2017 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,700 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 34 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 51 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Campaign 26V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Campaign 25V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsSep 11, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
Campaign 19V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
Campaign 17V530000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMay 22, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Campaign 17V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerDec 22, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
Campaign 16V925000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
301 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
Engine shake due for engine mounting damage on transmission and engine mount 3 xplorer 2017 was at the same shop same problem
Engine, Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P0300; and determined that there was an engine misfire. The contact's husband replaced the coil pack and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised that the repair was not associated with any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2024
Driving on the highway heard large rattling noise coming from engine loss of power engine light came on battery light came on no acceleration cause to slow down on highway fortunately I was able to get to shoulder had it towed to service shop had p0012 code tensioner may have broken off on timing belt causing low oil pressure and causing engine rattling noise and engine shut down but service garage don’t do that type of work
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the code indicating the vehicle had been overheating had been displayed however the vehicle had not overheated. The contact's spouse had replaced the sensor but then shortly after while driving 50 MPH the code displayed itself again and the vehicle overheated. The failure had become more persistent and would overheat while driving at various speeds. The Engine Coolant Low warning would illuminate and the message letting them know the engine was overheating had illuminated. The gauge displaying the vehicle temperature would show increased temperatures. The contact noticed at first the vehicle would cool itself down and whenever they would accelerate the vehicle would cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat, water pump, head, and head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The thermostat, water pump, head, and head gasket were all replaced. The dealer had completed an engine flush and oil change coolant flush and refilled the coolant. The failures persisted and the vehicle had been taken to the dealer a total of 3 times. The dealer diagnosed the engine block had failed causing water to enter cylinder #1 causing engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure where it was confirmed the VIN was not covered under recall. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 147,371.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, a message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a Ford certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle. The mechanic made the same assessment and determined that the head gasket and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 24, 2024
While going up a steep hill or mountain the car starts to over heat when you stop pressing the gas the car will start to go back down in to cooler numbers and you can start driving again with no issues until you hit another hill.. car breaks wear out excessively also the car jerks when going into gear to shift
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys, where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the piston rings and cylinder #3. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 and on the spark plugs. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Jul 19, 2024
2017 Ford Explorer 2.3L Ecoboost with 77,000 miles. Check engine light came on and I scanned the car for a cylinder 3 misfire. Changed all spark plugs and coil packs. Cleared the code and Cylinder 3 misfire is showing again. Overheating while idle. Car appears to be gulping down coolant with no sign of leaks.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2024
Vehicle’s coolant over temperature warning light comes on only on highway and vehicles slows, which can cause a crash. However, temp gauge fluctuates quickly going back and forth from normal to hot.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the vehicle was overheating, and the A/C was blowing hot air. The contact also stated that the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who found a failure with the water pump, which affected the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailpipe started smoking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to 2 different independent mechanics however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a turbo oil leak and internal water pump engine leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Engine, Apr 24, 2024
There was a mechanical failure with the internal water pump that caused my engine to seize and render the vehicle non-operational. The water pump and motor have both been inspected by a certified mechanic who has deemed it as such. The vehicle could have broken down on the highway but I was one of the lucky ones that it did not. There was no warning of my engine being bad until the water pump was replaced. The weep hole in the pump caused coolant to enter my oil.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced and that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 199,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant was present inside the engine cylinders and the engine head gasket had leaked. No further information was available. The contact was advised that the engine head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 53,897.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and entering the freeway, the vehicle began to release exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough and was shuddering while starting and driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice. The mechanic determined that rodents had damaged the wiring underneath the hood. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the same assessment was made. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the wiring underneath the hood and the wiring in the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced due to rodent damage. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,877.
Engine, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft solenoid had failed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 141,595.
Power train, Engine, Mar 30, 2024
I have replaced all the starter coil packs in my engine and still have the same problem the codes read misfiring on multiple cylinders wich causes the car to lose power and pull back on the transmission while pushing on the gas pedal this is an ongoing problem
Engine, Mar 27, 2024
Vehicle began leaking coolant. No warning lights came on or anything. Took into repair center and they advised that the water pump needed to be replaced. Over $3,000 to repair and the car is barely over 100,000 miles. Seems to be a major defect as I have read many complaints about this issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and it was diagnosed with a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was taken the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant had leaked onto the O2 sensor and that the water pumped needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 89,600.
Engine, Mar 15, 2024
I was driving on the highway at around 60 mph, I accelerated to pass a car and then the "power" just cut off. The check engine light came on and having my foot on the gas did nothing and the car began to decelerate. Then it started to cycle between kicking in and cutting off for a few seconds, as if it was "catching". Then as I moved over towards the shoulder for safety it resumed normal operation.
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
My transmission went out at 70k miles. Ford told me it was the engine causing the transmission to seize but since they didn’t have an official recall on it, they wouldn’t fix it. It cost me 5k to fix and they had to get 3 different transmissions from ford because the first two were defective. I was out of a car for 8 months
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 11, 2024
- Transmission/torque convertor has and is failing. Results in lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder - Known issue with this make/model/year of vehicle. Failure of the above began at 40,000 some miles and is presently not driveable at only 67,000 miles without an $8-$10,000 repair for a new transmission. - Confirmed with dealer the above issue and is in writing and submitted Case #CAS-47518676-K5Y6Y7 with Ford directly. Located letter sent to dealerships regarding this very issue dated 10/2020. - Vehicle has not been in any accidents, but am receiving a "warning" light indicating failure.