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: other or unspecified
374 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2025
While driving a certain speed i hear noise in main windshield area
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2025
This pertains to the B-Pillar trim recall. It should be noted that not only does the trim fall off but if it is the trim with the entry keypad, that can cause a short circuit that effects other parts of the car operation. Recently this happened to this vehicle and a fuse blew under the drivers side dash fuse 11 5 amp fuse. This fuse blows and the rear hatch will no longer open. We called about this in June when this happened and the dealer said it was unrelated to the trim that fell off and they would charge us $600 to look at it. After finding the same issue on Youtube and the fix posted we purchased the part and installed ourself for $50. This complaint is stating that the recall needs to have the liftgate included as a symptom.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2025
Front window trim/ A pillar detached while driving on October 18,2024. Contacted dealership for replacement at the end of October 2024, and each month following, they brought vehicle in for inspection but have never replaced the trim piece. It has now been 9 months, I have called the dealer every month to follow up and have been told every time they still do not have the part to fix it. I am concerned that the trim on the other side of the car could fly off and cause damage to my vehicle or others.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2025
The following is a letter I sent to Ford. I've yet to hear back from them. This is a picture of what happened in my 2017 Explorer on Thursday, June 5, 2025. As I unlocked and got into my car, I realized the seat was moving forward. I tried to get out of the seat, but it was difficult because the space was closing in. I managed to squeeze out of the space before it totally closed me in and pinned me between the seat and steering wheel. As you can see from the picture, the seat is as close to the steering wheel and console as possible. The steering wheel was 7 inches from the seatback and 7 inches from the seat bottom. The seat was 2 inches from the console. This is extremely dangerous. This is not the first time this has happened. This has occurred at least ten times. Sometimes it is when I get in the vehicle as happened June 5. One time I was pinned between the steering wheel and seat and my legs were jammed into the console. Fortunately, I was able to extricate myself with only a few scrapes and bruises. While it is happening, I try the side buttons that control the seat and other ways to stop it, but nothing I do stops the movement once it begins. The only way to avoid being pinned in is to get out while the seat is moving. Other times it has happened when I am not in the car. I unlock and open the door to get in and the seat has moved itself and is as far up to the steering wheel as physically possible. The first time this happened; I told the service desk at the dealer when I was having work done on the SUV. They checked and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it.`
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2025
In my 2017 Ford Explorer, that backup camera is experiencing issues that sound related to the current recall on 2021-2024 Ford Explorers. The image is all distorted, the backup assist lines are not present, the screen will go black or grey with distortion.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2025
Back up camera fails to operate at times when vehicle is in reverse. Potential for backing collision or fatality.
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2025
Display screen/Navigation screen is flashing continuously. This is affecting the use of the back up camera which could potentially cause damage to vehicles or persons. This also is affecting thr use of hands free operation.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2025
faulty front grill
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 28, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring turbocharger issue in my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ). In April 2024, I was forced to replace the turbocharger system at a cost of approximately $2,500. Despite the repair, my vehicle continues to have serious performance issues. Most recently, the check engine light returned, and a diagnostic scan from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed error code P219A – Bank 1 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance. This code indicates that the engine is still not functioning correctly—pointing to a likely underlying or unresolved defect. During the initial failure, oil leaked extensively into the engine bay and burned off in thick white smoke while I was driving. It was a serious safety concern, and the cause was consistent with Ford’s existing recall for this engine (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000), which was limited to the Police Interceptor Utility model despite the civilian Sport version using the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and components. It is extremely concerning that my vehicle—outside of the official recall range—suffered the same turbo failure and now continues to show problems even after a costly repair. Either the mechanic’s initial repair was incomplete, or the core design flaw that caused the issue in the first place is still at play, meaning this problem may continue to repeat itself. I respectfully request that: 1.Ford expand the recall to include vehicles with the same components and failures, regardless of their designation. 2.NHTSA investigate the scope of this issue across the broader 2017 Explorer Sport lineup. 3.Ford provide reimbursement or support for the costly repair, which has not resolved the issue. 4.Ford issue a technical service bulletin or revised part guidance if this is an ongoing engineering issue. I am happy to provide full documentation, photos, and service records if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2025
There has been a long standing recall on the pillars for over a year, however ford continuously does not have the parts in stock. I have been awaiting repair for over a year with no date in sight.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2025
Water pump has gone out, and is a known issue with the explorers, plus they have made these very difficult to to replace and require partial engine tear down.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2025
The windshield trim on my 2017 Ford exploer which is the actual recall on this vehicle blew off while traveling on a major highway slamming into my windshield and into the next lane just missing another vehicle causing them to swerve violently to avoid being hit by the windshield trim! I have been Communicating with the dealership where I had purchase my vehicle from the time I first received my recall notice, what possibly 5-6 months. Now I am concerned that the other one may do the same and fly off and the resolt being worse!
