AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1997 Chevrolet Explorer

SUV, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 1, 1999 to May 29, 2003.

Recalls (0)Complaints (9)Investigations (0)Bulletins (4)
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints9Below the median 1997 suv
Severity index11.11997 suvs average 13.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer peaked in 2000, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012319993200220052008201120142017202020232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer name lighting

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Lighting
3
Engine and cooling
2
Powertrain
2
Speed control
2
Steering
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1997 Chevrolet Explorer

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 29, 2003Failure May 29, 2003Philadelphia, PAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10021842
  2. Filed Jan 14, 2003Failure Jan 3, 2003Burlington, MAVehicle speed controlCrash

    VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 10003831
  3. Filed Jul 30, 2002Norwell, MAAutomatic transmission

    CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 8015159
  4. Filed May 9, 2002Failure May 6, 2002Newlondon, CTInterior lighting

    COURTESY LAMP IN VEHICLE STAYS ON, AND IS UNABLE TO TURN IT OFF.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 8009544
  5. Filed Aug 7, 2000Failure Apr 23, 2000Tampa, FLTail lights, Tread/belt

    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. THE TRED PEELED OFF OF THE TIRE AND BENT THE REAR FENDER UNDER THE CAR. IT ALSO BROKE THE REAR TAIL LIGHT AND SCRATCHED THE PAINT. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH NATIONWIDE INS. AND WITH FORD MOTOR CREDIT.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235/75 )

    NHTSA complaint 726889
  6. Filed Jun 7, 2000Idaho Falls, IDHydraulic power assist system

    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

    NHTSA complaint 723703
  7. Filed Apr 10, 2000Failure Apr 8, 2000Lexington, KYAccelerator pedal

    WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL ANCHOR SEPARATED FROM FIREWALL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IDLE AND NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 859996
  8. Filed Feb 1, 1999Santa Moni, CAEngine and engine cooling, Turn signal

    TEMPREATURE AND DIRECTIONAL GUAGE FAILED. YH

    NHTSA complaint 608728
  9. Filed Feb 1, 1999Santa Paul, CAClutch assembly

    CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER BECAME NOISY. YH

    NHTSA complaint 607401
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

4 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • Recalls Jun 30, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle Recalls
  • 130089009 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
  • 17-NA-073 Feb 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
  • 16NA260 Aug 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins