NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the driver's side trim panel detached and made a loud sound. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 139,996. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The air bag warning light came on solid (on solid, not blinking).
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud sound before the A-pillar trim on the passenger's side flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side was loosened. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was 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 failure mileage was approximately 78,735. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side front windshield trim detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 while driving 70-75 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated and flew off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased the part online and installed the part on the vehicle. 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 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and entering the freeway, the vehicle began to release exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the failure had occurred, and the A-pillar trim had been taped to the vehicle to prevent the piece from falling off the vehicle. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I am waitning for A pilar under recall over year and Ford never had that part available I check with the dealer on monthly bases they said the part never came.
2017 Explorer vehicle equipped with a 2.3L engine exhibits a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE. The vehicle also exhibits a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving. This may be due to the torque converter overheating causing damage to the torque converter as well as possible internal damage to the transmission.
Vehicle began leaking coolant. No warning lights came on or anything. Took into repair center and they advised that the water pump needed to be replaced. Over $3,000 to repair and the car is barely over 100,000 miles. Seems to be a major defect as I have read many complaints about this issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side keypad exterior trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who did not diagnose the failure but was able to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Upon starting my vehicle it started smoking all of a sudden from the exhaust pipes. Turned off right away. Towed to Ford dealer where they then said it was the turbocharger that leaked to the engine I believe and to the catilac converter.
There was a mechanical failure with the internal water pump that caused my engine to seize and render the vehicle non-operational. The water pump and motor have both been inspected by a certified mechanic who has deemed it as such. The vehicle could have broken down on the highway but I was one of the lucky ones that it did not. There was no warning of my engine being bad until the water pump was replaced. The weep hole in the pump caused coolant to enter my oil.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the engine and the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbo and the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
in 2019 with 55,000 miles on my 2017 Ford Explorer limited the screen which displays the front and rear cameras stopped working. after taking in for repair we had to replace the APIM module. then last week our 2018 Ford fusion with 35,000 miles had the same part fail. upon further research it appears that there are alot of Fords that have had the same problem. I'm filing this complaint because I believe Ford should be held responsible for making faulty parts.
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 stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like air rushing into the driver's side of the vehicle from the A Pillar. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was raised up by the vehicle slip stream and was blown backwards away from the vehicle. The contact stated that later the passenger’s side trim on the A-pillar trim had started to become loosened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I was driving on the highway at around 60 mph, I accelerated to pass a car and then the "power" just cut off. The check engine light came on and having my foot on the gas did nothing and the car began to decelerate. Then it started to cycle between kicking in and cutting off for a few seconds, as if it was "catching". Then as I moved over towards the shoulder for safety it resumed normal operation.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the A-pillar trims detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seals on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the front windshield had deteriorated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related to: Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 The recall has been in place since January of 2024 (2 years) and there is still no remedy and the dealer repeatedly states the parts are on back order. I have had one pillar trim blow off, risking other drivers on the highway and fear the 2nd will do the same. Ford is not honoring the recall and there needs to be action taken for consumers.
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 local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
My torque convertor has started to fail, extreme vibration when in drive or reverse at a stop, hesitation when trying to take off from a stop, RPMS will redline and the car won't move and then it will slam in to second gear. I have found a recall/customer satisfaction program (20N07) I took the car to a Ford dealership and they confirmed the torque convertor is ruined. I am terrified to drive this car, when the hesitation first happened I was pulling out in to moving traffic and the car would not move then took off very quickly. The vehicle has only been inspected by a Ford dealership where they diagnosed the torque convertor. I believe that this should be considered a safety issue. The hesitation alone could cause an accident when trying to move with the flow of traffic.
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 and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached and were vibrating significantly while driving, causing the contact to be distracted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, but the dealer informed the contact that the recall parts were on backorder. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed a full tank; however, the Distance To Empty indicator was incorrect. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump monitor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft solenoid had failed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 141,595.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached, and duct tape was used to secure the piece into place. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure), 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 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 76,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 20B27 and 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, he became aware that the center screen failed to display a rearview, potentially compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the APIM. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The A trim pillar piece described in NHTSA recall 24VO31 flew off at highway speed. The B pillar trim piece flew off striking the side of the car causing a dent.
