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, Jan 23, 2023
The right side trim piece on the windshield came off while driving and was dangerous for me and my passenger. The whole side is exposed and will most likely leak. The rubber gasket tore after the trim piece came off and was hitting the side window.
Visibility, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side windshield rubber seal detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by wear and tear. The dealer determined that the front windshield rubber seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a bluish-gray cloud of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger leaked on the engine and the turbocharger tubes needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Seat belts, Jan 11, 2023
2017 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SEATBELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED THE DEALER LOST THE STEP PANEL AND ALSO NEED ADDITIONAL PARTS TO INSTALL THE NEW SEATBELT.
Structure, Jan 8, 2023
Front hood top coat issue. I bought the vehicle in Oct ‘22, and it had a pre-existing issue on the front hood.
Structure, Jan 6, 2023
My husband was driving on the highway on a windy day and the Apillar Trim blew off the car. It got stuck in one of the side mirrors and was bashing against the window until my husband could pull over and get it. When I called the dealership and told them what happened, they shared that it happens frequently. I brought it into the dealership to be repaired and was told by 3 people that it happens frequently. The repair will cost $685. We are going to see if a different repair shop can fix it for less. Either way, our car should not blow apart on a windy day. -Had the part blown into traffic, it could have seriously injured a car behind them or coming toward them -In addition, it was surprising to my husband who said he nearly drove off the road because this part was banging against the car -There was no warning -The dealership has inspected it
Power train, Jan 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the RPM was inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and shaking while driving. The contact stated that the dealer previously performed Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27 (Powertrain Control Module Reflash). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Grieco Ford of Raynham (1651 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767) however, the dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to two independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 (Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage). The mechanics determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered by the TSB. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
Driving on busy interstate at approximately 55mph there was a sudden loss of acceleration ability and check engine light came on, white smoke coming from exhaust. Car was taken to dealership and diagnosed with bank 1 broken turbocharger turbine wheel, and bank 2 turbocharger turbine wheel damaged requiring replacement of both turbocharger turbine wheels, both catalytic converter assemblies, o2 sensors, tailpipe, flex pipe, gaskets. Estimated repair cost greater than $9000. Mechanic at dealership reports this is a very common problem with this vehicle. Vehicle at 88k miles with routine maintenance and no collisions, similar recall for other years of same make and model
Steering, Suspension, Jan 1, 2023
In March of 2022, this vehicle was repaired for a rear suspension toe link recall. On Christmas evening, December 25, 2022, the toe link failed. The car fishtailed briefly before veering uncontrollably off the road. I had no warnings that this was going to happen aside from a slight "clunk" in the rear of the car a second beforehand. Fortunately oncoming traffic immediately stopped and avoided me and I was able (with much difficulty) to move the car to safety. I was only going about 35 mph; I cannot imagine how much carnage I would have created had I been on the highway I was headed to just 3 miles away. The car was flat-bedded to the Ford dealership that has always repaired the car the very next morning, December 26. While waiting for the wrecker, I walked the area where I heard a "clunk" just before the car's steering became inoperable and found a bolt which I brought with me to the dealership. In conversations on December 27, 28 and 29, the Ford service manager stated to me that he and the shop foreman were at a loss as to why the rear suspension toe link failed, but in examining the bolts, they believe they were machined/bored just a little too small allowing it the ability to unscrew itself from the toe link assembly and fall off the car. While the car was at the dealership, I reached out to Ford Motor Company's customer escalation team with the issue. My concern was not just for my own safety, but there are 600,000 other Ford Explorers on the road that might experience the same failure. On Friday, one of the team's members called me back to say that her investigation revealed that the bolt simply unscrewed itself. When I asked "well don't you think this is a huge recall issue?" she stated that investigation/issuing safety recalls are not the job of Ford. When I asked if the bolt unscrewing itself seemed plausible, she responded "I don't know." I have not yet picked up the car though the dealer replaced both toe link assemblies. I am GRAVELY concerned.
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
I own a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with 2.3L Eco Boost. It was recently diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was told there is nothing that can be done about it other than buying a new engine. Since August 2022, this car has had the "check engine" light on and has been to several different mechanics and 2 different Ford dealers before finally being diagnosed. After researching this issuer, I have learned that Ford has known about this issue since 2010 and chosen to do nothing about it. I have been driving this vehicle around, not knowing that this problem could cause the engine to catch on fire, endangering all the lives of my family! Ford should take responsibility for this issue and replace the engine!
