the median is about 111,000 miles, and 17% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes.
What owners wrote
Started applying brakes after going 30MPH. Vehicle did not slow down or stop. Rearended several vehicles. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Left front wheel came off. Prior to impact, cv joint made knocking noise when turning. Took to dealer twice for knocking noise.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving approximately 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle began to jerk excessively. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. He noticed that the rear driver's side axle was split in half. The failure occurred without warning. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer
- Tires 764 complaints
- Cruise control 213 complaints
- Engine 212 complaints
- Suspension 112 complaints
- Brakes 106 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 97 complaints
- Electrical system 86 complaints
- Transmission 71 complaints