2017 Ford Expedition El Problems

Severe Issues

The 2017 Ford Expedition EL has 272 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults and brake issues being the most reported problems. Based on 272 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

older4 years2018

Before you buy

This 2017 Ford Expedition El has 272 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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272
Complaints
20
Crashes
7
Fires
27
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
β€”
Recalls

2017 Ford Expedition El Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 Ford Expedition El trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

15
MPG City
15–15 range
20
MPG Hwy
19–20 range
17
MPG Combined
16–17 range
535
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $7,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2017 Ford Expedition El Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2017 Ford Expedition EL EXTENDED SUV 4x4

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

19.8% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

19.8% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

FORD EXPEDITION EL 2017 has 272 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults (70) and brake issues (68) being most common. No recalls were issued. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2017 Ford Expedition El β€” key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Expedition El
Model year
2017
NHTSA owner complaints
272
Crash-related complaints
20
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
17
EPA MPG city / highway
15 / 20
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2017 Ford Expedition El problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
70
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:5
Injuries:5
#2
68
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:4
Injuries:4
#3
38
complaints

Engine Problems

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2017 Ford Expedition El?

Given the high complaint volume and low confidence in the data, the 2017 Expedition EL is a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.

Electrical and brake complaints can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that could affect ownership experience.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who are willing to accept higher risk for a lower purchase price and plan to have an extended warranty.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers seeking a trouble-free used SUV or those with limited budget for repairs should avoid this model year.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2017 Ford Expedition El

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring harnesses.
  • Check brake components: pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines for wear or leaks.
  • Test engine performance and check for any warning lights or unusual noises.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system thoroughly.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for brake and engine repairs.
  • Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2017 Ford Expedition El, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL shows a high number of complaints for a single model year, with electrical faults (70 complaints) and brake system issues (68 complaints) being the top concerns. Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues each account for 38 complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2017 Expedition EL has a notably high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.

Recall context: With zero recalls, pre-purchase due diligence should focus on verifying that all safety-related issues have been addressed through dealer service campaigns.

Key Findings
  • Electrical faults account for 70 complaints, the highest among all components.
  • Brake system issues total 68 complaints, indicating a significant concern.
  • Engine and transmission/drivetrain each have 38 complaints, suggesting powertrain reliability risks.
Top Concerns
  • Electrical faults: 70 complaints reported.
  • Brake system: 68 complaints reported.
  • Engine problems: 38 complaints reported.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Confidence level is low due to limited data for a single model year.

Full breakdown

All 2017 Ford Expedition El complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Expedition El. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults7025β€”
Brake System684β€”β€”
Engine Problems38β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain382β€”β€”
Hydraulic312β€”β€”
Visibility271β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues24β€”1β€”
Unintended Acceleration192β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System19β€”1β€”
Wheel Issues162β€”β€”
Steering Defects112β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions99β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues43β€”β€”
Structural Problems42β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues41β€”β€”
Equipment4β€”2β€”
Visibility/Wiper3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues11β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Expedition El. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 272 most recent complaints

Brake SystemAug 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount o…

Brake SystemAug 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depres…

Electrical Faults FireJul 31, 2025

Rear blower motor caught on fire, causing smoke to cover the inside of the vehicle. Part had to then be removed from the car. Melted plastic around the inside of the fan and motor. Also we have replaced the blower motive in the front of the vehicle that was under recall and it h…

Electrical FaultsJul 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000(Visibility, Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was completed; however, the defroster failed to function as intended aft…

Brake SystemJul 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pe…

Electrical FaultsJul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the blower motor assembly was abnormally loud. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was i…

Engine ProblemsJul 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle hesitated upon start. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact …

Brake System CrashJul 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, a deer crossed the road. The…

Brake SystemJul 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer ha…

Electrical FaultsJul 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal smoky odor coming from the vehicle. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The vehicle was…

Electrical FaultsJul 15, 2025

BACK UP COMPUTER SCREEN NOT WORKING EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE. TALKED WITH SERVICE MANAGER -ABOUT 6MONTHS AGO TOLD IF UNIT DOES NOT MALFUNCTION WHEN BEING TESTED CANNOT CHECK PROBLEM.BUT IF I WOULD LEAVE CAR FOR A DAY THEY WOULD TRY AT VERIOUS TIMES TO SEE IT NOT WORKI…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 11, 2025

TSB 23-2143, citing cold-start cam phaser rattle as a manufacturing defect that impacts reliability and safety (loss of power, premature wear, noise).

Brake SystemJul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. T…

Brake SystemJun 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet av…

Electrical FaultsJun 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was making an extremely loud roaring sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine failed to crank over the following day due to the ba…

Brake SystemJun 4, 2025

brakes were functional at time of parking suv. upon reentering and starting vehicle, the add brake fluid light and alert came on. the brake peddle was non existent with feel. the brake reservoir was empty but no visual leaks from any of the brake calipers or lines were evident. a…

Electrical FaultsJun 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt heat coming from the bottom of the vehicle. No warning l…

Engine ProblemsMay 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blower seized. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contac…

Brake System CrashMay 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds during the snow, the vehicle slid on the icy road. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into the guardrail and came t…

Electrical FaultsMay 10, 2025

AC BLOWER STOPPED FUNCTIONING

Page 1 of 14

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ford Expedition El.

Safety recalls

2017 Ford Expedition El recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Expedition El. With zero recalls, pre-purchase due diligence should focus on verifying that all safety-related issues have been addressed through dealer service campaigns. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time β€” confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Ford Expedition El model years

Compared to other model years, the 2017 Expedition EL has a notably high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2017 Ford Expedition El buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2017 Ford Expedition El reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 272 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. Given the high complaint volume and low confidence in the data, the 2017 Expedition EL is a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Expedition El?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (70 complaints). #2: Brake System (68 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (38 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Expedition El?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Expedition El?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Ford Expedition El, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 272 total complaints. 27 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Ford Expedition El have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2017 Ford Expedition El in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2017 Ford Expedition El?β–Ύ

Given the high complaint volume and low confidence in the data, the 2017 Expedition EL is a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Electrical and brake complaints can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that could affect ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Expedition El reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2017 Ford Expedition El based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.