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, Structure, Dec 2, 2022
IN JANUARY 2021 I had a recall for the roof rails on my 2017 Ford Explorer - it took them a year to get the parts due to covid but they finally fixed the roof rails. About one month ago the roof rails started to pop back up - I made appointment at local Ford Dealership in Fuquay Varina, NC. The told me the recall was closed and they were not responsible for them coming up again as they repaired them for the recall. Once recall is closed out that is it .. nothing can be done. Is this correct? They finally agreed to cover 60 percent and I would have to pay 40 percent. Is this correct. Why should I have to pay out of pocked when the repair did not fix the problem. I contacted Ford at [XXX],[XXX] and they told me the same thing and said I only had until December 21 to make a decision. How can this be fair. Please help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
Sunroof leaked & water dripped into top center light assembly and down either side of the windshield support frames, then into the back of the plastic panels under them, continuing down the supports that lead to far left & right frames and into the carpet under the rubber mats.Very concerned about water mixing with electrical parts of the lights in the overhead area over the dash & starting a fire.Tried to open sun roof so I could wipe the channels dry and reclose sunroof but the electric components to it stopped working probably due to water damage,so sunroof was now partially opened to the environment. Vehicle is available at my home in my driveway mostly covered by a blue tarp until I take it to the Ford dealer next week on Thursday to get inspected,checked & fixed (I hope).Was initially scared the water leak mixing with electricity of the overhead front lights & dripping behind the dash panel on either side of the front seats might create a spark and catch something on fire, but got fortunate and didn’t happen.Do not know if Ford dealer can reproduce it until they check it next weeThurs, but one of representatives at dealership repair shop mentioned they are aware of a common problem where if the sunroof is not cleaned & checked regularly the drain channels can get clogged and cause water to leak inside the car-my reply “why would Ford built car that leaks through the roof when it rains”, could leak into electrical components inside the car-got no reply. Asked if this was the problem if Ford would fix it and pay for it and reply was we have to check it first to see what causes it and go from there. Told them I don’t use the sunroof and have not opened it, and was told it can still happen.Best friend saw it, have not reported it to police, insurance company will not look at it unless I submit a claim which I haven’t yet.Waiting to hear how much it will cost.No warning signs of problem until water started dripping from front overhead lights.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2022
After having the fan replaced on my vehicle less than 200 miles put on it the AC compressor went out.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
Window trim on the winshield flew off while driving. Apparently this is a common issue with explorers, as when I went to the Ford Dealership to inquire about replacement they knew exactly what i was talking about and that they have tons of people coming in about it and that they are shocked that it hasnt been a recall so far. I was told that even the owner of the dealership has an explorer and it happened to theirs as well. When the trim flew off i was driving on the interstate going 70 mph- Not only is it faulty but if it were to hit someone they could be injured.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2022
The windshield trim has flown off of my car twice. It's happened twice bc I repaired and then 3 mos. later it happened again. The 1st time it flew off I was driving home in rush hour traffic in downtown fort worth, tx and it flew off into the oncoming traffic. I could have seriously injured someone or caused a wreck, having car parts flying off at high rates of speed in the middle of a major city.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 3, 2022
Water pump failed and coolant leaked into the engine
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2022
I received two letters about this recall and scheduled an appointment with a ford dealer. When I showed up for the appointment they said it would take them a few days to even look at the vehicle and if the recall was not valid I would be charged. This was at the Bell Ford dealer in Phoenix.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after his wife exited the vehicle from the front driver’s side door, while attempting to open the rear driver’s side door, the vehicle began to roll backwards and knocked her to the ground. The contact's wife was taken to the hospital to seek medical attention but was not injured. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,281. The contact has stated that they have been in communicate with several Ford dealerships as well as their corporate offices. Neither of them have been able to replicate the issue and resolve it.
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2022
2017 ford 62,000 miles got vehicle brand new. On the freeway water light appears low coolant high temperature. I take vehicle water pump needed to be replaced. Vehicle is 2000 miles over and 5 Months over the warranty
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2022
The front windshield passenger side trim. Plastic trim flew off the windshield while driving 65 miles an hour in Tennessee on Hwy 111 near cookeville. It flew off but I was able to retrieve it from the side of the road. It could easily have hit a car behind or beside me. A flying object of any type at 65 miles an hour is dangerous. No inspection by a dealer or anyone has been done. I did get a verbal estimate of repair at 600.00 or more by a Ford dealer. They have to remove the windshield to repair it. The only warning I got was when I heard it flap once or twice and then saw it fly off. I believe the cause is due to Ford using plastic A clips and a plastic trim. 8 plastic A clips are one the windshield and then the trim pops on with a little strip of tape. All but 1 A clip is broken and a piece of the trim that attached to the A clip was still attached to the car. When you research this incident you see that it has occurred on many other vehicles and when I spoke to the Ford service center they knew exactly what I was talking about. So Ford is aware of this issue.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2022
Window trim flew off while driving striking another cars windshield. Causing that driver to swerve.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2022
Airbag light illuminated on dash board. No airbags in vehicle working. Have taken vehicle to the dealership 7-9 times to be serviced, always told it is a sensor that is loose or a seatbelt. This was not reported on the Carfax when I got the vehicle and started shortly after. I was once told none of the airbags in the bag of the vehicle were functioning but taping the senor (under the seat) with electrical tape fixed it. So many recalls on this vehicle, too dangerous to drive with no working airbags. Also the recall on the roof racks cause my vehicle to leak when it rained, ford service told me this was not possible. never looked at the problem and after the recall was fixed (after I asked twice) the vehicle stopped leaking, now the sunroof does not work. I have contacted Ford Cooperate about these issues also and they refused to help.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022
Both back doors of explorer closed at same time and back window completely shattered. It was cracked around edges and had a giant hole in it. (Husband took the photos and didn’t take one of whole window.)
