1997 Ford Explorer wheels problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the wheels on the 1997 Ford Explorer — 1% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the rims were completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage…”
filed Oct 1, 2013
“Right rear wheel detached from 1997 eddie bauer explorer on freeway near rawlins wyoming on 7-3-03 the rate of speed was approx. 70 mph the rear tires were replaced about 4000 miles prior to the incident. I witnessed the installer torque the lugnuts to specs.*ak”
filed Jul 6, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Wheels problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 15 | 1% |
| 2019 Explorer | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 Explorer | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 Explorer | 20 | 1% |
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.