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, Jun 18, 2023
The windshield trim, A post, drivers side is loose and in jeopardy of falling off. I am going to have this repaired. But, should this come off during driving it could affect another driver. I have seen multiple vehicles like mine missing these pieces. Please investigate and see if a recall is needed to avoid accidents on our freeways.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2023
As I was driving 70mph on the interstate my driver’s side windshield pillar molding flew off.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2023
My wife took her 2017 Ford Explorer XLT to South Carolina from Florida. Upon her return last night, on 5 Jun 23 she was driving through Georgia and she heard a vibration coming from the drivers side windshield and then all of a sudden it stopped. When she parked inside our garage she noticed the drivers side A Pillar moulding trim piece had departed the vehicle and was missing. PN is BB5Z-7803145-AA.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2023
The locks on the doors do not all unlock at the same time or lock at the same time. The passenger door has locked and would not unlock. My daughter had to climb through car to get out. If there’s an accident my kids can not safely exit the vehicle due to the locks. You can’t unlock it either from the inside. It randomly will unlock on its own.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2023
On March 22, 2023 at approximately 10:15 am CDT, while heading south on Interstate 310 in Kenner, Louisiana, the passenger side windshield molding flew off the car while traveling just over 60 mph. I was coming out of a curve from exiting I-10W onto I-310. Not sure if it hit another vehicle as there were other vehicles in general area at the time, but did not see exactly where part landed. The part was not recoverable for inspection. There were no previous warning messages or noticeable issues with the part on the vehicle prior to the incident. I brought vehicle to Ford dealer and was told there is no recall for this item and the cost to replace is $396.80 for parts and labor at my expense. I believe this is a defect and should be reviewed with the manufacturer. I have seen two other Ford Explorers in New Orleans and Kenner with the same issue.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2023
Yesterday I was driving on the highway and the molding next to windshield driver's side of the car flew away. We heard a loud nose when we stopped, we saw that the molding was complete gone. It could have hit another vehicle or a person
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2023
Driver side A pillar windshield molding came flying off while driving on highway at 70 mph on I95. It detached from vehichle and slammed into my windshield caused it to crack and caused multiple scratches. Then flew over my vehichle and landed in the lane of travel, multiple other explorer owners said they experienced the same issues and dealer told me it was a common issue on these vehicles but no recall ha been issued.No warning lights or inspection by insurance.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
Windy conditions here driving along highway and the windshield cover blew off and unsure if hit another car or not but this should not be blowing off a vehicle which I'll have to now replace in addition to a safety hazard to others driving
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2023
The windshield trim has fallen off twice, almost hitting the vehicles behind us. We are about to replace them a 3rd time.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2023
The A-pillar trim is coming off on both sides. I currently have a recall for the roof rails for the same type problem (dealer is booked out) where they can also fly off while driving. I googled the A-pillar concern I am having and it seems to be wide spread.
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2023
Panels by windshield one flew off on interstate and other is loose I'm scared this going rip off and cause an accident I see all same models have same issue. Please recall asap. I need this fixed and is a manufacturing defect.
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2023
While driving down the highway the windshield trim molding flew off vehicle on the driver’s side. At a later date the passenger one also flew off while driving on the highway with a vehicle behind me. Luckily never hit it. Since then I have seen numerous Ford Explorers with the same incident and spoke with them with the same occurrence.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
While driving at normal highway speeds, the piece of black trim on the passengers side of windshield flew off. Thankfully I was alone on the road so it did not strike another passenger. I took the vehicle to Ford. The service managed admitted that they had several issues with pieces falling off, but since it was not under warranty or recall I had to pay full price to have it fixed. This could have easily caused damage to another vehicle. I've noticed almost daily several Ford Explorers driving around with trim missing due to this same issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2023
Passenger side A-Pillar Front Molding Outer Trim Shield detached from vehicle while driving.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2023
The power liftgate on my Ford Explorer slammed down on me when I attempted to put groceries into my car in the store parking lot. My liftgate had given no warning signs of malfunction, and then one day I open it with the key fob button, it opens all the way and while it was opening I was standing ready to load groceries into the back and the second it reached the fully open position, it came slamming down on my head. I am so fortunate that I was not holding my baby when this occurred. I could have been seriously injured if I had been standing at a different angle. The liftgate opens with the interior button in the vehicle and with the key fob, but once it is fully open it comes slamming down.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2023
Door trim coming off of my well maintained 2017 Explorer in 3 places. Estimate for repair was obtained from Ford garage but I am angry I have to pay for this as it is no fault of mine that this is happening to my vehicle. I am worried these pieces will fly off and be a hazard to other drivers on the road, as I keep reading statements of this happening to others. Ford should stand behind their products when this is a potential safety hazard.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2023
Side moldings on the windshield came off flying into oncoming traffic. Had them replaced and then had to go back in again to have them reattached cause they came lose again.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
The rubber lining around my windshield is falling off. It’s breaking into parts all across my windshield and is coming apart. It’s my understanding this is a common problem with my year make and model.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
While driving on the interstate going the speed limit of 70 mph the plastic windshield trim on the left side of the vehicle (driver’s side) became loose and flew off. This was alarming and caused a distraction that could have resulted in an accident. The trim piece is about 2-3 feet long and could have caused damage to the vehicles behind us. Or worse an accident. The trim appears to have also damaged the left side view mirror when it flew off as there are scratches and paint missing from the mirror housing now. Upon inspection of the location of the trim it appears there were plastic tabs holing on the trim that broke off. Due to safety the trim piece itself was not able to be recovered. The plastic seal around the windshield looks to be damaged as well. This is a major safety issue we feel Ford should address with a recall. Please advise. Thank you.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
Exterior windshield trim on passenger side. Yes it is available for inspection. This part flew off of our vehicle while driving on the highway. This part could have hit another vehicle and caused harm. Yes this is a known issue when I took my vehicle to Corwin Ford in Springfield MO. Service representative stated that this is under an Investigation for recall. Vehicle has not been seen by any other than service department with dealer. No warnings or messages of any kind.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Mar 14, 2023
While driving on the freeway the passenger side windshield side panel flew off the car completely. It looks as though the clips that hold it on all failed. This seems to be a known issue with this model of car.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2023
On December 19, 2022, while driving to work in the morning on Interstate 580 I heard some cracking noises coming from outside my vehicle then all of a sudden I see something fly off the right side of my windshield. I immediately looked in my rearview mirror and see a piece of what appeared to be plastic bouncing off the ground luckily no one was hurt nor did it hit another car but it could have easily considering the force with which it ripped off. Once I arrived at work I noticed the right side of the windshield trim panel was gone there were no warning lights or alert notices on the vehicle prior to this incident. I had this same piece replaced approx 3-4 years ago believing that it was our fault (per the service department at the Ford dealership) for driving the truck through a brush-type carwash since then we NEVER returned to those types of carwashes. The car is available for inspection as we have not had the part replaced. In January I came across a news article in USA TODAY regarding this same issue occuring to others yet no recall has been issued!
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Feb 3, 2023
In October, 2022 I was traveling on interstate 75 in GA. Heard a strange sound in front of vehicle. When I stopped later, I noticed that the trim along the edge of my windshield was no longer there. Upon arriving in FL, later that week, I had Sunrise Ford in Ft. Pierce replace that windshield trim. They said that it was a pretty common problem.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2023
Front drivers side trim piece for windshield flew off going 75mph on interstate. Had it replace and did it again a few months later. Passenger side is loose but has not come off yet.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Dec 8, 2022
I was driving in the highway and one of the roof racks went off flying and almost hit the car behind me. After I stopped I checked the other rack and it is also lose and coming off.