Ford Explorer sport 1997 problems

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The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.

The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.

Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.

For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).

In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.

Ford Explorer sport 1997

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Common Ford Explorer sport 1997 problems

The 1997 Ford Explorer Sport is a popular SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:

  • Defective Plastic Intake Manifold: The 1997 Ford Explorer Sport's plastic intake manifold is prone to cracking, leading to a detrimental coolant leak. This issue can be detected by observing an unusual vehicle idling, requiring a regular oil change. There is no specific repair for this fault, and a complete replacement of the plastic intake manifold is necessary.
  • Rear Seat Problems: Owners of the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport have reported issues with broken rear seat belt buckle assemblies. The front seat may not recline properly, and the rear passenger side seat belt may not retract as expected. The back seat belt can become trapped inside the seat belt mechanism, requiring replacement due to design failure.
  • Heater Core Leaking: The 1997 Ford Explorer Sport models have a leaking heater core problem that requires expert mechanic diagnosis and replacement. This issue can cause the check engine light to come on and not go off even after fixing it. Faulty oxygen sensors and engine problems can also contribute to this problem.

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. It is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid more severe or life-threatening accidents. Expert mechanics can help diagnose and fix these problems to ensure the vehicle's reliability and safety.

Ford Explorer sport 1997 engine

How many miles can a 97 Ford Explorer last?

According to MotorBiscuit.com, the average Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles. SUV owners looking to surpass 200,000 miles will need to provide their vehicle with the proper care. This range could mean your vehicle lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

What years did the Ford Explorer have transmission problems?

Quick Answer: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

The 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 models have the most Ford Explorer transmission problems. The other models offer a much better experience on the road with this valuable component.

What is the common problem with Ford Explorer?

Yet, many model year Ford Explorers are plagued with problems, including problems with the engine, transmission, steering, wheels, body paint, and interior accessories.

What is the most reliable year of Ford Explorer?

Reliability and Long-Term Value, Even in Pre-Owned Models

Some of the most reliable model years to buy used include the 2010, 2011, and 2012 models, as well as the 2019 model if you're looking for a newer design style, or the 1993 model if you're looking for something with a little more of a vintage flair.

What is the biggest problem with Ford Explorer?

The biggest complaints with this generation are the transmission (33 percent), engine (25 percent), and electrical (seven percent). Other complaints included fuel, the cooling system, wheels, and steering.

How many miles can a 97 Ford Explorer last?

According to MotorBiscuit.com, the average Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles. SUV owners looking to surpass 200,000 miles will need to provide their vehicle with the proper care. This range could mean your vehicle lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Is Ford Explorer high maintenance?

Overall, the Ford Explorer requires less unscheduled maintenance than the average vehicle. This is promising for those who are trying to stick to a budget when it comes to their automobile costs. Additionally, the cost to insure a Ford Explorer averages to about $1,795 a year.

What generation is a 1997 Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer 2nd Generation (UN105) 1995 - 1997.

Ford Explorer sport 1997 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Explorer sport 1997.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about Ford Explorer sport 1997 problems:

1996/1997 xlt common problems? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious ...
1996/1997 xlt common problems? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/1996-1997-xlt-common-problems.65255/

Dec 16, 2002 ... On all V6 models, the trannies are weak. On 4x4 models, the front hub assemblies, and cv joints are prone to failure. On 2wd and 4wd, the ball ...

1997 Ford Explorer Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
1997 Ford Explorer Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-ford-explorer/problems

Top 1997 Ford Explorer Problems · Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door · Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From ...

Ford Explorer 2003 XLT: Common Problems & Transmission Issues
Ford Explorer 2003 XLT: Common Problems & Transmission Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/62ll6-2003-ford-explorer-xlt-shift-3rd-it-may-even-stay-second-gear.html

Jan 8, 2012 ... My 2003 Ford Explorer XLT while driving will not shift from 2nd to 3rd. Sometimes it may even stay in second gear when I - Answered by a ...

1997 XLT rough idle problems | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious ...
1997 XLT rough idle problems | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious ...
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/1997-xlt-rough-idle-problems.429462/

Jun 29, 2015 ... Hey all, got a problem that I need a little help with. I have a 1997 Explorer XLT with the SOHC 4.0 V6. Recently the truck has been idling ...

2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L v6 common problems/tips : r ...
2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L v6 common problems/tips : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/FordExplorer/comments/lpfnmr/2013_ford_explorer_xlt_35l_v6_common_problemstips/

Feb 22, 2021 ... Im looking at a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L V6 with 90k miles, I was wondering if there's any common problems I should be aware of.

Other years of Ford Explorer sport

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