1997 Ford Explorer visibility problems
90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the visibility on the 1997 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed that the defroster was not functioning and the windshield would not clear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the dashboard would have to be…”
filed Nov 16, 2011
“Have experienced periods when the windshield wipers do not operate when the control is on. Has occurred when first turning on the control as well as when changing from a different speed setting on the control. No regularity in the occurrence, seems to be random. This has occurred many times during…”
filed Mar 5, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Visibility problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 2 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 Explorer | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 | 4% |
| 2020 Explorer | 13 | 1% |
| 2019 Explorer | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 Explorer | 31 | 2% |
| 2016 Explorer | 36 | 1% |
| 2015 Explorer | 20 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 27 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.