1997 Ford Explorer structure problems
50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 1997 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The driver side interior door handle return spring unseated resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation. If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, could the door unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of…”
filed Apr 8, 2015
“I own a ford explorer xlt 1997 and the rear passenger door on the drivers side only opens from the inside while the other rear passenger door will not open from the inside or out (child lock not activated). The drivers door doesn't lock and when it does lock, it doesn't unlock or sticks so bad it…”
filed Jun 5, 2013
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 23 | 6% |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 146 | 51% |
| 2018 Explorer | 286 | 40% |
| 2017 Explorer | 642 | 38% |
| 2016 Explorer | 577 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 401 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 274 | 16% |
| 2013 Explorer | 436 | 20% |
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.