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 7, 2023
continuous highway cruise speed shudder in 6th gear between 50 and 60 MPH
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact drove to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that there was no coolant in the vehicle, and that coolant had leaked due to the water pump failure. The mechanic added coolant to the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer informed the contact that the water pump needed to be replaced, and that the failure was a known failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Oct 4, 2023
Driving down the highway last night and passenger side windshield pillar cover flew off. Don't know what effect it may have had on any vehicles behind us.
Structure, Oct 3, 2023
Driver side windshield trim came off while driving on freeway at 70mph We saw something fly off and pulled over to check and the trim was gone Don’t know what happened to trim, praying it didn’t damage anyone else’s car or cause an accident
Structure, Oct 1, 2023
Outer windshield guide/protector cracked in half and parts flew off while driving on highway around 60MPH.
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2023
Car wouldn't stop or slow down until I put all my pressure on the pedal. No previous warning about brake issues. No lights or sounds regarding brake problems.
Visibility, Sep 22, 2023
I was driving at highway speed today, and the drivers side windshield pillar plastic trim broke free from the vehicle and flew in the air towards following traffic
Visibility, Structure, Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side window trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the trim was replaced. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the front driver’s side trim detached. The failure caused the trunk button to open and close the trunk. The message trunk latch ajar was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Structure, Sep 15, 2023
Both of the A-pillar body panels between the windshield and front driver/passenger doors have blown off at different times while driving on the freeway. The second flew off today and the other was months ago.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, vibrating, and transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque arm, engine mount, axle shaft, and catalytic converter were all damaged due to the jerking and vibrations from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who performed service repairs under an unknown Customer Satisfaction Campaign however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2023
The side Window Molding and mounting panel broke off while driving. When it broke off it could have hit a person or vehicle causing significant injury or damage, luckily it just narrowly missed the vehicle in the lane next to us. As this broke off while we were driving on the freeway we were unable to stop and retrieve the piece. Additionally, the molding along the side windows on the front doors is starting to detach. I'm seriously nervous to even drive this car anywhere because pieces seem to be randomly detaching and breaking off.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 11, 2023
The windshield trim is detaching and won’t go back into place. I’m afraid it’s going to fly off why driving and cause a wreck behind me. I’ve read this is a known problem. I shouldn’t have to pay for a known design flaw.
Structure, Sep 11, 2023
Front windshield side panel flew off on freeway. Other side very loose as well. Glue, rubber seal crumbling. I have talked to dealer and they said “It just happens sometimes. They just fall off” Happened within the first week of purchase. Luckily no one was close behind me on the freeway. No warning besides the loud noise of it flying off and now there is a noise of air coming through since it’s no longer sealed. I am worried my windshield is next. I have seen tons of cars with the exact same thing!
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
I was driving the speed limit on the thruway and my passenger side windshield outer trim flew off of my vehicle! It almost hit the vehicle behind me and cause myself and the vehicle behind me to swerve as it happened so suddenly it was startling.
Suspension, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle assembly needed to be replaced. The parts needed to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Structure, Sep 10, 2023
My right side A pillar flew off of my car while driving on the highway. Luckily this did not cause an accident but very much could have. I have seen numerous other Ford Explorers with the same piece missing from their windshield. Very dangerous! I uploaded my car (the black explorer) and another car I seen on the highway with the same piece missing. I also have a friend who has an Explorer and her piece flew off as well.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Sep 10, 2023
Thr manufacturer did not put rear tire links on my vehicle. I purchased brand new tires 3 months ago and my two rear tires are already showing sings of wear and tear. I went to a mechanic to see if I could get a full alignment on my vehicle. When they started on thr alignment, they informed me that they could not proceed because the vehicle was missing the manufacturer rear toe links. If I decided to let them order rear toe links and do the alignment, it would cost me almost $600. This is completely unacceptable for ford to drop the ball again and we the consumer are stuck paying for something that they should.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The windshield plastic molding on the passenger side detached and flew off while driving 65 mph over a year ago. Ford dealer replaced the molding in September last year. The same windshield panel flew off again last week scratching the passenger door while startling me and the driver behind me. We both swerved but luckily avoided a collision. I had exactly the same problem with a company owned Ford Explorer I drove before.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield panel separated. The contact continued driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and provide the contact a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Structure, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the passenger's side windshield trim panel separated and struck the front passenger's side door. The contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side windshield trim panel was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the passenger's side windshield trim panel separated and struck the front passenger's side door. The contact stated that he was startled and slightly swerved to the left. The part then flew to the rear of the vehicle, causing the vehicle behind to swerve to the left as well. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Sep 5, 2023
The windshield trim on the driver side ripped off. This piece could have flown off and hit another car or a pedestrian
Visibility/wiper, Sep 2, 2023
Windshields wipers coming on and staying on although the settings are on the off switch. The wipers won’t turn off at all
Structure, Sep 2, 2023
The passenger side pillar fell off while driving. This pillar is about four feet in length. This could have caused someone to have to swerve to avoid the pillar on the road like a motorcyclist. No warning lights or alerts in the car. I've not taken the car into the dealership yet.
Power train, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle into a neighboring driveway, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact had several independent mechanics inspect the vehicle and each diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked with the engine idling the message "Engine Too Hot to Operate" was displayed and the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine had overheated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump and timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The water pump and timing chain were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 132,000.