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, Dec 30, 2024
For over a year the windshield of my car had a “rattle” or wind-like noise. I figured this was due to the weather stripping around the windshield degrading and falling off. I heard about the recall and the very next day I was driving down the interstate and the plastic piece (A-Pillar) flew off and the car behind me swerved to miss the piece. A day or so after this occurred, large rains came through our area which resulted in water entering my vehicle. I took my car to the dealership a day or 2 later where they had to inspect to see if the vehicle met the recall and order the parts. This was over 3 months ago. I called Ford about 1 month after my vehicle was inspected and spoke to a representative who informed me that the parts are in stock and are being shipped out upon ordering from the dealership. The dealership placed the order the same day they inspected the car. I have not heard any communication from Ford regarding this. I am cornered about water damage in my vehicle due to prolonged issue with not only the weather stripping but also missing the plastic piece (A-Pillar). I have contacted the dealership multiple times and their hands are tied due to not having the parts needed to fix the recall.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2024
Water leaking in the drivers side frame that goes down the inner column by the dash onto the floor board, leaks above the driver visor, and in the back frame in the trunk of driver side. I have had it checked over by a Ford dealer twice and they claim it was my sun roof-which it is not. When I tried to have it checked again with a non Ford mechanic, it’s been too cold and rainy so the problem cannot be found. It has gotten worse in my car, water damage to the dash and I get condensation that forms on the inside of my windshield. Thought it occurred due to the windshield guard cover recall but that isn’t the case.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2024
Rear toe links, rear alignment is off. Dealership said they can’t fix it. My tires are wearing incredibly fast.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2024
Hello there’s. Since I got the recall letter I keep going and calling to the Central ford dealership to replace the windshield molding, they keep saying that the moldings aren’t available but I know that they have been replaced them. My left moldings is very loose, I’m afraid that it will fall causing an accident. Could you do something about it? I just went a week ago. They said that they will call me when they get them. They been saying that since the first time Thank you.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 27, 2024
In addition to the details involving NHTSA Safety Recall 24V031, any trim at the top of the windshield has either deteriorated or fallen completely off, while the material below the windshield is rotting away. This all makes me worry that the windshield could potentially shatter or come off on the road. I am not sure when the problem occurred or started to occur and I just became aware of it.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2024
The exterior "door entry keypad pillar molding trim" became detached from the vehicle and sent debris into the roadway while traveling on the highway. This component is the door access keypad found on the drivers side door of many Ford vehicles.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2024
The illuminated B Pillar molding strip is coming off on the driver’s side. It’s half out. The B Pillar molding on the passenger side has started to come loose. These strips could detach on the highway and cause an accident. They should be included in recall 21532 and NHTSA RECALL 21V537
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 22, 2024
This is the second time again 15 minutes that I've had to continue to put in these complaints about the recalls it is you know everything else about not being notified about all the recalls which I think there are between 10 and 12 all the way from the rear towing to the a pillars to the headlight all the way down to the Cadillac converter cam trimming assembly etc not been notified one time bye anyone nothing George Coleman Ford dealership. Very unprofessional and I'm very [XXX] right now I've spoke LOL let the message for James Farley CEO of Ford and I will be letting him know everything that has been going on because of the a pillars of water has been able to get inside the vehicle because that is the rubber around the front windshield which is supposed to have been you know done accurately and which it wasn't because if it was there wouldn't be a recall but I'm getting [XXX] to have to find out all these recalls on my own and for the Ford dealership where I bought the vehicle has not tried to reach out whatsoever even about the roof rack recall they have the parts in but they had not notified me so therefore if anything happens during the for the headlight if I get a ticket y'all will be held responsible if I get into a bad car wreck y'all will be held responsible because of the rear toe link that's a very important part because it will make you crash into a ditch and die and yeah I'm just I'm [XXX] right now I can't wait for James Farley to call me back because he's going to he's going to find out how [XXX] I am and I'll go above the CEO and talk to the Ford family about these issues along with leaving bad reviews and y'all get deducted for every complaint. There's one person at George Coleman Ford that I would like to extend my gratitude towards and I don't know his first name his name is Mr Shockley that is a great man he's been the most helpful and he has went above and beyond to help me and my wife when I did ask him about the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2024
The APIM (Accessory Prodical Interface Module) component failed. This controls the touch screen, navigation system, phone/bluetooth call acceptance and other application. So while driving I had no or inaccurate navigation. The vehicle is in the shop now to replace the APIM. It has not been inspected as far as I know. I had the problem in June 2023, the dealer said it was a software issue so they updated the software. May 29, 2024 it did the same thing now it is the APIM. But there was a note on the repair report from June 2023 that This statement tells me that it was the APIM in June 2023 the "APIM was slow/laggy, however normal operation after little warm up at this time". In June the vehicle was under an extentened warranty, it as expired so If they had repair it in June like they should have the warranty would have covered it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2024
Like the existing recall for the exterior A pillar , the exterior B Pillar is lifting from the car at the top. This has since caused rain water to leak in from the top and caused a short in the touch entry keypad within the pillar, causing it to flash on and off over and over draining the cars battery until it is dead and won’t start.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2024
My locks on my doors will not lock with keyfob or when I push my lock button in the car. I am scared that if I can't lock them someone will fall out the car. Someone can steal my car because I cannot lock my doors.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2024
None of the door locks work, making it unsafe and dangerous for crime areas. I have contacted ford many times however they are unwilling to fix issues and it is a widespread issue with the year and model... It is an expensive issue to fix in all 4 doors
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
Upon starting my vehicle it started smoking all of a sudden from the exhaust pipes. Turned off right away. Towed to Ford dealer where they then said it was the turbocharger that leaked to the engine I believe and to the catilac converter.
