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.
Structure, Mar 20, 2023
2018 Ford Explorer windshield trim panels detached and nearly flew while driving at highway speeds. I’ve also experienced the passenger side window panel detached while driving at highway speeds. The consequences of the defect could result in a detached panel hitting another vehicle's windshield, a driver, or even a pedestrian. This could cause a driver to swerve and cause a major accident. Ford must recall the defective panels and all panels immediately.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2023
Exterior windshield trim on passenger side. Yes it is available for inspection. This part flew off of our vehicle while driving on the highway. This part could have hit another vehicle and caused harm. Yes this is a known issue when I took my vehicle to Corwin Ford in Springfield MO. Service representative stated that this is under an Investigation for recall. Vehicle has not been seen by any other than service department with dealer. No warnings or messages of any kind.
Structure, Mar 17, 2023
Body trim around window fell off while driving on freeway. Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety risk would be to other drivers who could be hit by part flying off. Fortunately, no person or vehicle was struck when part flew off my car. Car has not been inspected since incident. There was no warning or symptom prior to incident.
Visibility, Mar 15, 2023
the windshield seal and trim are deteriorating and coming off. because of the risk, i have scheduled an appointment (April 2023) to repair at the dealer i purchased the vehicle from. windshield could fall out, pieces of material could hit other vehicles, leaks will damage the vehicle. the dealer will confirm at the appointment in April. no others have inspected the vehicle to date. no warning indicators
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Mar 14, 2023
While driving on the freeway the passenger side windshield side panel flew off the car completely. It looks as though the clips that hold it on all failed. This seems to be a known issue with this model of car.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed a coolant leak coming from the water pump. The coolant level was low, so the contact added coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Structure, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rail detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 68,280.
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Mar 13, 2023
Need a new transmission when I need to press the gas it won’t go it like I’m just pushing the gas in park
Structure, Mar 10, 2023
A-post (passenger side) trim because detached at high speed, striking another car.
Structure, Mar 9, 2023
I was driving on the interstate highway- I-20 in Alabama going eastbound at approx. 70 mph. Suddenly, the driver's side windshield trim moulding blew off without any warning. Mileage was 51,278. The safety issue is that this trim moulding is approx. 18 inches long - 4 inches wide which may have hit another vehicle as it departed my vehicle at highway speeds. I further read that approx. 170 Ford Explorer owners have also reported the identical issue, so I wanted the goverment to be aware that this occurred and hopefully there is a full recall. The dealer wants $650 to replace this moulding.
Engine, Mar 9, 2023
Vehicle began overheating and repair shop advised it appears to be a water pump issue. The vehicle only has 107000 miles on it. Was quoted $2500-3000 for repair due to pump being built into the engine.
Structure, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the windshield. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the front, passenger side windshield trim panel was cracked in several places. The contact called the dealer about the failure and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,120.
Structure, Feb 26, 2023
Traveling at Highway speed (70mph) on level road without unusual road conditions is clear daytime weather, the drivers side windshield pillar trim separated from the vehicle, and the drivers side mid pillar trim loosened, but did not separate. No other vehicle damage occurred. The vehicle had been purchased from a Dealer in Bowie Tx, 15 minutes before the incident. The dealer has agreed to repair the damage.
Structure, Feb 25, 2023
At highway speed the Windshield-Outer Trim Molding Pillar Driver Left Side departed the vehicle. I saw something flicker by but did not know what it was until I stopped and saw the missing trim piece.
Engine, Feb 23, 2023
Pulled my Explorer into the driveway because the temperature gauge came on While driving up my hill. Then when pulling in the driveway there was fluid leaking throughout my driveway and then there was a big puddle. I had it towed to a local service station in my town and I just got the estimate. The water pump was no good. I have only 74,599 miles on my SUV. I just found out that in the past (2011-2016) Explorers had issues with the water pumps. I brought it to a local auto repair station because I couldn't get my explorer in for 3 weeks at a local dealership.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 21, 2023
The trim and seals around the front windshield are cracked and coming apart. This has caused parts to fly off potentially hitting other cars. This has happened in multiple occasions.
