1997 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer, 6% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 117,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “sway bar” (17% of reports).
- 105suspension complaints
- 117,500median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 55%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Sway bar: mentioned in 18 of 105 complaints (17%)
- Ball joints: mentioned in 9 of 105 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 26 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 105 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 7 an injury.
Ford Explorer suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% | 2,289 |
| 2024 Explorer | 3 | 14% | 7,352 |
| 2023 Explorer | 14 | 13% | 3,000 |
| 2022 Explorer | 13 | 5% | — |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 | 3% | 6,010 |
| 2020 Explorer | 35 | 3% | 43,000 |
| 2019 Explorer | 11 | 4% | 88,086 |
| 2018 Explorer | 23 | 3% | 62,500 |
| 2017 Explorer | 58 | 3% | 45,000 |
| 2016 Explorer | 73 | 3% | 67,000 |
| 2015 Explorer | 83 | 5% | 76,000 |
| 2014 Explorer | 103 | 6% | 82,500 |
| 2013 Explorer | 79 | 4% | 96,500 |
| 2012 Explorer | 22 | 3% | 135,500 |
| 2011 Explorer | 24 | 2% | 125,525 |
| 2010 Explorer | 4 | 3% | 35,000 |
| 2009 Explorer | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2008 Explorer | 3 | 2% | 76,000 |
| 2007 Explorer | 6 | 3% | 52,000 |
| 2006 Explorer | 5 | 1% | 45,000 |
| 2005 Explorer | 15 | 3% | 62,376 |
| 2004 Explorer | 37 | 3% | 65,950 |
| 2003 Explorer | 63 | 6% | 72,203 |
| 2002 Explorer | 422 | 13% | 80,000 |
| 2001 Explorer | 43 | 11% | 92,000 |
| 2000 Explorer | 62 | 7% | 57,000 |
| 1999 Explorer | 65 | 5% | 113,850 |
| 1998 Explorer | 111 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 1997 Explorer | 105 | 6% | 117,500 |
| 1996 Explorer | 97 | 7% | 140,000 |
| 1995 Explorer | 93 | 11% | 127,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Suspension
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, a front sway bar link can fracture.
Risk: Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace both the left and right front sway bar links.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it…
My lights don't work stabilizing bar is bad,speed control dose not work security key code not working,door controls do not work.wiper work sometimes.ball joint are bad, tires wearing bad,,bushings are very bad.transmission is starting to slip,all wheel drive does not work, it grinding sound.heaf…
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that when driving approximately 35-40 mph over a road bump, the vehicle would sway from left to right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised that the front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1997 Ford Explorers have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints about suspension for the 1997 Ford Explorer (6% of the 1,731 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Explorer suspension?
Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do suspension problems start?
The median reported mileage is 117,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “sway bar”, in 18 of 105 complaints, followed by “ball joints” (9).
Other 1997 Ford Explorer problems
See all 1997 Ford Explorer problems or suspension problems across all Explorer years.