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, Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trims were rattling while driving at various speeds. The contact applied duct tape to the driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillars. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Structure, Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was an issue with the phone system. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. In addition, the contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact had been waiting for approximately one year for the parts to become available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Structure, Oct 11, 2025
We were driving and heard a loud noise but didn’t see anything hit the car. We stopped and the trim around the windshield on the passenger side had completely detached and flew off while driving.
Structure, Oct 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the B-pillar trim located on the passenger’s side started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Structure, Oct 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Oct 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. In addition, the keypad panel was located on the driver’s side B-pillar. The wires were exposed to the elements. In addition, the fuse to the turn signals and the fuse to the trunk gate short-circuited and failed to function as intended. The contact found the B-pillar trim on the ground and taped it to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that water had entered the keypad and short-circuited several fuses. The fuse for the turn signal and trunk gate was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to replace the fuses. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 133,235.
Structure, Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recalls repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side door B-pillar trim where the keyless entry pad was mounted, detached and was hanging down. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Structure, Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the windshield and flew off. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
Structure, Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and was loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. Most recently, the molding on the rooftop rails became loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Structure, Sep 19, 2025
Ford refuses to provide fix for the two recalls. Been waiting over a year for the fix.
Structure, Sep 19, 2025
There is no date given when the repair will be done the pillar has already flown off onto the road. I have one Haning on by 1 clip. Ford is not going to fix anything, and the car is falling apart.
Structure, Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the wiring for key fob and liftgate were located on the front driver’s side A-pillar. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Structure, Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim was separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the driver's side B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had a year to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Sep 17, 2025
On January 19, 2024, Ford Motor Company advised of NHTSA Recall 24V031. My vehicle is affected by this safety recall. I have been advised by Victory Ford of Kansas City, 1800 N 100th Terrace, Kansas City, KS 66111, that after repeated inquiries, repairs are still not available, nor is there an anticipated date when parts and repairs will be available to complete this safety recall. The "Important Safety Recall" notice I received indicated parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. If the manufacturer is required to report an incident in a timely fashion, are they also not required to perform the required remedies in a timely fashion?
Structure, Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to tape the remaining attached piece of the B-Pillar Trim Applique. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,100.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2025
The B pillar trim pieces from the recall have not been fixed. They are, in fact, detached and do make noise while driving. I have called fords in the area multiple times and they do not know when they will have parts.
Structure, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, parts of the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer provided a mobile service and arrived at the contact's residence. The vehicle was inspected; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact used duct tape around the front windshield. The contact stated that because of the failure, whenever it rained, water entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that it was literally raining inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the electrical system goes in and out because of the water damage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Structure, Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the B-pillar trim. The contact stated that weeks later the recall notice for the B-pillar trim was received. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact's son received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact's son was driving 50 MPH, and the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,005.
Structure, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact was unaware that the passenger's side B-pillar trim had detached. A friend informed the contact that the part had fallen off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had enough time to produce the parts for the recall repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims and door exterior B-pillar trims had detached. The contact used tape to secure the trims. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front driver's side door keypad ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the keypad was replaced. The contact stated that approximately four years later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,913.