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2024
Gaskets on windshield are broken and moving while driving. The windshield is leaking water inside the vehicle from rain water damaged sunroof function and carpet.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2024
safety recall notice: 24S02/Nhtsa Recall 24V031 exterior A pillar trim part that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The passenger trim flew off and hit windshield and car while driving on freeway (I-15 near Calico, CA). Driver's side trim is loose and rubber is cracked holding it on. Windshield has bubbles and cracks in it since trim came off.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
The A trim pillar piece described in NHTSA recall 24VO31 flew off at highway speed. The B pillar trim piece flew off striking the side of the car causing a dent.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Structure, Feb 27, 2024
Our Explorer, experienced this in June of 2022. My daughter had just graduated college and we were moving some of her stuff back home 350 miles away. The Driver side area where the codes are put into to unlock the door if locked out, fell off and was hanging while we were driving on the freeway. We had to exit the freeway and my husband had to buy duck tape to tape it up. Our hatchback would not work as well as some of the other electrical things. I refused to drive it the rest of the way home, and we switched cars. It did cause electrical to go out throughout the car, intermittently. My husband had to buy the part online and replace it. The passenger side is going to fall off also, I noticed while washing it. So yes we need this done, asap. And we had to incur charges for having to replace the other one. There were warning lights for electrical, not working. I cannot remember what they were.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 15, 2024
The trim around my windshield fell off while driving. I called a local ford store, Ed Martin Ford in Anderson, Indiana and was told the current recall does not cover this.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2024
While driving my 2017 Ford Explorer, There was a smell of burnt oil/tire entering my vehicle through the vents. I took it in to the Ford Dealership and I was advised that I needed a brand new transfer case, and the front engine mounts needed to be replaced due to broken seals. This was causing transmission fluid to leak onto other parts (hot) which was causing the smell while I was driving. My vehicle is at 89,000 miles, and if I don't get this replaced, then it will cause transmission failure. I was told that this should not happen on a vehicle with 89,000 miles. The leaking fluid can also cause a fire under the hood. When asked why or how this could happen, I was told it just wasn't "built" well. Cost of repairs will be about $4,500.00. WOW.
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2024
When it rains, water leaks from the lights, seatbelts and dome lights. The water collects on the passenger floorboard front and rear and collects in the spare tire well. The car is now starting to mold this winter. We have brought the car in past years to be fixed with the Ford dealership not able to fix the reason for the leaking. yes, this car is available for inspection. The car is forming mold spores inside and we are unable to park under cover. It is potential for making us sick. Ford could not find a source of how to fix the water leak.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2024
Me levanté por la mañana para llevar Mis hijos ala escuela y ya estaba rayada la troca ..desconocido
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2024
I was driving on the freeway. We were having a windstorm. A strong guest of wind tore off the passenger side windshield trim piece.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2023
Driver side window button does not work. All others do. There is no reason this should not work on a car with so few miles 18,700 and less than 7 years old.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2023
Front windshield rubber trim is disintegrating, dry rotted and cracked throughout, separating from windshield, pieces about to fly off. Vibrates and makes sound when driving 55 mph or more.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2023
Car wouldn't start. All the water had run out due to coolent leak near water pump and in finding it they found leak near front engine mount. These are problems that other 2017 explorer owners have also complained about online. In addition, Kirkland Ford stated they are backed up on repairing the toe link and roof repair due to lack of certified mechanics. The 2017 whole vehicle should have been recalled due to the cheap parts used which has caused me to continually go in to have recalls fixed. While there they end up causing more issues causing me thousands in repair bills. I have scheduled with independent car repair shop for them to give me estimate of repairing the above items for January 10 the first date they had available.