1997 Ford Explorer Sport Trac problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal (1) · Suspension:front (1) · Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (3)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components 2002-05-01 · 15910 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
concerns with brake vibration, roughness and / or grinding noise, and excessive brake rotor corrosion. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline 2002-01-01 · 15040 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles including 1997 through 1999 explorer sport trac equipped with a 4.0l sohc engine may exhibit a start-up noise from the left front of the engine. *tt
Power Train:axle Assembly 2001-04-30 · 0186 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
on some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube. *tt
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.