Structure, Feb 21, 2023
While driving on the interstate the second day that we had the car, bought it used the right side window A pillar trim came off the car and landed on the interstate and broke in pieces. Several cars behind us had to swerve to keep from hitting the parts. Could have caused a very bad accident as there was a lot of cars on the road. I see that this a major issue with the Explorers and should be recalled due to safety.
Structure, Feb 19, 2023
"A" pillar window trim fails to remain affixed to the vehicle. After just a year of new vehicle ownership, on at least 15 different occasions, my passenger side "A" window trim or driver's side window trim would fly off while in travel. This usually occurs on the highway at any speeds exceeding 40 mph. I feel that this creates a safety issue and a financial burden as the piece and sometimes the mounting bracket have to be purchased at each incident. The safety issues are a somewhat large part of the vehicle separates and goes flying into any following traffic. The separation from the vehicle is usually a noisy and distracting affair for the operator/driver. Further, following traffic has to avoid the now airborne part. An additional safety concern is the missing part exposes the edges of the windshield, possibly affecting the integrity of the windshield, not to mention little protection from rain, water or snow. Lastly, the missing part creates a very unsightly vehicle. Attached are pictures of my vehicle without the part and my 2023-2022 eBay purchases. The document shows 6 replacements/purchases in just over a one year period. I have purchased both very expensive OEM parts and after market parts, with the same unfortunate results. I am not an engineer, but it appears that poor design allows 45+ mph wind to get under the trim, forcing it away and off the windshield pillar. Please, consult with any 2011-2019 Ford Explorer owner and I'm sure they have a similar story. I make a habit of looking at other Ford Explorers on the road and at least half the affected years vehicles are missing the windshield trim. I'm not one that complains frequently, but this is ridiculous and potentially dangerous.
Engine, Feb 18, 2023
Internal water pump failed. Dealer indicated that it needs replacement at a cost of $4,000. This is a know issue for Ford Explorer models for multiple years going back to 2011 including the model year 2017. Ford has not recalled the vehicles with this safety issue. Vehicles can overheat and cause engine damage including my location in the Phoenix Desert.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2023
On December 19, 2022, while driving to work in the morning on Interstate 580 I heard some cracking noises coming from outside my vehicle then all of a sudden I see something fly off the right side of my windshield. I immediately looked in my rearview mirror and see a piece of what appeared to be plastic bouncing off the ground luckily no one was hurt nor did it hit another car but it could have easily considering the force with which it ripped off. Once I arrived at work I noticed the right side of the windshield trim panel was gone there were no warning lights or alert notices on the vehicle prior to this incident. I had this same piece replaced approx 3-4 years ago believing that it was our fault (per the service department at the Ford dealership) for driving the truck through a brush-type carwash since then we NEVER returned to those types of carwashes. The car is available for inspection as we have not had the part replaced. In January I came across a news article in USA TODAY regarding this same issue occuring to others yet no recall has been issued!
Structure, Feb 15, 2023
piller moldings between the front and rear windows became loose and one came off. this creates a hazard to other vehicles on the road. we had them replaced by Earnhardt ford in Chandler AZ on 2/10 2023. .
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on various occasions while the vehicle was parked, there was a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it remained awaiting parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Visibility, Feb 14, 2023
While driving under 80 mph on the highway my passenger side panel flew off and almost hit the vehicle behind me. I was able to locate the panel after having to drive in reverse on the shoulder for a few minutes. This is my second ford explorer and it flew off on my drive side on the first vehicle.
Visibility, Feb 13, 2023
Windshield trim piece covering passgener side windshield pillar flew off while driving at highway speed. Sounded like something hit the vehicle, but once we stopped, I realized a piece of the car had flown off.
Structure, Feb 9, 2023
Wind pulled the ‘A’ pillar trim off the vehicle, breaking g the plastic trim and rubber gasket. This is a know problem that FORD has not issued a recall on, but should.