Six problems related to driveshaft have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Getting on highway at 55 mph, steering wheel and front of car began excessive vibrating (shaking and sputtering). Car cut off at side of road. Towed to dealer who said they never heard of symptoms and could not reproduce problem (after 4 days). On day 4 they told me it was my driveshaft which needed to be replaced. Car has not been the same since and still maintains a constant vibrating although significantly different than first episode. Car still has troubles at 70-75 mphs.
The crank/drive shaft completely sheared off and fell out with the pulley still attached. The dealer's service manager and three other service personnel stated they have never seen anything like this before. The service manager also stated he could not even begin to explain how it would have happened.
On two occasions the driveshaft broke without warning causing the driver to loose temporary control of the vehicle. Nlm.
Left front drive shaft worn out and replaced.
Driving 68mph on highway when vehicle started vibrating excessively. Slowed down for 1st exit & vibrations decreased; but started up again. Took to mechanic at gas station to check out & informed was driveshaft. Had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.
While driving the vehicle made a cracking noise, driveshaft failed, and then became unable to drive. Dealer has fixed it.