Structure, Dec 29, 2022
The side pillars on both the driver side and front passenger side became loose. There was a definite rattle sound inside the car. Thankfully I noticed it before they flew off and hit another person/car on the highway. This could have led to multiple injuries. When I brought the car back to the dealership they mentioned that this has happened to other cars. Perhaps there needs to be a recall. This only compounds the situation I had in April of 2022. While driving on a highway I suddenly had a rattle in the front window. I discovered that the moulding had rotted and the window was separating. When replaced by the dealership, they told me that they have dealt with this problem numerous times. Is it time to recall and have Ford pay back these expenses?
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Power train, Dec 26, 2022
On 11/21/22, my car ‘lost’ it’s transmission at 72,704 miles. This is when a wrench light came on the dashboard, and the car went into limp mode-putting myself and my 2 children at risk while driving. I was luckily able to pull off the road. When I restarted the car, the light went off and allowed me to slowly drive back to my house. We had it towed to a Ford Dealership for further investigation. Prior to this incident, the car had been having intermittent issues with shifting gears on hills, and an occasionally clunking noise that paired with it. We had taken it to the dealership and asked them to investigate. They told us there were no issues, that the transmission was fine, which meant no codes. We had just had some powertrain issues resolved, due to other lights associated with the terrain management system. The issues continued, intermittently, but we were unable to get into another appointment prior to its failure. Once in, we were informed that it was ‘rare’ and that while they hadn’t fully investigated the issue the prior time-there had been no computer codes to indicate this would happen. So, now we have no car and an $8200 bill to fix it, as quoted by our Ford Dealership
Structure, Dec 21, 2022
I WAS DRIVING ON I95 ON FRIDAY AND THE DRIVER LEFT SIDE WINSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FLEW OFF IN THE WIND VERY HARD. ON SATURDAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FEW OFF I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE I DONT KNOW IF HIT THE WINDSHILED OF THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. NOW BOTH ARE GONE.
Structure, Dec 18, 2022
I purchased 2 2017 ford explorers and they both developed the same problem . The plastic windshield pillar facia trim breaks off at highway speed. Not only is this a dangerous distraction to the driver, the part flying off at 65 mph becomes a projectile that is a hazard to vehicles following behind. Based on forums, you tube videos, and the availability of aftermarket replacement trim, this would appear to be a wide scale problem.
Structure, Dec 14, 2022
While driving on the highway the driver side windshield flew off the car into the roadway.
Structure, Dec 13, 2022
- The weather stripping around my front windshield failed and caused the molding around the windshield to also fail. - This failure occurred while driving at highway speeds. The flying debris alarmed me and could have obstructed my view. It could also have hit another vehicle and caused an accident. - There are instances online of this happening to Ford Explorers. Unknown if it has been inspected by dealers. - My vehicle has not yet been inspected for this defect. - There were no warning lamps or messages/symptoms before this failure. It first appeared on 12/1/2022. My vehicle is a 2017 and at 56000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that carbon monoxide was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle after driving short distances. The contact stated that he felt lightheaded while driving the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2022
I bought the car from modern Corp s in Fort Myers Florida and the brakes are bad the catalytic converters are melted the steering makes noise sounds like it's just going to break in half we have a warranty and they will not honor any of it after they said they would we had to put it in the shop not even a week of having it because of the AC and the only thing the warranty covered was the sway bars ball joints and a couple other things I drive this car every single day I just feel like this car is not going to make it nobody wants to honor the word about anything and I see there is a recall for the roof rack one side of it is missing if anybody can help me that would be great because I would love to get my vehicle repaired the right way
Other or unspecified, Structure, Dec 8, 2022
I was driving in the highway and one of the roof racks went off flying and almost hit the car behind me. After I stopped I checked the other rack and it is also lose and coming off.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front and rear passenger's side doors failed to open from the outside whenever the door was locked. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 6, 2022
Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Dec 2, 2022
IN JANUARY 2021 I had a recall for the roof rails on my 2017 Ford Explorer - it took them a year to get the parts due to covid but they finally fixed the roof rails. About one month ago the roof rails started to pop back up - I made appointment at local Ford Dealership in Fuquay Varina, NC. The told me the recall was closed and they were not responsible for them coming up again as they repaired them for the recall. Once recall is closed out that is it .. nothing can be done. Is this correct? They finally agreed to cover 60 percent and I would have to pay 40 percent. Is this correct. Why should I have to pay out of pocked when the repair did not fix the problem. I contacted Ford at [XXX],[XXX] and they told me the same thing and said I only had until December 21 to make a decision. How can this be fair. Please help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Visibility, Nov 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side window molding was peeling off. The contact then stated that the driver's side molding was coming apart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side window molding needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to cover only a portion of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.