The 1997 Ford Explorer has two recalls, the more serious being a fuel line that can overheat and be damaged during a jump-start if the jumper cable ground is clipped to the fuel line bracket near the battery.
Because that bracket is not actually grounded, the electrical current travels through the braided fuel line itself, which can overheat and damage the inner lining of the line, raising the risk of a fuel leak. The second recall involves the throttle body, where a narrow gap between the throttle plate and the bore can allow normal engine deposits to bridge the opening, preventing the throttle from closing fully and causing the engine to idle too high or not return to idle as expected.
At a glance
What can fail
The throttle body opening is too narrow. Engine deposits can build up and harden across the gap, causing the throttle plate to stick when you first press the accelerator after the engine cools.
What the fix does
The throttle body will be replaced with a corrected part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line bracket near the battery isn't a proper ground. Using it as a jump-start ground point causes electrical current to flow through the fuel line's outer braid, overheating the inner liner and potentially damaging it. This can lead to fuel leaks and fire.
What the fix does
A warning label will be installed on the fuel line bracket. A new bolt on the alternator bracket provides a proper jump-start ground point instead.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
