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
1,700 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 19, 2024
2.3L 4 cylinder engine has coolant intrusion causing a blown head gasket and requiring a super expensive repair that should be falling to Ford not the consumer. This is a design flaw and should be fixed ASAP. Coolant should not be intruding and leaking. This engine has around 76,000 miles and has only been owned for 1 year. Very disappointed in this.
Steering, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 5 MPH making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was due to the power steering unit. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Structure, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
I was driving , when I heard a strange noise. Luckily I was about a mile from work. I listened more, Checked my check engine lights, as I was passing the local ford dealership. They were not on. I proceeded to the stop light. My car began to miss. I had just put gas in, I assumed it was bad gas, still no engine lights. I made it 3 blocks it started missing bad, going through an intersection. Now its making a bubbling noise. No check engine, but the heat gage is half the way up. I stop in a driveway. put it in park for 15 minutes, to cool it down. I restart my car, I move it 4 yards to park along the street. Now my car will not move at all. We had it towed to the dealership. My engine is ruined. I did not drive my car more then a mile after the noise of what the dealership said, was system blowing up, that's in the engine. As a result this has blown my engine and I now need a new one. We had just been on vacation from Ohio to the Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. My husband checked fluids, added a little of both oil and Antifreeze before we left on Oct 17, 24. There was no antifreeze in the oil or oil in the antifreeze. We were only back a day when this happened . When the radiator blew up, it never set off my check engine lights. Even when the vehicle could no longer move, there were no check engine lights on. My vehicle was making a bubbling sound, yet my hot gages never went completely to hot. At the most the were about 3/4 of the way. The radiator blew and in a few short minutes my engine completely locked, this happening within a mile. Lucky for me, I was in a small town, when it occurred. Its been 3 weeks and I am still waiting on an engine. I have been told its because so many of the explores are having the same issue. I have to come up with 10,000.00 to replace the engine of a vehicle I still owe on. It just turned 100,000 miles in Michigan
Structure, Nov 11, 2024
I have a recall for my vehicle that was issued February 2024. Ford dealership has not fixed it due to the company saying the parts are not available. It is poor business on ford corporate not to furnish the parts and dangerous since it is broken. I am not happy with your business and ready to report this to someone higher up to get it repaired. The dealership can’t help their customers due to the poor service from corporate.
Power train, Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging while changing gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an excessive amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The driver pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the two turbo chargers had previously been replaced 16,000 miles prior to the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Structure, Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Nov 2, 2024
Brought vehicle in for a recalled issue concerning the rear toe. After the repair, had accelerated tire wear in a month. Replaced the tires 3x in 2 years and the issue is still there. Currently tires are needed again for 4th time in 2 years.
Structure, Nov 2, 2024
The drivers side Pilar applique which house the keyless entry came off while driving. It appears it is held on with double sided tape. If it were to fly off it would have posed a problem for other motorists and pedestrians. When looking up for other insidents online found this is a regular occurrence in this vehicle. I was able to double sided tape it again to fix temporary. However it occurs from time to time still. No warning prior to occurance.
Structure, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side front windshield trim had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer added the contact to the waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150); who informed the contact that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear toe link fractured. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle swerved to the left. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver's side rear suspension was on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured driver's side rear toe link. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the ABS and the wheel bearing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The contact had received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); however, the contact was advised that the ABS and the wheel bearing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
Structure, Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver’s side door trim near the keypad had detached. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and the trim was replaced. The contact stated that approximately 3 years later while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the same trim piece detached from the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Structure, Air bags, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side the A-pillar applique trim had a split in the middle causing rainwater and dirt to enter the vehicle. As a result of the failure, the sunroof motor was damaged and then failed to operate. The local dealer was called, and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. On another occasion, while driving at various speeds, while making a left or right turn there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened when turning to the right. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar applique trim was not likely the reason for the failure of the sunroof motor and that a 2-hour diagnostic test needed to be completed to determine the cause of the failure; however, the repair would be paid out of pocket. The contact was reminded that the A- Pillar applique trim part was still not available. The contact was informed that the clock spring had failed and needed to be immediately replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,685.
Power train, Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was leaking from the case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission jerked, and the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Structure, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 16, 2024
I was driving in the Columbia Gorge on highway and the Drivers Keyless entry trim Blew off, and broke in half, the top half hit the car behind me dented his hood and put a nick in his window. I'm very thankful the piece that broke did not cause an accident or kill anyone. The lower half (with the keypad) was flapping in the wind being held on by electrical wires. The keypad blew a fuse, sending me signals that the lift gate was open and I had 4 dogs in the back. Luckily the lift gate did not open, tossing my dogs or belongings on the highway, causing more road hazards.
Structure, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side door's exterior B-pillar trims had detached. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the passenger's side and driver's side door's exterior B-pillar trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Oct 14, 2024
Powertrain fail while driving on the highway
Structure, Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.