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, Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC code: P219C was retrieved. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be taken apart for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,820.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 9, 2024
Safety Recall Notice 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Explorer was done in January 2024 and I received the letter in February 2024. The parts still aren't available after 9 months which is unacceptable. I am now having to use long strips of duct tape on my windshield to hold these loose parts in place which affects my vision to drive and my windshield wipers to work correctly. I wasn't in any accident but concerned about what may happen. This has been going on since July 2024 when I went to the beach and we were going down interstate the piece came loose. We have been using duct tape since that has to be replaced weekly Nothing should take this long and replacements parts need to be made available to repair as soon as possible.
Steering, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Oct 4, 2024
In 2022 I had the water pump replaced on my 2017 Ford Explorer as it was leaking and i was getting fluids into the oil tank. The mechanic advised that it could destroy the entire engine and cause massive safety issues when driving. Had repairs done at Forder Dealership. On September 26, 2024, I took my 2017 Ford Explorer into the Ford Dealership for another issue and found out that my water pump was cracked again, leaking antifreeze, and that it needed to be replaced. Again, if not replaced massive safety issue could occur when driving. Earlier in September when driving the vehicle on the highway the entire vehicle shut down, lost the power steering, and the vehicle literally died in the parking lot of a tire shop. Replaced the alternator but still had issues with the engine after the replacement which now I learned could have been from the antifreeze leaking out of the water pump. Ford will not cover the replacement of the water pump because it 9 months past the warranty.
Structure, Oct 3, 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 front driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 1, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the dealer had removed both trim pieces and had broken the trim pieces and had not replaced the parts. The failure mileage was 33,787. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Oct 1, 2024
In November of 2020 Ford Motor Company issued a recall on vehicles manufactured in their Chicago plant for transmissions torque converter issues under customer satisfaction program 20B27/20N07 which was in effect until November 30, 2021. It was not until September 2022 that I personally started having issues, I took my vehicle to Bob Bell a Ford Dealership for a check engine light issue and completing their diagnostics they confirmed it was a torque converter issue. However, I was advised that my warranty had just ended and it was no longer under warranty to be fixed and I would have to pay out of pocket. I contacted Ford Customer Support Division and they opened case number [XXX] in reference. They advised me the recall was over and to contact the NHTSA who can investigate the matter and issue a new recall for my vehicle. I am requesting an investigation into this matter and Ford be held liable to replace the transmission as a recall and refund me the $195.00 I paid for the diagnostic fee. The transmission issue has affected a large number of vehicles which Ford obviously were aware of and those owners whose issues started after the expiration date of the program should not be penalized and made to pay out of pocket especially when this is a know problem and documented problem with the Explorers manufactured out of the Chicago plant. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Sep 27, 2024
The black trim piece that is by the door and window (where the keyless entry pad is) flew off while driving. While getting the recall for the other piece, it was observed the other piece on the opposite door is lose as well. When I received the recall, I assumed the piece that flew off was the recall in question. Since the part flew off and the other is lose, I believe it is a safety hazard and apart of the same assembly problem like the piece of trim by the windshield.
Service brakes, Sep 26, 2024
The inside rear brake pads sustained a 66% loss of material in 9260 miles of normal driving. The vehicle was serviced on 10-03-23, 53,446 miles, the fronts pads had 7mm and the rears had 6mm. The vehicle was again service on 09-11-24, 62,706 miles, the front pads had 6mm and the rear had 2mm. I had the dealer take the rear brakes apart and check everything for why the pads wore down so fast. The findings were that all components were in good working order and the outside rear pads actually had 5mm and the inside rear pads had 2mm.The dealer told me they couldn't find a problem as to the extreme wear. I contacted Ford and they couldn't or wouldn't help due to no problem found and brakes being a wear related part. All work was performed at Lithia Ford of Boise.
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, Sep 20, 2024
Front windshield cowl is made or substandard materials and is cracking. You do a google search or YouTube search and you will see that many are having this exact issue. It is a safety hazard. If the cowl breaks it can surprise or cover the windshield of the driver that can result in injury or death.
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the oil dipstick had been ejected, allowing the orifice to leak oil onto the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to determine that the engine was building excessive internal pressure but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Engine, Sep 19, 2024
Engine shake due for engine mounting damage on transmission and engine mount 3 xplorer 2017 was at the same shop same problem
Engine, Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P0300; and determined that there was an engine misfire. The contact's husband replaced the coil pack and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Structure, Sep 12, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal clicking or tapping sound coming from the A-pillar trim on the driver's side. The contact observed that the A-pillar trim had blown off the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer because the contact called and was informed that the parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the front passenger's side windshield trim clips detached and flew off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not available. 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 failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that in 2nd and 3rd gear, the vehicle jerked, and transmission slipped. The contact stated that while in 4th and 5th gear, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had overheated, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission continued to shift between the fourth and fifth gears. There was an abnormal booming sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was slipping. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised that the repair was not associated with any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2024
Driving on the highway heard large rattling noise coming from engine loss of power engine light came on battery light came on no acceleration cause to slow down on highway fortunately I was able to get to shoulder had it towed to service shop had p0012 code tensioner may have broken off on timing belt causing low oil pressure and causing engine rattling noise and engine shut down but service garage don’t do that type of work
Structure, Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and became aware that the roof rails were separating from the roof of the vehicle. The contact was able to tape the roof rails down. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Structure, Aug 29, 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 while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated and flew off. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle inspection. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Suspension, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and ended up nearby a ditch. The contact stated that while his wife was driving straight, the vehicle veered off independently. There were no injuries during the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Steering, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assists warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the power steering had seized, and the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact stated that the dealer performed a power steering factory reset; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was parked and turned off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the power steering had seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.