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, Nov 9, 2017
ON 10/31/17 WHILE OUT WITH MY CHILDREN TRICK-OR-TREATING, THE LIFTGATE ON MY LEASED 2017 FORD EXPLORER BECAME "STUCK" IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND WOULD NOT CLOSE ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. MY FAMILY AND I HAD PULLED OVER AND PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA TO GET ITEMS OUT FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA. I HAD OPENED THE HATCH WITH THE ELECTRONIC SWITCH AND THE DOOR STOPPED ABOUT 2/3 OF THE WAY UP. AS THIS HAD HAPPENED TO ME PREVIOUSLY, I FOLLOWED THE MANUAL DIRECTIONS TO SET THE LIFTGATE OPEN HEIGHT. WE FINISHED GETTING OUR ITEMS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESSED THE CONTROL BUTTON TO CLOSE. IT WAS AT THIS POINT THAT THE LIFTGATE--NOW AT MAXIMUM HEIGHT--SIMPLY MADE "WHIRRING" SOUNDS AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. DESPITE REFERENCING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, CALLING FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND SCOURING THE INTERNET FOR POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS, ALL ATTEMPTS TO BYPASS THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM/MOTOR AND MANUALLY CLOSE THE DOOR WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE MY FAMILY HOME WITH THE REAR LIFTGATE PRECARIOUSLY LEFT WIDE OPEN. THE NEXT DAY I WAS ADVISED BY MY LEASING COMPANY TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK PICK THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE TOW DRIVER WAS SHOCKED AT THIS ODD MALFUNCTION AND EXPRESSED CONCERN TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE AS ROAD BUMPS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE EXCESSIVE BOUNCING AND PERMANENT DAMAGE. WE DETACHED THE LIFT ARMS HOLDING UP THE REAR GATE SO AS TO CLOSE THE DOOR--ONLY TO FIND THAT THE REAR HATCH STILL WOULD NOT FULLY CLOSE. THE REPORT FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN PHOENIX WAS SIMPLY THAT THE "LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE MANUALLY DUE TO THE MOTOR BINDING." THEY SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED THE MOTOR AND NOTED THE "SYSTEM IS NOW WORKING AS DESIGNED AT THIS TIME." I ASKED MY ADVISOR IF THERE WAS A MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR THIS AND HE SAID "NO." I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF THESE LIFTGATE COMPONENTS AND ENGINEER A MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR WHEN THEY GO OUT.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Oct 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS HIGH SPEEDS, EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER WERE ACTIVATED, THE ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES FROM EXPOSURE TO THE FUMES. CRAIN FORD IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, 72210 REPLACED A GASKET AND SEALED THE VEHICLE (EXACT REPAIRS UNKNOWN), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: CAS-13337847. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 5, 2017
THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY, OBSTRUCTING VISABILITY.
Structure, Engine, Aug 16, 2017
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTED IN PASSENGER CABIN - AFTER READING STORIES ABOUT POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) IN 2016 FORD EXPLORERS IN MID JULY 2017 I PURCHASED A KIDDE BATTERY POWERED CO DETECTOR AND INSTALLED IT IN THE REAR AREA OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT HAD NOT ALARMED UNTIL WE WERE TRAVELING FROM SENECA, SC TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN. WE WERE TOWING AN 8X5 ENCLOSED U-HAUL TRAILER AT NORMAL FREEWAY SPEEDS. TOW/HAUL WAS ENGAGED BECAUSE WE WERE TOWING AND THE ENGINE WAS GENERALLY RUNNING AT HIGHER RPM'S, ESPECIALLY GOING UP THE MOUNTAIN INCLINES. THE CO DETECTOR FIRST ALARMED WEST OF ASHVIILLE, NC. SUDDENLY THE HEADACHES AND DROWSINESS BOTH MY WIFE AND I WERE EXPERIENCING MADE SENSE. WE OPENED THE WINDOWS AND THE ALARM STOPPED AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES. AFTER THIS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES I MOVED THE DETECTOR TO THE FRONT OF THE PASSENGER CABIN SO THAT I COULD MONITOR THE PART PER MILLION DISPLAY. WE FOUND THAT IT ONLY TOOK 15-20 MINUTES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING FOR THE DETECTOR TO DISPLAY 31PPM, THE DETECTORS MINIMUM CONCENTRATION DETECTION THRESHOLD. THE LEVEL WOULD THEN BUILD OVER TIME. DUE TO THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF CO ON THE HUMAN BODY I NEVER LET THE CONCENTRATION EXCEED 62PPM. I FOUND, HOWEVER, THAT THE PEAK CO CONCENTRATION DETECTED WAS 103PPM. I ASSUME THIS WAS REACHED WHILE THE DETECTOR WAS IN THE REAR OF THE CABIN, WHERE THE DISPLAY WAS NOT VISIBLE TO ME. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT LAKE KEOWEE FORD SUGGESTED THAT I RUN THE HVAC IN RECIRCULATE MODE. I TRIED MANY DIFFERENT HVAC MODES - RECIRCULATE, NORMAL/OUTSIDE AIR, REAR HVAC TURNED OFF - BUT THE RESULT WAS ALWAYS THE SAME, CO BEING DETECTED IN THE CABIN WITHIN 15-20 MINUTES. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM NOT BUYING FORD'S CLAIM THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ONLY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES WITH BODY PERFORATIONS FROM THE INSTALLATION OF AFTER MARKET EQUIPMENT. THE VEHICLE IS GOING INTO A CARMEL, IN FORD DEALER THIS AFTERNOON.
