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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2022
2 open recalls with no solution or date of resolution to be given.
Structure, Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the roof rail cover detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact was made aware of the failure by another driver. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2022
I have 4 recalls on my vehicle that multiple Ford Dealerships tell me that they can not fix because of parts not being available or no remedy is available. This has been going on for almost a year now. With these recalls, I feel that my car is not safe to drive. What needs to be done.
Service brakes, Jan 12, 2022, crash
This vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock brakes. On Sunday, while driving slowly through a slippery parking lot, due to ice, my brakes locked in the downward position. I was not able to get the brakes to function. This resulted in a low impact auto accident.
Engine, Jan 11, 2022
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer with a 2.3 EcoBoost Four-Cylinder with 59k mileage. Back in November of 2021 My Ford dealership said Coolant is leaking into the Cylinder head causing the car to misfile after a check engine light diagnoses. This causes the car to overheat and can cause major issues. Now i need my entire engine replaced. I have a read that this a know issue in other Ford SUVs in but not in a Ford Explorers, however I have the same engine type. This is a problem for the Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder engines produced since 2010.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2021
INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
The keyless entry door panel on the driver’s side door is coming undone and vibrates while driving. Others have said theirs has come off the vehicle while driving. Will be contacting the dealership.
Air bags, Dec 11, 2021
The airbag light on driver's side goes on randomly, seems with automatic movement of seat each time I get in and out of the car. If the airbag doesn't work it impairs my degree of safety in involved in an accident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected as it is $125 per hour to have it looked at. No other warning lamps or signals. It just randomly goes on and off - and stays on while driving.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
Ford Explorer 2017 SYNC/APIM malfunction. Touch screen and controls stop responding almost right after system starts. Troubleshoots indicate to perform master reset, software update, battery replacement but no difference. Software update is risky due system becomes unresponsive as per the original issue. Safety issues include but not limited to the responsiveness of controls as -GPS becomes unavailable -Navigation stop working/updating which indicates wrong directions and enter unwanted roads ending into a safety issue -AC or Heating can't be controlled, then depending of situation, this can affect health -Radio volume can't be modified, this can cause a safety issue -USB SYNC iOS/Android can't connect as systems is unresponsive, if it gets connected, navigation is affected.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2021
The clear trim panels by the driver side door with the electronic numbers to unlock the doors, came off while I was driving on the highway going 70mph. Which resulted in lights going off on on in the cabin of the car, as well as my back tailgate flying open while driving. The clear panel was attached to wires which was reported to me to have caused multiple fuses to be blown one of which was the tailgate door. Once I pulled over to close the door, the door had to be forced closed and the warning light tailgate ajar remained on as well as all the lights in the cabin remained on. Once I was able to park my car none of the lights would turn off once the engine was off and the car would not lock. Both of these panels on the drivers side and passenger side had to be replaced, in addition to the front pillars on the windshield due to all of them coming detached from the car. This is a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed. The owner of the car had to pay for all repairs.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2021
I have been trying to get the first repair done, now the second. (I also have another Ford vehicle that has a recall that I haven't been able to schedule. I am told parts are unavailable or the repairs can't be done for months. Calls to Ford, like today to the number on the new recall, leaves you holding for over 36 minutes. Then it turned out to be a dealership in Pennsylvania. The chat function doesn't work. If you want to send any sort of email, from my experience I had to agree to receiving ads. The other recall is for VIN [XXX]. I am concerned about continuing to allow my family to drive these vehicles. Can you advise how I can proceed? Thanks. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
I have 3 broken motor mounts in my 2017 Ford Explorer that is causing loss of power in my vehicle. I see that the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer was recalled for the same issue. My mechanic has had several ford explorers in for the same issue. This is going to cause accidents if not recalled to be fixed.
Steering, Nov 14, 2021
The rack and pinion failed; these parts were replaced by Ford at my expense and Ford kept the old parts. The safety of myself, my passengers, and other drivers was put at risk because the steering would catch while in a curve and cause the driver to be unable to steer momentarily. This caused me to almost drive head-on into a semi tractor-trailer, as the steering was not responding to my turning the wheel, but did just in time to avoid the collision. This steering catch also caused over-steering as a result of the steering not responding. The problem was reported to Burns Ford of York and the rack and pinion were replaced on 10/21/21. The vehicle was only inspected by Burns Ford of York. The catch in the steering first started in July of 2021 and progressively got worse. As the symptoms worsened, the loss of traction warning light would often come on when the steering caught.
Structure, Nov 14, 2021
The windshield trim piece on the passenger side started making a noise while I was going down the interstate and suddenly flew off. It caught me off guard and almost made me swerve and the car behind me had to swerve it as it landed on the road luckily he was paying attention and didn’t hit anyone else. The whole incident could have ended worse
Suspension, Nov 4, 2021, crash
Vehicle was WB on I94 in Minneapolis when the rear toe link fractured causing loss of steering control and a crash. The driver and injured party is [XXX]. I am his attorney. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2021
Smell in car when driving on freeway or using air conditioner. Burning eyes, nose running, sore throat, feeling sick.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 2, 2021
Back window Just spontaneously shattered, nothing hit came out from work and it was shattered.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2021
the ribs that are on the roof of the car are loose
Service brakes, Oct 22, 2021
When vehicle is cold the brake pedal is normal 2inches movement. After 10 miles or so the pedal moves 4or 5 inches. After the vehicle cools down again the pedal returns to 2 inches again. The ford dealer does not know what the problem is.
Structure, Oct 22, 2021
The windshield gasket along with the door gaskets are all becoming thin and thatching. While driving on he freeway the windshield rubber gasket on the driver side began to flap around as it has apparently lost it's full seal. I noticed much of the rubber gaskets on the door as well are loose and not properly functioning. It appears the rubber used is poor quality as this should not happen on a car that is only 4 years old. I asked the dealership and they indicated it seemed to be normal wear and tear. I can't imagine how this could be normal wear and tear on a car only 4 years old. This problem needs to be looked at as it seems Ford is using an inferior rubber product on its vehicles. This will cause harm especially from the windshield issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2021
We had a catastrophic failure of the passenger side rear toe link. Causing loss of control of the vehicle No injuries thankfully The dealership and the Ford motor declined to toe the vehicle for repair due to its age. So a new part was ordered through Ford and work was do e locally Less than 30 miles later we had the same catastrophic failure of the same part. This time my entire family including my 14 month old were in the car and we were very lucky that we were not killed but once again there were no injuries or collisions. The part is on recall and their is no remedy part available at this time for replacement. The dealership and Ford are grossly aware and have declined to assist at this time. Ford states its the dealerships responsibility and the dealership states they can do nothing without an authorization from Ford. Because we have experienced 2 catastrophic failures that nearly killed us I think that these cars should be pulled from the road for everyone's safety. I also feel that since their is no part available to remedy the situation Ford should institute something so that owners are not without vehicles and can care for their families and go to work i am very disappointed We avoided death two times due to this recall
Structure, Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed the paint was bubbled up and paint was peeling off the hood of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where informed it was manufacturer defect and the hood needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified who referred contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2021
Passenger side windshield trim flew off while at highway speeds without any warning of it being broken or in need of repair. Flew off into traffic behind me.
Structure, Oct 1, 2021
Pieces of the windshield trim have flown off while driving. The keyless entry door panel is loose and vibrates while driving. Others have said theirs has come off the vehicle while driving. Will be contacting the dealership. Absolutely no warning for this.
Suspension, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.