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
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2022
Carbon monoxide leaking into my car—tailgate area and through the front hvac. Weird sound from engine that sounds and smells like electrical burning or something overheating.
Engine, Jul 17, 2022
Ford Eco Boost Coolant Intrusion Issues. If the car sits an idles the coolant light will come on an say the coolant is too hotIf I run the air conditioning it will do the say, or drive it on the freeway. There are no leaks, no were. And you can smell the coolant, it smells really hot. My engine line is on.
Engine, Jul 14, 2022
Transmission is giving out has turned off while driving and sometimes it won't go reverse and Or won't go into gears Machine shows code p0731
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 3, 2022
Water pump failed and coolant leaked into the engine
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump weep hole was leaking, causing the water pump to be damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Engine, Jan 11, 2022
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer with a 2.3 EcoBoost Four-Cylinder with 59k mileage. Back in November of 2021 My Ford dealership said Coolant is leaking into the Cylinder head causing the car to misfile after a check engine light diagnoses. This causes the car to overheat and can cause major issues. Now i need my entire engine replaced. I have a read that this a know issue in other Ford SUVs in but not in a Ford Explorers, however I have the same engine type. This is a problem for the Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder engines produced since 2010.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2021
INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH
Engine, Sep 16, 2021
car stops an air-conditioned Bell Brooking due to bearing inside a clutch on the AC compressor !! I was on the highway and the car just stops I almost got hit from behind
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
About a week ago I started smelling coolant after shutting down the engine, took the vehicle to my mechanic and was informed that the water pump is going bad.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2021
The Electrical Water Pump failed. Had to replace the water pump and the Ford Dealer said my car isn't covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program 18L02. Which my vehicle is. Safe Concern is the car will over heat and the engine will cease. The Pump has been confirmed from a independent service center. The water pump has been inspected by my mechanic. When getting an oil change they said my coolant was really low. Went to my mechanic and they stated that the water pump is bad. He also stated that this was his 9th water pump replacement on the 2017 Ford Explorer.
Engine, Jul 11, 2021
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle lost power due to a main crankshaft bearing failure. The vehicle was repaired at a Ford Dealer and was not under warranty at the time. I was forced to pull off the road due to the loss of power while travelling on a busy highway creating an unsafe emergency situation. There was no warning lights or warnings of any given before the engine failure. It simply lost power and stopped working.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2021
Initially the cars check engine light came on intermittently for about 3 days, then one day while driving the wrench light came on and the car immediately started decelerating - almost as if I was breaking hard, and would not accelerate over 30. After turning it on and off multiple times the light went away for days until my appointment with the mechanic, that same day it came back on. We went to a Ford dealership and they said it was the throttle body and repaired it. Two weeks later the same issue occurred. I know this was a big issue in 2016 and earlier models, I believe the problem was never fixed in 2017 models. Our car is currently in the shop and they are "emailing Ford" about what to do. The first incident I was on the interstate when I stopped abruptly and the second was on the highway. I luckily had no one behind me both times otherwise this could've easily caused an accident.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 12, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have been experiencing the smell of gas/exhaust leaking into the cabin. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am concern with the health issues that this smell could put my family and I in. Specially if theirs a possibility that carbon monoxide could be leaking into the cabin. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I had the vehicle inspected by Ford but they advise that they couldn’t reproduce the smell. They also advice that their were a two drain plugs missing in the lift gate which would resolve the issue if replaced. I have replaced the two missing plugs and continue to experience the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?no
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
47k miles. 2.3L Eco-Boost. Rough idle, vibration/shaking sometimes at start, slow acceleration, Engine Coolant High Temp light came on for a minute while driving, Check Engine light came on after another rough start (stayed on) took it to Ford for service, they said several misfires, coolant in cylinders, and now possibly a blown head gasket. Waiting for word from Ford service dept, may need an engine replacement. Thankfully, covered by warranty, for now.
Engine, May 27, 2021
‘17 Explorer with 32,000 miles on it, bought new from dealership and have kept up with all recommended maintenance to vehicle and have went above and beyond to keep it in pristine condition but started experiencing coolant dripping from internal water pump this May ‘21. Last year Jan ‘20 was repaired for faulty clock spring and again in March of ‘21. Same issue. No longer under bumper to bumper warranty so became out of pocket expense. This year alone, it’s been out of service for two weeks already.
