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, Sep 19, 2021
All of the plastic trim around my car including the both my passenger and driver side windshield trim molding pieces on the exterior of the car are coming very loose. I'm worried it may become dangerous if they fly off while driving.
Engine, Sep 16, 2021
car stops an air-conditioned Bell Brooking due to bearing inside a clutch on the AC compressor !! I was on the highway and the car just stops I almost got hit from behind
Structure, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that all four doors were corroded. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic diagnosed that the door pillars were rusted and were not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,895.
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
About a week ago I started smelling coolant after shutting down the engine, took the vehicle to my mechanic and was informed that the water pump is going bad.
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
At 60,492 exactly 492 miles after the powertrain warranty expired a wrench on the dash came on and upon further research it was a transmission fault, no power loss noted or change in performance. Key cycle cleared fault, after a little more operating time it would happen again. We took the car to Gosch Ford of Escondido where it was purchased to have the transmission serviced and diagnose the fault. We payed for an filter and oil service for the car and at that time was informed that the transmission did not require any maintenance services until 150,000 miles and that the fault that suddenly presented itself was a torque converter fault & to change out the whole transmission at a cost of 6,000 dollars to us. We reached out to Ford headquarters to plead with them since it prematurely failed before even the first service and we were told too bad so sad for you. Being our only means of transportation my wife had to drive it a bit more to and from work at just prior to our job layoff due to the covid emergency we could not afford 6k in repairs costs and we to this day are curious since many thousands of people have had the same problem across our nation. The same problems are occurring as when your department recalled the ford edge and fusion models. We have power going through the transmission just fine and without any dash warnings whatsoever it will kick itself out of gear then slam indiscriminately back into gear causing a sever health and safety matter during operation. We plead with you to please hear our call and the ones of many many thousands on the Ford Forums that are experinecing the same. Also according to the dealership all recalls have been performed on this vehicle yet the nhtsa site shows nothing has been performed. Thank you very much.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Back over prevention, Sep 1, 2021
The APIM is malfunction in my 2017 explorer. Accessories stay on after vehicle turned off, killed battery, vehicle collision sensors and camera intermediate malfunction. Cruise control intermittent function, GPS and screen options /operations inoperable
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2021
The GPS, radio, backup camera, front facing camera and other items controlled by the APIM have been malfunctioning in the vehicle. The GPS will freeze, phones will not answer properly, the cameras will not engage often and the cruise control will occasionally malfunction. The only remedy is to replace the APIM. The vehicle is out of warranty on mileage so I am on my own to pay for the repair of the one item that controls almost all of the vehicle accessories, including heat/defrost, some lighting, etc.
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2021
Started car back up after driving noticed mirrors on both doors didnt extend out. and both front door windows wouldn't work the the defroster was on and I had climate set for ac then the tire pressure monitoring fault came on Sync touch screen would not do anything , the radio was working But nothing else , rear windows worked and sunroof as well. I drove it home the defroster was on and would not go off I parked vehicle let it set for several hours and it is still doing the same thing I plan on taking it to dealership for inspection on monday Aug 30 2021 I'll call first thing in the morning
Steering, Aug 22, 2021
The car sways when changing lanes on parkway
Seats, Aug 21, 2021
My driver-side seat has a hole beginning from the midway left side due to the stitching coming apart. My dealer service rep was made aware of this issue and has told me it's not covered under any warranty. I feel it will become a serious safety issue because it contains the side impact airbag system devices that are enclosed in the area where the stitching is coming apart. I was also told it would cost me money to fix it. I do not feel that I should bear the financial burden to repair this problem due to faulty stitching. My service rep told me that 3 other vehicles came into the dealership with similar problems. I am willing for a Ford Motor company district service rep to inspect it and give me an acceptable solution to this dangerous issue. There was no warning of this problem. My vehicle only has 27000 miles on it! I have owned other vehicles with high mileages on them and NEVER had a seat become unstitched.
Structure, Aug 17, 2021
Passenger side window trim molding detached while driving on highway. No previous issue with it being loose and no previous problems with trim. If there had been traffic behind or to the side, it could have caused damage to another's vehicle, injury to a person, or caused an accident. I directly went to a Ford dealer. I was told by service person that it is a known issue. I paid for the parts (one on order, as they no longer had all the parts in stock due to replacing other moldings) and was told that I would also have to pay for the installation (separate charge). Upon doing research on the internet I found that this is a known issue to Ford and has been listed for different years the Explorer has been made with this trim molding. If I had known of this issue I would not have purchased the vehicle and would have notified my parents when they purchased their 2016 Explorer. My previous Explorer (2013) did not have this trim and we were all very happy with it.
