1997 Ford Explorer latches/locks/linkages problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the latches/locks/linkages on the 1997 Ford Explorer — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The driver side door will not open from inside the passenger compartment. The lock sticks and will only open from outside the vehicle. The door lock itself is not working and when the contact pushes the unlock control on the door panel, it fails to unlock…”
filed Dec 6, 2007
“Several problems with this auto, it seems to be falling apart. The driver side seat belt no longer latches. We have to loop the driver side through the passenger side. It appears this is an issue with several of these models. This is a serious safety hazard and seat belts are mandatory by law. Is…”
filed Jul 25, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Latches/locks/linkages problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 Explorer | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 Explorer | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 Explorer | 5 | 0% |
| 2015 Explorer | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 Explorer | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 Explorer | 16 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.