CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Ford Explorer has 13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,704 complaints with NHTSA, including 34 crashes, 11 fires, 51 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (661 reports).
2017 Ford Explorer recalls
Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk
Certain 2016-2019 Ford Explorers may have roof rail covers that loosen and can come off the vehicle while driving.
Rear Toe Links May Break, Causing Loss of Steering
Certain 2017-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles have rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk
The engine block heater can crack and develop a coolant leak.
Door Trim Can Detach While Driving, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2016-2017 Ford Explorers may have driver and front passenger B-pillar door trim that can come loose while the vehicle is being driven.
Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off
The A-pillar trim retention clips on certain Explorers may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim piece to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Rear toe link can break from road salt, risking loss of steering
Road salt can corrode the cross-axis ball joint in the rear suspension of certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorers registered in the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the South.
Roof rail covers can detach, creating road debris hazard
Certain 2016 through 2019 Ford Explorer vehicles may have roof rail retention pins that can loosen over time.
Rear Toe Link Can Break, Risking Loss of Steering
Certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states that were previously repaired under an earlier recall may have a rear suspension toe link with a fracture-prone outboard section.
Sharp Seat Frame Edges Can Cut Occupants
Certain 2017 Explorers with power front seats may have seat frames with sharp edges.
Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss
The rear suspension toe links on these Explorers may fracture because of stress on the rear suspension.
Steering Heat Shield May Detach, Raising Crash Risk
Corroded fasteners can allow the steering gear heat shield to come loose.
Driver's seat back may fail to restrain occupant in crash
Some 2017 Ford Explorer and F-Series Super Duty trucks have a manual driver's seat back recliner with inadequate welds.
Oil Leak Can Ignite Engine Fire Risk
Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes can leak oil onto engine components.
Most common 2017 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 1,704 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 661 |
| Unknown Or Other | 373 |
| Engine | 241 |
| Power Train | 128 |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 78 |
| Steering | 76 |
| Wheels | 60 |
| Suspension | 59 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 45 |
What owners report
About 3 years and 3 months after a Power Control Module reflash was done in March 2021 under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 20B27, vehicle was brought to Ford dealership on 06/07/2024 with mileage at 79,730 for multi point inspection due to vehicle runs rough and hard time accelerating. Diagnostic code was P0316. Service tech recommendation was to replace engine for $14,000.00 including parts and labor (declined recommendation). Brought vehicle to another dealership but found no codes. Instead replaced engine motor mounts, sparkplugs, and air filter due to noticeable vibrations. Dealership service tech inspected engine but found no abnormal findings. Went to another Ford dealership
Vehicle losses power randomly during acceleration, may not stay in park without parking brake on. Shudders badly and shifts harshly decelerates without warning. Nearly has caused collision when merging onto roadways due to lack of control of acceleration, have had to slow onto shoulder multiple times.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure) however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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.
B-Pillar trim on drivers side detached/broke in half and flew off in traffic. Since then, electrical panel on the driver door messed with the locks. locks no longer work, back tailgate ajar warning is on (even though the tailgate is closed) unable to open to open the tailgate (stuck in lock)
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger-side rear tire was low on air pressure. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed wires exposed on the inner tread of the tire. Additionally, the contact inspected the driver-side rear tire and observed exposed wires sticking out from the inner sidewall. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was completed in October 2025. The contact associated the tire failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,400.
2017 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer: Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk; Rear Toe Links May Break, Causing Loss of Steering; Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk; Door Trim Can Detach While Driving, Raising Crash Risk; Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
Based on 1,704 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (661), Unknown Or Other (373), Engine (241).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.