Suspension, Aug 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud snap from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle and the vehicle started to fishtail. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and safely stopped the vehicle on the side of the road. Then the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would authorize the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the engine shield fractured and detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the engine shield and the failure was remedied. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,300.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2021, crash
Was driving 35mph and rear left toe link snapped causing the car to swerve into another car. There is a recall on it from Ford but I do not have any outstanding recalls.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2021
There seems to be an issue with exhaust entering the cabin of 2017 Ford Explorers. There is also a TSB out for this, but Ford refuses to do a recall. Exhaust should not enter the cabin of a vehicle. http://www.mhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/TSB-17-0044-Exhaust-Odor-in-Vehicle.pdf Below are some links that show others are having this issue. There is also a class-action lawsuit now against Ford for not fixing this issue. http://www.explorerexhaustsettlement.net/ https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-lawsuit-finally-has-a-settlement/ https://www.motor1.com/news/314705/ford-explorer-exhaust-fumes-issue/ https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-ford-explorer-owners-say-suvs-making-them-sick/ https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/bad-or-burnt-exhaust-smell-in-cabin-during-hard-acceleration.323597/page-117 https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-explorer-owners-carbon-monoxide-nhtsa/ https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2017/exhaust_system/exhaust_fumes_in_cabin.shtml
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2021
The Electrical Water Pump failed. Had to replace the water pump and the Ford Dealer said my car isn't covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program 18L02. Which my vehicle is. Safe Concern is the car will over heat and the engine will cease. The Pump has been confirmed from a independent service center. The water pump has been inspected by my mechanic. When getting an oil change they said my coolant was really low. Went to my mechanic and they stated that the water pump is bad. He also stated that this was his 9th water pump replacement on the 2017 Ford Explorer.
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2021
My car keeps saying charging system service now but I’ve checked my alternator and my battery and they are both good. And I’m not the only Ford that has this problem as well. Multiple people who have had Ford have this problem. It should be a recall at this point.
Wheels, Jul 29, 2021
While driving on the freeway, I heard a clunking noise from the rear of my vehicle and immediately started to fishtail violently back and forth across all 3 lanes of the highway narrowly avoiding crashing into other cars on the highway while avoiding spinning or flipping the vehicle. I was able to gain control of the vehicle while it whipsawed back and forth with all four tires screeching and smoking slowing down to navigate to the shoulder out of harms way. It was one of if not the most frightening experiences I ever had as a motor vehicle operator. On inspection, I observed the rear left wheel was loosely connected to the drive train and severly out of alignment by ~30% which was what caused the vehicle to begin to fishtail and whipsaw so violently at freeway speed which at the time of mechanical failure was approximately 70 miles per hour. The road was clear, dry and void of any debris in the road.
Structure, Jul 25, 2021
Trim pieces flying off while driving down highway. Keyless entry trim flew off while driving.
Service brakes, Jul 18, 2021
WHEN BRAKING THE REAR SOUNDS LIKE IT IS DRAGGING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT SERVICE.CENTER. THE COMPONENT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THERE ARE NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IT FIRST APPEARED IN JUNE 2021
Structure, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 FORD Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 not available.
Seat belts, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt would not latch after multiple attempts. The seat belt chime sensor would active due to the seat belt not latching securely. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine, Jul 11, 2021
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle lost power due to a main crankshaft bearing failure. The vehicle was repaired at a Ford Dealer and was not under warranty at the time. I was forced to pull off the road due to the loss of power while travelling on a busy highway creating an unsafe emergency situation. There was no warning lights or warnings of any given before the engine failure. It simply lost power and stopped working.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2021
A Pillar trim broke and flew off. This happened on both sides of the windshield. Passenger side hit windshield and ejected over vehicle. Drivers side slammed to drivers door window then continued on behind vehicle. If window had been open the sharp edges plastic would have hit driver. Motorcycles or convertibles behind vehicle may also be in danger.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2021
Initially the cars check engine light came on intermittently for about 3 days, then one day while driving the wrench light came on and the car immediately started decelerating - almost as if I was breaking hard, and would not accelerate over 30. After turning it on and off multiple times the light went away for days until my appointment with the mechanic, that same day it came back on. We went to a Ford dealership and they said it was the throttle body and repaired it. Two weeks later the same issue occurred. I know this was a big issue in 2016 and earlier models, I believe the problem was never fixed in 2017 models. Our car is currently in the shop and they are "emailing Ford" about what to do. The first incident I was on the interstate when I stopped abruptly and the second was on the highway. I luckily had no one behind me both times otherwise this could've easily caused an accident.