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 10, 2025
Engine block timing plate cover has a defect crack in it causing an oil leak and fire hazard.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2025
My parking pawl failed. Other 2017 explorers have the recall but mine doesn’t? Dealership says mines not effected but it broke? Hardly seams fair. I was able to jump back in and stop it before it rolled out of the driveway and almost hit my neighbors.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2025
Vehicle was inspected for 24S02 a-pillar recall in October. Nothing is updated or addressed if the a-pillars pass inspection. that closed the recall. now, the a-pillars have become loose as stated in ford's letter to the owner "may become detached" and Ford is saying that the recall no longer will cover this because it passed the initial inspection 4 months ago.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2025
The sunroof gets stuck in the tilted open position and sunshades will not close. This creates an unsafe condition if it starts to rain. Cannot secure the vehicle. This problem is very common and there are many complaints and how to fix videos on the internet. I contacted Ford At first they were cooperative and offered to help with the repair. Then suddenly they refused to help with the repair. This left me with a 1200.00 bill at the dealer. It is a common failure, it was occurring on the previous model year and was not addressed, it requires proprietary tools to fix. There is low incentive to Ford to fix if they can make a profit from the failure. just one online example there are many videos and how to repair post and complaints: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2025
The Roof trim piece flew off while driving and almost hit the car behind me. The other side looks loose as while. I know the A pillars have an open recall on them as while but they said those parts arent available. I already talked with the dealer but they said no recall is available for this Roof trim and I think there should be.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2025
The A pillar trim has detached from the windshield while I was driving on the highway, it almost hit the car behind me. There was no warning before it became detached. When calling to see if parts were available I was told that they had been on back order for a year and they had no idea when parts would be available
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2025
Engine coolant leak. Come to find out it is the internal water pump, which several mechanics stated is a "common motor design flaw" with these vehicles. The repair for this is $3500! Not a small amount for a average person with low income. If Ford is aware of this common issue, why is nothing being done to protect their customers like me. I'd like to hear from someone in regards to this, as I have always been a loyal Ford consumer, but this will change after this.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2025
the transmission has gone out for a second time 3 years ago the transmission was replaced as part of fords customer satisfaction and after 3 years of driving the car started acting weird stalling or not wanting to go- now it will not start after taking to the ford dealership they informed me it was the same problem they had previously fixed, and it was no longer under warranty I would have to pay for a whole new transmission- to be honest I still owe money on this car and could not afford a repair of over 7000 -It was already fixed just 3 years ago how is the Transmisson faulty for a second time? there needs to be recall on this part/
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2025
I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED FOR SAFETY RECALL 24S02 FOR MONTHS AND THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. I CANNOT USE MY CAR TO GO ON TRIP OR ON FREEWAYS BECAUSE OF THE WINDSHIELD NOISE AND I AM AFRAID OF SOMETHING COMING OFF AND CAUSING A WRECK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2025
Keyless entry panel on driver's side continues to fall off while driving, hanging by wires, which then blow fuses. Lift gate ajar warning comes on and then unable to open/close rear lift gate. Indoor overhead lighting remains on due to "liftgate ajar" even though liftgate is not ajar. This is a Safety hazard, panel could fly off during driving. Took to dealer, misdiagnosed as liftgate latch malfunction. Paid to get latch replaced and one week later, keyless entry panel fell off again and liftgate ajar warning came up and unable to open or close liftgate and interior lighting remains on.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2025
Delay in available parts. Both A-pillar trim parts have detached from vehicle. Passengers side 6/2024, Drivers side 12/24.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2025
Driving down the highway and the roof rail flew off almost hitting the car behind me upon pulling over i discovered the roof rail flew off. I called the dealership and they told me that vehicle is over 150k miles and the recall was voided. I don’t remember seeing that.