1997 Ford explorer awd ed bauer
1FMDU35P3VZA09433
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Ford explorer awd ed bauer (VIN 1FMDU35P3VZA09433). Red, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 5.0L 8-cyl 211 hp, gasoline. 236,627 mi reported. Registered in Az. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![1997 Ford explorer awd ed bauer, Red, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 1FMDU35P3VZA09433](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/1996-1997_Ford_Explorer_%28UN%29_Limited_01.jpg)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Ford explorer data →
What's a 1997 Ford explorer worth?
What comparable 1997 Ford explorer vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Ford explorer.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Ford explorer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($835) with the same model 3 model-years older ($683), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1FMDU35P3VZA09433
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 1997 ford explorer.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 1,981 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford explorer, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 4 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1981
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Ford explorer.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, THE CONTROL ARMS, T…
NHTSA ODI #11414983ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUSING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT WHEN IT GETS WARM EVEN WH…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11327709SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY LIGHTS DON'T WORK STABILIZING BAR IS BAD,SPEED CONTROL DOSE NOT WORK SECURITY KEY CODE NOT WORKING,DOOR CONTROLS DO NOT WORK.WIPER WORK SOMETIMES.BALL JOINT ARE BAD, TIRES WEARING BAD,,BUSHINGS ARE VERY BAD.TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP,ALL WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT WORK, IT GRINDING SOUND.HEAF LIGHT ONLY BRIGHTS WORK.
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11195896UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT AXLE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL BROKEOFF AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE AND BECAUSE OF THIS CAUSE LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH .THE VEHICLE IS TOTAL LOSS.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11098437SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE TO THE LOCK POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #11020608ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECENTLY FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE HAS AN OPEN RECALL REGARDING THE POSSIBLE LEAKAGE OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT. THE FORD MANUFACTURER'S RECALL #09S09 AND THE NHTSA RECALL #09V399000. THIS IS STILL AN OPEN RECALL.I CONTACTED FORD RECALL CENTER TODAY AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO REMEDY THI…
NHTSA ODI #10970153ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON DECEMBER 23RD, 2016 I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 6:00 PM. MY CAR WAS A 1997 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED ONTO MY ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE, SO, I PULLED OFF INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT BESIDE A WALKING TRAIL. I COULD TELL THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, BUT, IT TOOK ME QUITE A WHILE TO FIGUR…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10938443SEAT BELTS
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NO LONGER SECURELY LATCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712375+ 1973 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 1FMDU35P3VZA09433 valid?
1FMDU35P3VZA09433 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1997 Ford explorer.
Does the 1997 Ford explorer have any open safety recalls?
No open NHTSA safety-recall campaigns were found for the 1997 Ford explorer. CarLogs checks this against official NHTSA data on every lookup.
What is a fair price for a 1997 Ford explorer?
Comparable 1997 Ford explorer listings run roughly $575–$1,250, typically around $835 (from 22 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What fuel economy does the 1997 Ford explorer get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Ford explorer at about 15 mpg combined (14 city / 18 highway).
Data last checked 24 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.