2017 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer. This model year has 1,629 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2017 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Considering a 2017 Ford Explorer?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 628 | 7 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 358 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 306 | 7 | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 119 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 87 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 74 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 59 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 51 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 43 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 42 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 32 | 8 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 30 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 22 | 6 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,629 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V101000 (Suspension…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed,…
A and b trim pillar pieces are loose and I just lost one going down the interstate. It is also causing my car to leak when it rains. Recall was issued over a year ago and still no parts available to fix it.
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 exterior A-pillar trims and trims …
Filing a complaint as the nhtsa.gov website suggests: "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner ... file an online complaint with NHTSA" It has been over 27 months and I have contacted my dealership numerous ti…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the clips for the B-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were fractured, and the B-pillar trims were hanging off the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure)…
The trim on both A pillar and B pillar are coming off. When I spoke with Ford about a year ago they informed me of one recall with another coming. One of the trip pieces broke off in an automatic car wash. I was able to go back and get it, but have cut my hand on door multiple ti…
Coolant keeps going low. No visible leaking spots. Been to 2 mechanic's. Both said Ford defective engine block. Coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Recommended engine replacement. Check engine light. Verified 300 # codes. Misfire. Foul and rough start ups. Been on 4 or 5 months.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable a…
My 2017 Ford Explorer suddenly started vibrating intensely whenever I am at a stop or start slowing down. Episodes of hesitation when attempting to take off from a start with significant rpm surges. I am told I need to have my torque converter replaced. My vehicle has 84,697 mile…
I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a da…
Vehicle experienced white exhaust smoke due to oil entering the exhaust system, caused by turbocharger failure. This led to contamination and failure of all O2 sensors, requiring full replacement, along with replacement of both turbochargers. The radiator also failed and had to b…
No impact shattering of rear window. I entered the car and closed the driver’s side door when I heard the window shatter.
The rear toe link arm is not adjustable, so I can't get it aligned. It has caused a clunking noise when I turn and everytime I align my front end, it does not last.
1 WATERPUMP FAILED AND LEAKED WATER INTO MY OIL AND BLEW MY ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND I COULD NOT DRIVE. I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WATERPUMP IS NOT A RECALL BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL . THE ENGINE WAS RE…
We were driving on the highway and the b pillar trim flew off. It did hit another vehicle but didn’t cause any damage. I cannot use my keyless entry and current am driving with duct tape. This happened in August 2025 and I have spoken to local dealership and ford customer service…
Oil is leaking onto my spark plugs and fouling them out. Also took my car into dealership and parts are not available for the recall for the rear toe links.
In regards to recall 24V031 and 25V347, both of my A Pilars have flown off my car while driving. Luckily no damage was caused but the replacement parts are still not available. The recall is from 2024 and 2025. Does it really take over a year for replacement parts?
I purchased 2017 ford explorer from Mark Ficken. It was still under warranty. The transmission went out in a week something with the torque converter. They replaced the transmission free of charge. Two years two months outside of the warranty the transmission fails again due to t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Ford Explorer.
Recalls for 2017 Ford Explorer
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2017 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2017 Ford Explorer has 1,629 NHTSA owner complaints, 32 crash-related, and 13 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (628 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Structural Problems (628 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (358 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (306 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2017 Ford Explorer has 32 crash-related complaints and 10 fire reports out of 1,629 total NHTSA complaints. 49 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: SEATS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2017 Ford Explorer has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2017 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.