2017 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,700 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 34 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 51 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Campaign 26V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Campaign 25V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsSep 11, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
Campaign 19V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
Campaign 17V530000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMay 22, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Campaign 17V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerDec 22, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
Campaign 16V925000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,700 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
After purchasing a 2017 Ford Explorer Eco Boost (65K miles) it was only 6 -7 months (yes months) later that I would find myself in a devastating car situation. At exactly 72,000 miles, I discovered my engine would need to be completely replaced. I discovered this after having my vehicle diagnosed at the Ford dealership. Coolant in the #2 and #3 cylinders. The dealership said it would cost $9500 for a new motor. I just bought the car! After searching the internet, I am finding more and more people are having the same problems, and some are prone to engine fire! I have children! There is already law suite against the Ford Company, But I try to do the right thing, I called Ford Motor Company to report my problem. Case No. CAS-39543003-F9S9T0 CRM:040000805. They said they would look into it. My hopes were up. I received a call, They know it is a default in the motor but it has not been recalled yet! Really! So I’m supposed to wait until there is a recall! I was so upset! She did say that they would pay for $4500, but I only have 30 days to let them know if I will take their offer. I told her I don’t have $5 - $6000 sitting around. Ford motors is aware of this issue and has refused to offer assistance in the whole cost. It should be a recall...
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message to "See Owner’s Manual" and the coolant level overheating warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was made aware that there was a coolant leak and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed that the spark plugs were crossed in the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the spark plugs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Power train, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly shift gears while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge failed to increase. The contact stated that a message appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the engine power had been reduced to prevent engine failure. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, he noticed that coolant was leaking on the ground. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the potential cause was due to a faulty water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Power train, Oct 22, 2022
Water pump: coolant leak, overheated engine.
Air bags, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag connectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 17, 2022
No warning lights, took vehicle in for clicking noise - diagnosed ball joint repair. Also Ford dealers tells me my water pump is leaking and repair will cost over $3,500. I have read that this is a common problem and I would like to report it.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2022
The APIM module failed in our 2017 Ford Explorer. The module failed so the windshield wipers do not work, the turn signals do not work, the heater does not work, the speedometer does not work, the tachometer does not work, the temperature gauge does not work, the fuel gauge does not work, the center display does not work, the reverse camera does not work and the radio will not turn off and the center display lights will not turn off.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 14, 2022, crash
Husband returning home, pulled into carport and as he removed foot from accelerator to brake, accelerator pedal kept accelerating. This caused explorer to hit carport awning, classic 65 mustang, 2007 Harley and shed. Airbags did not work. Accelerator is still pressed to floorboard.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
Sunroof leaked & water dripped into top center light assembly and down either side of the windshield support frames, then into the back of the plastic panels under them, continuing down the supports that lead to far left & right frames and into the carpet under the rubber mats.Very concerned about water mixing with electrical parts of the lights in the overhead area over the dash & starting a fire.Tried to open sun roof so I could wipe the channels dry and reclose sunroof but the electric components to it stopped working probably due to water damage,so sunroof was now partially opened to the environment. Vehicle is available at my home in my driveway mostly covered by a blue tarp until I take it to the Ford dealer next week on Thursday to get inspected,checked & fixed (I hope).Was initially scared the water leak mixing with electricity of the overhead front lights & dripping behind the dash panel on either side of the front seats might create a spark and catch something on fire, but got fortunate and didn’t happen.Do not know if Ford dealer can reproduce it until they check it next weeThurs, but one of representatives at dealership repair shop mentioned they are aware of a common problem where if the sunroof is not cleaned & checked regularly the drain channels can get clogged and cause water to leak inside the car-my reply “why would Ford built car that leaks through the roof when it rains”, could leak into electrical components inside the car-got no reply. Asked if this was the problem if Ford would fix it and pay for it and reply was we have to check it first to see what causes it and go from there. Told them I don’t use the sunroof and have not opened it, and was told it can still happen.Best friend saw it, have not reported it to police, insurance company will not look at it unless I submit a claim which I haven’t yet.Waiting to hear how much it will cost.No warning signs of problem until water started dripping from front overhead lights.
Visibility, Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the driver's side front windshield molding detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the replacement part was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 12, 2022, fire
We had an issue with Fuse 34, it popped and sent warning lights to the dash regarding safety systems and sensors, as well as the cameras in front and back stopped working. We replaced the fuse and it held for a while, but then popped again. I noticed a lamp flickering one day on the front of the vehicle, and upon further inspection saw that the front camera and wiring harness had started on fire. The wiring harness is fully melted and there are signs of smoke and fire damage on the front of the car. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer who confirmed their wiring harness had failed, but will not take responsibility for the issue. The care only has about 45k miles on it. I called to their corporate office who also rejected any liability. Obviously this is more than just the money for repairs, but a safety hazard that they will not respond to.
Structure, Oct 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the keyless entry outside the front driver’s side door popped off without warning. The contact also stated that the rear tailgate latch failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the wiring of the keyless entry was repaired also repaired the rear tailgate latch. Additionally, the contacts stated that the roof rail cover started to detach from the sunroof, and water leaked through the sunroof. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 119,000
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2022
Bad APIM, available for inspection. Diagnosed by Ford dealer when I took it in for Sync screen going black, navigation fault, steering wheel Sync controls not working. Backup camera does not work periodically - which is my prime safety concern. It is also distracting when the navigation and sync screen go black while driving. Ford seems to know the problem, and from other on-line posts, this is a popularly recurring malfunction.
Steering, Sep 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying and became difficult to control with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V537000 (Steering). The dealer had been notified on multiple occasions of the issue and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was outside in the rain, the contact noticed a moldy and musty odor inside the vehicle. The contact noticed that the trunk and spare tire compartment was wet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a water specialist diagnosed the vehicle and informed him that the passenger's side luggage pillar rack was cracked. The mechanic added sealant to the pillars. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 49,831.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2022
After having the fan replaced on my vehicle less than 200 miles put on it the AC compressor went out.
Structure, Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 70 MPH, the door lock access panel on the driver's side started to loosen and almost separated from the door frame. The contact pulled off the highway and observed that the passenger’s side door lock access panel was also loosened. The contact stated that her husband used duct tape to secure the panels. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
Window trim on the winshield flew off while driving. Apparently this is a common issue with explorers, as when I went to the Ford Dealership to inquire about replacement they knew exactly what i was talking about and that they have tons of people coming in about it and that they are shocked that it hasnt been a recall so far. I was told that even the owner of the dealership has an explorer and it happened to theirs as well. When the trim flew off i was driving on the interstate going 70 mph- Not only is it faulty but if it were to hit someone they could be injured.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel failed to respond. The contact shifted to park(P) and then shifted back into drive(D). The vehicle then regained steering functionality. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,676.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine overheating warning message would appear on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty and linked the failure to a defective water pump. The mechanic then referred her to a dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that they might help if a diagnostic test was performed by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2022
I took my Vehicle in because the AC stop blowing cold air, and the overheating lights kept coming on. After waiting for a week, I was told it was a water pump but that did not fixed the AC being at all, couple days later I got a call from the dealership (GRAPEVINE FORD) that the compressor went out. After 3 weeks of waiting, I end up paying out of pocket what is supposed to be covered based of this letter I received from FORD. I feel like I should not have to pay for something that FORD should have covered. Letter below explained the very issues I had with the vehicle, including OVERHEATING and damages like bad cooling relay would cause.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, warning message regarding the engine cooling was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.