1997 Chevrolet Explorer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Lights (3), Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/29/2003 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH ENGINE SHUTDOWN, FORCING VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CRANKSHAFT BROKE INSIDE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
01/14/2003 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*JB
07/30/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM.*AK
05/09/2002 · Lights
COURTESY LAMP IN VEHICLE STAYS ON, AND IS UNABLE TO TURN IT OFF.*AK
08/07/2000 · Lights
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON I 75 IN FLORIDA GOING ABOUT 60MPH ON EASTER SUNDAY 2000(1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT). WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CAR PULLED SUDDENLY TO THE RIGHT, I MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AND STOP IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE TIRE DID $2800($500 DEDUCTABLE) IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICAL. T…
06/07/2000 · Steering
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT CAME LOOSE AND THE WHEEL TURNS FREE. THIS HAPPENS FOR A SPLIT SECOND THEN THE POWER STEERING TAKES HOLD AGAIN. *AK
04/10/2000 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL ANCHOR SEPARATED FROM FIREWALL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IDLE AND NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
02/01/1999 · Engine
TEMPREATURE AND DIRECTIONAL GUAGE FAILED. YH