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 and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed a coolant leak coming from the water pump. The coolant level was low, so the contact added coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Mar 13, 2023
Need a new transmission when I need to press the gas it won’t go it like I’m just pushing the gas in park
Engine, Mar 9, 2023
Vehicle began overheating and repair shop advised it appears to be a water pump issue. The vehicle only has 107000 miles on it. Was quoted $2500-3000 for repair due to pump being built into the engine.
Engine, Feb 23, 2023
Pulled my Explorer into the driveway because the temperature gauge came on While driving up my hill. Then when pulling in the driveway there was fluid leaking throughout my driveway and then there was a big puddle. I had it towed to a local service station in my town and I just got the estimate. The water pump was no good. I have only 74,599 miles on my SUV. I just found out that in the past (2011-2016) Explorers had issues with the water pumps. I brought it to a local auto repair station because I couldn't get my explorer in for 3 weeks at a local dealership.
Engine, Feb 18, 2023
Internal water pump failed. Dealer indicated that it needs replacement at a cost of $4,000. This is a know issue for Ford Explorer models for multiple years going back to 2011 including the model year 2017. Ford has not recalled the vehicles with this safety issue. Vehicles can overheat and cause engine damage including my location in the Phoenix Desert.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was parked, there was a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it remained awaiting parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2023
Coolant intrusion into the motor causing the motor to overheat Ford recommend new motor but will not take responsibility of the cost. There was a recall on the 2.0 motor but not on the 2.3 and it is the same design of motor. The problem is the way Ford design the motor the new ones after 2017 are designed differently.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 1, 2023
The transmission would slip and/or lag. This started around 65k miles. It was reported to the dealer, they couldn’t reproduce it. Then at 101k miles the engine started vibrating when in gear and idling. Motor mounts were replaced, but the problem persisted. Eventually got the entire transmission replaced.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
Water pump leaking
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a bluish-gray cloud of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger leaked on the engine and the turbocharger tubes needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
Driving on busy interstate at approximately 55mph there was a sudden loss of acceleration ability and check engine light came on, white smoke coming from exhaust. Car was taken to dealership and diagnosed with bank 1 broken turbocharger turbine wheel, and bank 2 turbocharger turbine wheel damaged requiring replacement of both turbocharger turbine wheels, both catalytic converter assemblies, o2 sensors, tailpipe, flex pipe, gaskets. Estimated repair cost greater than $9000. Mechanic at dealership reports this is a very common problem with this vehicle. Vehicle at 88k miles with routine maintenance and no collisions, similar recall for other years of same make and model
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
I own a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with 2.3L Eco Boost. It was recently diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was told there is nothing that can be done about it other than buying a new engine. Since August 2022, this car has had the "check engine" light on and has been to several different mechanics and 2 different Ford dealers before finally being diagnosed. After researching this issuer, I have learned that Ford has known about this issue since 2010 and chosen to do nothing about it. I have been driving this vehicle around, not knowing that this problem could cause the engine to catch on fire, endangering all the lives of my family! Ford should take responsibility for this issue and replace the engine!
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that carbon monoxide was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle after driving short distances. The contact stated that he felt lightheaded while driving the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
After purchasing a 2017 Ford Explorer Eco Boost (65K miles) it was only 6 -7 months (yes months) later that I would find myself in a devastating car situation. At exactly 72,000 miles, I discovered my engine would need to be completely replaced. I discovered this after having my vehicle diagnosed at the Ford dealership. Coolant in the #2 and #3 cylinders. The dealership said it would cost $9500 for a new motor. I just bought the car! After searching the internet, I am finding more and more people are having the same problems, and some are prone to engine fire! I have children! There is already law suite against the Ford Company, But I try to do the right thing, I called Ford Motor Company to report my problem. Case No. CAS-39543003-F9S9T0 CRM:040000805. They said they would look into it. My hopes were up. I received a call, They know it is a default in the motor but it has not been recalled yet! Really! So I’m supposed to wait until there is a recall! I was so upset! She did say that they would pay for $4500, but I only have 30 days to let them know if I will take their offer. I told her I don’t have $5 - $6000 sitting around. Ford motors is aware of this issue and has refused to offer assistance in the whole cost. It should be a recall...
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message to "See Owner’s Manual" and the coolant level overheating warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was made aware that there was a coolant leak and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed that the spark plugs were crossed in the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the spark plugs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge failed to increase. The contact stated that a message appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the engine power had been reduced to prevent engine failure. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, he noticed that coolant was leaking on the ground. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the potential cause was due to a faulty water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 17, 2022
No warning lights, took vehicle in for clicking noise - diagnosed ball joint repair. Also Ford dealers tells me my water pump is leaking and repair will cost over $3,500. I have read that this is a common problem and I would like to report it.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine overheating warning message would appear on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty and linked the failure to a defective water pump. The mechanic then referred her to a dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that they might help if a diagnostic test was performed by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2022
I took my Vehicle in because the AC stop blowing cold air, and the overheating lights kept coming on. After waiting for a week, I was told it was a water pump but that did not fixed the AC being at all, couple days later I got a call from the dealership (GRAPEVINE FORD) that the compressor went out. After 3 weeks of waiting, I end up paying out of pocket what is supposed to be covered based of this letter I received from FORD. I feel like I should not have to pay for something that FORD should have covered. Letter below explained the very issues I had with the vehicle, including OVERHEATING and damages like bad cooling relay would cause.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, warning message regarding the engine cooling was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while walking up to the vehicle parked in the driveway, she noticed a trail of fluid in the driveway. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to add water to the radiator and to bring the vehicle in to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump had leaked and caused coolant to leak into the engine, causing the engine to be damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,891.