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.
Seat belts, Dec 4, 2025
Rear passenger side seat belt strap is twisted and stuck in fully extended position.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 3, 2025
There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had become loose. An unknown local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
Trim on the drivers door comes off creating a traffic hazard.
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims and doors exterior B-pillar trims had become loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where black tape was used to secure the A-pillar trims and the molding at the top of the windshield. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was due to an unrepaired recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. In addition, the contact stated that parts had not been available for two years. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Structure, Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that water had started to leak inside the vehicle, through the passenger’s side windshield, during heavy rain. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the contact linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 1, 2025
Since Ford issued the first recall notice for Recall 24S02, I have been contacting my local Ford dealerships every few months to check whether the replacement parts were available. Each time, I am told the parts are still not in stock. As of today, multiple pieces of my vehicle have flown off while I was driving. This has become a serious safety hazard. Most recently, while driving on the freeway, a part detached from my car and the vehicles behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting it. I am increasingly concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. At this point, my vehicle does not feel safe to drive, but I have no alternative transportation. This appears to be a straightforward part for Ford to manufacture and replace, yet the delay has been unreasonable. Something needs to be done— I cannot continue driving a vehicle where pieces are literally coming off while in motion.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that a piece of the windshield exterior A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact had contacted the dealer several times, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle once at the destination and noticed that the driver’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had separated from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had started over 2 years ago. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); and contacted the dealer and the manufacturer about parts availability but was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding Ford Recall 24502 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer-based). My vehicle’s A-pillar interior trim was identified as defective under this safety recall. For nearly two years, the repair has not been completed because the dealer claims the required parts are still on backorder. In that time, the A-pillar trim on my vehicle has become loose and is now detaching while driving, which creates a dangerous condition. The loose trim vibrates, moves, and could detach completely at highway speeds, posing a safety hazard to me and other drivers. Ford and the dealership have confirmed the recall but have not provided a repair, a temporary safety fix, or a loaner vehicle. I have repeatedly contacted the dealer, and they continue to tell me that Ford has not supplied the part. Because this is a federally mandated safety recall and the defect is actively creating a crash risk, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to provide parts or a remedy within a reasonable timeframe. This is an unresolved safety hazard, and Ford has not provided a solution.
Structure, Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that upon receiving the recall notifications, the contact inspected the parked vehicle and noticed that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim was loose. The contact applied double sided tape to the trim. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on another occasion, the contact noticed that the driver's side door rubber gasket had split. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer on several occasions and the contact was advised that the parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim was detaching. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were backordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was unreachable, and the call went to a recorded voice message. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Structure, Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Nov 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rubbers and trims surrounding the windshield were dry-rotted and were gradually peeling off and detaching from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had become loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the part was ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2025
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Issue: Hood paint peeling / paint delamination Component: Exterior / Structure / Body / Paint Safety Concern: Corrosion risk and impaired visibility Description: The paint on the hood of my 2017 Ford Explorer is peeling and delaminating down to the bare aluminum, starting at the front edge and spreading across the hood. This is a known and widespread issue on 2013–2018 Ford Explorers involving defective paint adhesion on aluminum body panels. Ford previously issued TSB 17-0062 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 addressing this exact problem. My vehicle is experiencing the same failure pattern described in these bulletins. The paint peels off in sheets, exposing bare metal to corrosion. This creates a safety concern because corrosion in this area can weaken the structure, and loose/chipped paint can detach while driving. Ford dealers acknowledge the issue but state that the program has expired, even though the defect continues to occur. This appears to be a manufacturing defect that affects a large number of Ford vehicles and needs further investigation and manufacturer accountability, dependability and loyalty, positivity and innovation (which happen to be FORD’s Core Values)to solve the manufacturers defect problems. Further service concerns at Michigan City Ford Dealership include: 1. Previously scheduled oil change, nobody present on the building except 1 guy at back desk down hallway watching YouTube videos, didn’t know where my key was, after searching, located my key and unaware that the oil change had not occurred until I brought it up, Ford employee asked if I would like to reschedule without apology, I declined. 2. A pillar recall: only half repaired on 11/17/2025 due to not properly ordering all parts after multiple inspections. Advisor said he would be “stealing” the parts from another customers appointment to finish A pillar recall on 11/19/2025. More time and energy cost to customer due to lack of accountability.
Structure, Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the touch pad numbers on the door that light up to indicate the time needed to unlock the door were illuminated even though the key was not being used to unlock the door. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 160,282.
Structure, Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side and passenger's side trim pieces were fractured around the front windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 58,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with a local independent mechanic, that the mileage had been altered; however, unknown.