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2022
When I had to drive with 1 inch of snow on the road it felt like my rear end was going to come out of my car. My rear end was all over the place and has been getting worse when driving in snow and rain. This is putting my children life at risk especially since there's a recall on my vehicle and there's still no parts to fix it. I want a rental car until someone gets this issues fixed! Someone is seriously going to be injured or this problem and the recall that can't be fixed. I'm scared for my safety to even drive it in the snow or rain but I have to work. This is a huge issue and I'm not sure why this is still an ongoing issue
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2022
2 open recalls with no solution or date of resolution to be given.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2022
I have 4 recalls on my vehicle that multiple Ford Dealerships tell me that they can not fix because of parts not being available or no remedy is available. This has been going on for almost a year now. With these recalls, I feel that my car is not safe to drive. What needs to be done.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
The keyless entry door panel on the driver’s side door is coming undone and vibrates while driving. Others have said theirs has come off the vehicle while driving. Will be contacting the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
Ford Explorer 2017 SYNC/APIM malfunction. Touch screen and controls stop responding almost right after system starts. Troubleshoots indicate to perform master reset, software update, battery replacement but no difference. Software update is risky due system becomes unresponsive as per the original issue. Safety issues include but not limited to the responsiveness of controls as -GPS becomes unavailable -Navigation stop working/updating which indicates wrong directions and enter unwanted roads ending into a safety issue -AC or Heating can't be controlled, then depending of situation, this can affect health -Radio volume can't be modified, this can cause a safety issue -USB SYNC iOS/Android can't connect as systems is unresponsive, if it gets connected, navigation is affected.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2021
The clear trim panels by the driver side door with the electronic numbers to unlock the doors, came off while I was driving on the highway going 70mph. Which resulted in lights going off on on in the cabin of the car, as well as my back tailgate flying open while driving. The clear panel was attached to wires which was reported to me to have caused multiple fuses to be blown one of which was the tailgate door. Once I pulled over to close the door, the door had to be forced closed and the warning light tailgate ajar remained on as well as all the lights in the cabin remained on. Once I was able to park my car none of the lights would turn off once the engine was off and the car would not lock. Both of these panels on the drivers side and passenger side had to be replaced, in addition to the front pillars on the windshield due to all of them coming detached from the car. This is a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed. The owner of the car had to pay for all repairs.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2021
I have been trying to get the first repair done, now the second. (I also have another Ford vehicle that has a recall that I haven't been able to schedule. I am told parts are unavailable or the repairs can't be done for months. Calls to Ford, like today to the number on the new recall, leaves you holding for over 36 minutes. Then it turned out to be a dealership in Pennsylvania. The chat function doesn't work. If you want to send any sort of email, from my experience I had to agree to receiving ads. The other recall is for VIN [XXX]. I am concerned about continuing to allow my family to drive these vehicles. Can you advise how I can proceed? Thanks. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
I have 3 broken motor mounts in my 2017 Ford Explorer that is causing loss of power in my vehicle. I see that the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer was recalled for the same issue. My mechanic has had several ford explorers in for the same issue. This is going to cause accidents if not recalled to be fixed.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2021
Smell in car when driving on freeway or using air conditioner. Burning eyes, nose running, sore throat, feeling sick.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2021
the ribs that are on the roof of the car are loose
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2021
We had a catastrophic failure of the passenger side rear toe link. Causing loss of control of the vehicle No injuries thankfully The dealership and the Ford motor declined to toe the vehicle for repair due to its age. So a new part was ordered through Ford and work was do e locally Less than 30 miles later we had the same catastrophic failure of the same part. This time my entire family including my 14 month old were in the car and we were very lucky that we were not killed but once again there were no injuries or collisions. The part is on recall and their is no remedy part available at this time for replacement. The dealership and Ford are grossly aware and have declined to assist at this time. Ford states its the dealerships responsibility and the dealership states they can do nothing without an authorization from Ford. Because we have experienced 2 catastrophic failures that nearly killed us I think that these cars should be pulled from the road for everyone's safety. I also feel that since their is no part available to remedy the situation Ford should institute something so that owners are not without vehicles and can care for their families and go to work i am very disappointed We avoided death two times due to this recall
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2021
Passenger side windshield trim flew off while at highway speeds without any warning of it being broken or in need of repair. Flew off into traffic behind me.