What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-1997 Ford Explorer has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023), 5R55E Automatic Transmission Reverse Loss and Forward Clutch Slipping, 4.0L SOHC Camshaft Position Sensor and Synchronizer Failure Causing P0340 Misfire and Stalling. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 1997-1997 Ford Explorer has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023) and 5R55E Automatic Transmission Reverse Loss and Forward Clutch Slipping. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023), typically costs $0-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1995-2001 Ford Explorer Firestone/Wilderness AT Tire Tread Separation Causing Blowouts and Rollovers (Recall EA00-023)?
The 1995-2001 Explorer was factory-fitted with P235/75R15 Firestone Radial ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires that suffered tread-belt separation, especially in hot climates and when underinflated to Ford's low placard pressure. A rear tread separation at highway speed frequentl… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2001 Ford Explorer 5R55E Automatic Transmission Reverse Loss and Forward Clutch Slipping?
The 5R55E five-speed automatic (behind the 4.0L before the 5R55W/S arrived for 2002) commonly loses reverse and/or slips in Drive/1st as the low/reverse sprag, reverse clutch pack, and forward clutch wear. A broken tab on the pressure-regulating (EPC) solenoid in the valve body d… Repairs typically run $900-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2005 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC Camshaft Position Sensor and Synchronizer Failure Causing P0340 Misfire and Stalling?
The 4.0L V6 uses a camshaft synchronizer (a gear-driven cylindrical housing that also drives the oil pump intermediate shaft) with the camshaft position sensor mounted on top. The plastic vane/'flag' on the synchronizer and the sensor's internal magnet wear or come apart, manglin… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1997-2003 Ford Explorer Intake Manifold / PCV Vacuum Leak on 4.0L SOHC Causing P0171/P0174 Lean Codes and Rough Idle?
The 4.0L SOHC V6 is notorious for lean-bank codes P0171 and P0174 caused by unmetered air leaks rather than a dirty MAF. The plastic upper intake manifold and its rubber O-ring gaskets, plus the heat-degraded PCV elbow/hose near the throttle body, crack and collapse under vacuum,… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 1995-2010 Ford Explorer Power Window Regulator Cable/Clip Failure Causing Window to Fall Into the Door?
The cable-drive window regulators on the Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac fail as their plastic cable guides crack and the steel lift cable frays or jumps off the drum. The window then binds, drops crooked, or falls down inside the door — the motor often still runs. The front door… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 1997-2005 Ford Explorer DPFE Sensor / EGR Failure Setting P0401 and Companion P0171/P0174 Lean Codes?
The Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) sensor on the 4.0L/4.6L Explorer has a very high failure rate past ~60k miles. Internal corrosion makes it under-report EGR flow, so the PCM sets P0401 (insufficient EGR flow) and can hold the EGR valve open too long, producing a lean… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: low.
