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: structure
660 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The windshield plastic molding on the passenger side detached and flew off while driving 65 mph over a year ago. Ford dealer replaced the molding in September last year. The same windshield panel flew off again last week scratching the passenger door while startling me and the driver behind me. We both swerved but luckily avoided a collision. I had exactly the same problem with a company owned Ford Explorer I drove before.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield panel separated. The contact continued driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and provide the contact a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the passenger's side windshield trim panel separated and struck the front passenger's side door. The contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side windshield trim panel was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the passenger's side windshield trim panel separated and struck the front passenger's side door. The contact stated that he was startled and slightly swerved to the left. The part then flew to the rear of the vehicle, causing the vehicle behind to swerve to the left as well. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Sep 5, 2023
The windshield trim on the driver side ripped off. This piece could have flown off and hit another car or a pedestrian
Structure, Sep 2, 2023
The passenger side pillar fell off while driving. This pillar is about four feet in length. This could have caused someone to have to swerve to avoid the pillar on the road like a motorcyclist. No warning lights or alerts in the car. I've not taken the car into the dealership yet.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2023
Windshield trim panels have come off vehicle while driving in normal conditions. This includes the factory installed drivers and passengers side moldings as well as numerous replacement pieces. Local dealership states there are no issues with components.
Structure, Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side windshield pillar fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact also noticed that the front driver’s side pillar had also become loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Structure, Aug 12, 2023
The driver's side window trim blew off, striking the side of my car and hitting a car passing me. Also - the piece that holds the keypad on the driver's side has come off once, tried to come off a 2nd time and is currently being held in place by a binder clip.
Structure, Aug 9, 2023
PASSENGER SIDE WINSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF GOING DOWN THE ROAD
Structure, Aug 9, 2023
Passanger side pillar broke off while traveling about 60mph. Hit window and almost hit a motorcycle traveling in adjacent lane. Looking for a replacement online and found several forums requesting it to be reported for a possible recall.
Structure, Aug 7, 2023
The trim surrounding the windshield on the passenger side detached and flew off at high way speeds. While no vehicles were close enough to be impacted by this part of the vehicle detaching, it could create a hazard had there been a vehicle close by. I have seen evidence that this is prevalent on this year, make, and model and it should be remedied. There was no evidence that this would happen and it occurred randomly while driving ~70 MPH.
Structure, Aug 1, 2023
The drivers side windshield trim molding A-pillar flew off of my 2017 Explorer on the highway, hitting my rear view mirror and startling me causing me to veer. The Ford dealer body shop has ordered a new one at $547 for the part, but it still has not come in I ordered both sides as the passenger side is very loose. They are sharp and present danger of injury and/or property damage when they fly off. I saw on-line that this is a common problem for this model. The consumer stated that the repair was completed, however promptly after the repair work, the same piece broke off again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where they reinstalled the piece and added urethane.
Structure, Jul 29, 2023
Heard a flapping noise from the upper drivers corner of the windshield at highway speed. Stopped before anything catastrophic occurred, but part of the drivers side windshield trim was loose and flapping in the wind. It was striking the drivers window and the windshield as it flapped back and forth. The stiffer cover piece was also loose, but removing the flapping piece of trim resolved the immediate concern. The trim apparently needs replacement.
Structure, Jul 27, 2023
The passenger side of windshield trim flew off on highway when driving. There was no indication or evidence that it was loose or coming off.
Structure, Jul 19, 2023
The black weather striping under the windshield trim molding is coming off / detaching while driving
Structure, Jul 13, 2023
Front windshield pillars came off auto while driving. The passenger side flew off in July 2022 and the driver side came off in July 2023. Nether hit a car behind us but it happened on the freeway so could not stop to find the piece. We had the passenger side replaced by Vroom auto shop and just ordered a non OEM part for the driver side. If we have Ford replace it the cost is about $500 EACH.
Structure, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was water leaking from around the front windshield. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2023
Driving 70 mph on Interstate -10 the window seal came off and a side panel adjacent to the window flew off of the Explorer. I had to pay for the two parts and labor charges. I had the trim piece and the window seal replaced at a Ford dealership. The Ford Represenative told me, “Ford is aware it's been a problem”. At the present the rubber seal around the doors are coming apart from the frame.
Structure, Jul 4, 2023
Since June 5th, 2023, I have had to have the passenger side windshield pillar mount trim replaced 3 different times due to clips breaking and the trim piece begins to become unattached when driving. It was replaced again yesterday and not even 2 hours after it was replaced, the top clip that is attached to the trim piece and clicks into the body of my car, it already broke off from the trim piece and the top of the trim piece is loose again. This is absolutely unacceptable and a major safety issue.
Structure, Jun 30, 2023
The front windshield side trim piece detached from my vehicle while driving and was hanging on by a tiny piece of rubber. I had to pull over on the interstate to pull it off which was very dangerous.
Structure, Jun 29, 2023
Component: Passenger side windshield trim Safety Risk: I was traveling on the interstate between 70-75mph when the trim flew off. It went directly in the path of the vehicle behind me causing them to swerve. They nearly hit the vehicle in the left lane by doing so. Problem confirmed: No, just happened and have not contacted dealership yet Component inspected: No, was destroyed after being run over multiple times in rush hour traffic Warnings, messages, or symptoms: Just as it was happening there was a clicking or smacking sound then it went. Maybe 30 seconds between sound and part flying off.
Structure, Jun 19, 2023
Driver side windshield trim detached from vehicle while driving at highway speed. Do not have the actual trim, have photographs of the A-post where trim detached. Safety of other drivers at risk due to part flying off vehicle at highway speeds. A quick Google search shows this as an issue for many drivers. No inspection of the issue completed. No warning lamps or messages. Rubber trim around windshield began to degrade and rattle could be heard on occasion at highway speeds.
Structure, Jun 13, 2023
My Wife, child, and I, were driving down the interstate and the exterior driver side panel by the windshield flew just flew off. When we stopped at a gas station it looked like serious deterioration to the seal and clips that held it together was present. The clips were all broken. On this same trip, we began to hear what sounded like bees buzzing in the dash. We stopped again to worry that something had to be going wrong. We did some research on the spot, and it seems to be the windshield cowl. After getting home it we did more research and it looks like these are very common issues, but when we talk to Ford, they just dismiss our concerns and tell us it's not covered under warranty. even though it's an apparent quality control issue on their part. We bought this vehicle used about 5 months ago and have put less than 5 thousand miles on it. We do not have the panel that flew off as we were unsure what had happened until we stopped down the road many miles at the next exit. The car itself is available to be inspected. Our safety was affected because this panel could have hit a motorist or become a road hazard.
Structure, May 30, 2023
When you hit the button to close the hatch whether it be by the hatch button, dash button or key fob button if something is in the way it doesn’t stop closing. So if your arm or a small child’s head, arm it would just keep closing. If it can’t latch it does go back up but that is only when it goes all the way down.
Structure, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked she observed paint bubbles, paint chippings, and corrosion on the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the aluminum paint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.