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Ford Explorer Sport

1997–2001 only

108 classified complaints

1997–2001 Ford Explorer Sport models have 108 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically surfacing around 130,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 1997–2001 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Ford Explorer Sport report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1997–2001

2002–2005

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 1997–2001 only

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 24 complaints

Median onset: 130,000 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Control arms, ball joints and bushings · Suspension 12 complaints

Median onset: 101,000 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $230–$700 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 10 complaints

Median onset: 76,500 miles. 10.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 7 complaints

Median onset: 146,444 miles.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 6 complaints

Median onset: 132,500 miles.

More common in older model years.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 6 complaints

Median onset: 110,575 miles. 33.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Engine and transmission mounts · Engine 5 complaints

Median onset: 144,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Water leaks and seals · Body and interior 5 complaints

Median onset: 86,524 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 1997–2001 model years. See the full Ford Explorer Sport report for every year and full specs/safety data.