Engine, May 19, 2021
Recall has been issued on the ford explorer for smell of exhaust in the cabin. I have had the recall inspected and completed in 2019. I am now smelling the exhaust again upon acceleration. I told the dealership I have always been able to smell the exhaust even after they "fixed" the issue the first time. It just wasn't as bad. The smell is much worse now.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2021
THE VEHICLE HAD LOOSE K MEMBER BOLTS, BENT STRUTS, LOOSE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS WAS FOUND WHEN WE TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR FIRST OIL CHANGE
Engine, Apr 20, 2021
MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER WITH 62,000 MILES SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER AND I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. I LIMPED INTO A REST AREA WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE FORD DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A MAIN BEARING FAILURE. THE CAR NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE THAT WILL COST $6700 DOLLARS AND FORD HAS DENIED TO PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 62,000 MILES ON IT.
Engine, Apr 1, 2021
THE WATER PUMP LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL AND WILL COST OVER $3,000.00 TO FIX. THE FORD EXROPLER ENGINE DESIGN WITH THE WATER PUMP IN THE ENGINE IS A CASH TRAP FOR CONSUMERS. THE DESIGN IS HORRIBLE.
Power train, Engine, Feb 13, 2021
EXPLORER TRUCK STARTED LEAKING COOLANT FROM WATER PUMP. IN PARKED POSITION A PUDDLE STARTED TO FORM UNDER IT.
Electrical system, Seats, Engine, Jan 2, 2021
MY 3 YR OLD TRUCK ALREADY HAS A LEAKING COOLANT LINE WHICH COME TO FIND OUT IS DRAINING INTO THE WATER LINE IN THE ENGINE. I CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 5MILES BEFORE I NEED TO REFILL MY COOLANT. IN ADDITION, THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAS GONE OUT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FUSE AND OF COURSE ITS SOMETHING MORE.
Engine, Nov 30, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE AND THE COOLANT AND OTHER UNSTATED FLUIDS WERE TOPPED OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MAPLECREST FORD LINCOLN OF UNION LOCATED AT 2800 SPRINGFIELD AVE, SUITE 1, VAUXHALL, NJ 07088, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT COOLANT WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE AND ALSO THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V925000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 17, 2020
WHEN BACKING UP AND THE WHEEL IS TURNED THERE'S A HESITATION THEN WHAT FEELS LIKE I HIT SOMETHING. (A CLUNK W/O THE NOISE ) THEN WHEN BREAK PEDDLE IS PRESSED THE CAR SHIMMIES BAD . I ALSO SMELL ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM THE HEATER VENTS .BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO FIX IT SINCE IT WAS JUST PURCHASED THERE .. THEY HAD IT FOR 5 DAYS .. NOTHING GOT FIXED. THEY TURNED FRONT ROTORS AND TOPPED OFF FLUIDS. I DO BELIEVE THAT I HAVE A BAD REAR TOW BEARING OR A U-JOINT. BREAKS NOT SURE BUT THE CAR IS WORSE THAN BEFORE. STILL SMELL ANTIFREEZE AND THERE'S A DARK FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH INDICATES A BAD HEATER CORE. I'VE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP BIT THEY WON'T RETURN MY CALLS OR EMAILS OR TEXTS. I BELIEVE I WAS SOLD A LEMON. THERE'S AN OXIDATION ON THE ENGINE AND A BLACK STAIN ON BOTTOM OF ENGINE. ALSO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS IS A 2017 AND SHOULDN'T HAVE THIS MANY ISSUES .
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 13, 2020
WHEN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE THEN IT FEELS LIKE I HIT SOMETHING. THEN THERE'S A CLUNK .. (REAR TOW BEARING/U-JOINT) #2 HAVE TO ALWAYS HAVE DEFROST ON OR WINDOWS FOG UP.. THEN THERE'S A SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. BREAKS GRIND WHEN STOPPING. REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP.. BREAK FLUID LOW, ALONG WITH A BUNCH OF OTHER ISSUES TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. ALWAYS HAVE TO RESET AVERAGE GAS MILEAGE TO GET A READING. I BELIEVE I WAS SOLD A LEMON AS THE FINANCE GUY TOOK MY DOWN PAYMENT AND PURCHASED A EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I NEVER AGREED TO.
Engine, Aug 18, 2020
MY CAR IS 69000 AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 66000 MILE THEY TOOK TWO WEEKS TO FIND OUT THAT TRANSMISSION CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED. NOW AT 69000 THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THE CAR IS ONLY 69000 WHY THE TRANSMISSION IS BROKEN AT 69000 WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CAR JUMPS A LITTLE BIT AND CONTINUE GOING