Two problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving lost control of vehicle and side driving a rock wall. Then, vehicle stopped and found out that left front and left rear tires were blownout without a prior warning. Consumer said it felt like steering wheel locked up. Firestone, wildeness at, t-255/70r16 109s radio.
Bolt holding steering column together fell out. The steering wheel became separated from the wheels.