Structure, Engine, Aug 4, 2017, crash
OCCASIONALLY WHEN I DROVE THE CAR I FELT LIGHT HEADEDNESS AND DIZINIESS. ON 8/3/2017 I FELT THE DIZZINESS AGAIN AND ENDED UP IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I FELT AS THOUGH I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT AND IN A FLASH I CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2017
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER AND A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK. I HAVE OVERALL FEELING BAD SINCE WE GOT OUR NEW 2017 FORD EXPLORER, WHICH IS VERY OUT OF CHARACTER FOR ME. I AM A PRIOR SPECIAL OPERATION VETERAN, OVERALL IN GOOD HEALTH, AND ONLY 30Y/O. LIKE MANY, WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS VEHICLE I AM GETTING NAUSEA, WEAKNESS, AND TENSION HEADACHES FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN VERY WEAK AND HAVING HEADACHES, AS OF LATE. THIS HAS HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE. I COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHY OR WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH ME IT SEEMED AS IF IT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. I AM STARTING TO THINK MAYBE I HAVE LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOXIDE OVER THE LAST 3 WEEKS. I GOT THE FORD EXPLORE 3 WEEKS AGO AND THIS SUDDEN SICKNESS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THEN. I GOT SO WORRIED WITH MY HEALTH"I WENT TO THE DOCTOR. I EXPLAINED TO THE DOCTOR "I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ME BUT I FEEL ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE HAD A FLU FOR ALMOST A MONTH". I WAS DESPERATE AND I KNOW I SOUNDED CRAZY BUT I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME SERIOUS BOUTS WITH WEAKNESS, FATIGUE, AND HEADACHES. I WENT TO THE DOCTOR ON JULY 31ST 2017 AND I REALLY HAVE BEEN BAFFLED BY THE SUDDEN ONSET OF SYMPTOMS. THIS WAS BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THE 2017 FORD EXPLORER. I SAW THE STORY RUN TODAY (8-3-17) ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA AND I STARTED TO PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER. AT THE DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT ON (7-31-17) THEY PULLED BLOOD, AND ARE CONDUCTING A BUNCH OF TEST BUT NOTHING HAS COME BACK. I AM CONCERNED, I AM HOPING IT'S NOT RELATED TO THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK THAT OTHERS ARE REPORTING. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS FOR MY PREGNANT WIFE AND UNBORN CHILD. AS A PURPLE HEART VET I HAVE PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO OUR GREAT COUNTRY AND I NEED THIS AGENCY TO PLEASE FIND ANSWERS TO IF THESE SUVS ARE SAFE. MY FAMILIES COULD DEPEND ON IT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2017
THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO HAVE 18 PPM OF CO IN THE INTERIOR WHILE IN OPERATION.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2017
AFTER HARD TAKE OFF EXHAUST GETS IN CABEN CAUSING HEADACHES UNLESS YOU ROLL WINDOW DOWN DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING
Structure, May 15, 2017
WHEN DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE TURNPIKE (70 MPH) THE MOLDING ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURNING HOME I NOTICED THAT THE SAME PIECE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE MOLDING OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THIS HAPPENED MIDDAY ON SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 YOU MAY NOTICE THIS IS THE SAME CAR THAT STOPPED DRIVING AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT PURCHASING IT LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AGO.
Structure, Nov 6, 2016
VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.