In a 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum the passenger 2nd row seatbelt malfunctions and will not extend. It is available for inspection. The seatbelt first binded (or became stuck) March 2024 and taken into Ford dealership and they reported "Upon inspection of seat belt, found to be internally binding at the retractor. Requires replacement." They ordered replacement but said it was on backorder, it took months before replacement arrived. When replacement arrived it was taken in to Ford dealership to replace but Ford reported "Replaced RR seat belt retractor. After installation, found a faulty part was sent. Reinstalled old seat belt and ordered new belt." Returned to Ford dealership for the second replacement seatbelt and it was installed and at time was working. Now for the third time (During the next several months after the third seatbelt is installed) it has gotten stuck (binded) and unable to extend several times and unusable. Resulting in having to relocate the passenger to another seat. Safety concern: users may not have a working and reliable seatbelt. Passenger may not be restrained with seatbelt or it may force a child from sitting in the rear seat to relocate to a more dangerous front seat due to lack of working seatbelts. This seems to show that the seatbelt mechanism must be defective in that 3 seatbelts are having similar problem in a 6-12 month window. Have also seen similar reports of this issue on Reddit.
Air bag light came on the dash board Headed to dealer to see why Code B141C Cost to repair the problem was very high not covered by warranty The problem seems to me a poor design. Because of this weak design I feel this puts passengers in danger.
safety recall notice: 24S02/Nhtsa Recall 24V031 exterior A pillar trim part that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The passenger trim flew off and hit windshield and car while driving on freeway (I-15 near Calico, CA). Driver's side trim is loose and rubber is cracked holding it on. Windshield has bubbles and cracks in it since trim came off.
On Friday March 1, 2024 approximately 10:30pm. My SUV caught on fire while parked and off.
Torque convertor failed at 80k miles, caused the vehicle to shake while in drive while stopped in gear. Was repaired at a Ford dealership (Palmetto Ford) in Charleston South Carolina
The A-Pillar trim (passenger side)became detached as I was driving 60 MPH on [XXX]. I paid $350 to have it repaired at because I wasn’t aware of the recall at that time.. The repair shop was Inland Empire Collision Riverside,CA 92507 phone 951.788.4860 Several months later the driver side became detached as I was driving [XXX] .. I took my car to a trusted mechanic & he informed me of the recall. I went to Raceway Ford dealership and the service rep Edwin Garcia file my claim to have my car repaired as well as my $350 refund.. That was 10 weeks ago.. I got a call from a lady (sorry she didn’t identify herself) at Raceway (12/27/24) regarding a recall.. I informed her that Edwin had filed my claim and I would like to know the status… she replied…”give me 10 minutes and I’ll call you back.. I never got a call back. Meanwhile I can’t take my SUV to a automated car wash in fear of it leaking water inside.. Not to mention what a eyesore it is to look at… please put some fire under there feet to fix the problem that I didn’t ask for.. I’m loyal to the USA products because I’m a small business person & I absolutely know the importance of patronizing USA owned businesses… thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Since owning vehicle with around 60k, 2 serpentine belts have been replaced, high pressure hose replaced, water pump is now failing. Looking online, this vehicle has been plagued with issues and no recalls? A failing water pump from 2011 models on? Not sure how a car can have over $10k in problems and no recalls.
Happen Feb.28/2024.windsheild part flew off my suv/hitting side my suv panel on door also loose. Could have hit another car. HWY 321 South 2 lane Hwy. Have called 3 times. Have been to dealership 3 times. C Ford. Keep telling me they have not received parts to fix. 5 mons. Still driving / With exposed around windsheild/ door panel doing same.
The top and bottom rubber of the windshield is corroded, falling off, and flapping against the windshield. It is also making a whistling noise and wind is coming into vehicle from the top. I was told that the recall would fix that but once they came to fix it they only did the left and right side of windows and left the rest the way it was. I expressed my concerns on a few occasions but they refused to fix it. I’m an elderly wheelchair bound female whose only transportation method is this vehicle. I have my daughter driving me to doctor’s appointments and the whole time I’m in the vehicle I’m afraid the windshield will fly off. The noise is so loud and hard to hear. The sun roof appears to be leaking as well so air could be seeping though there too. The windshield wipers go off by themselves even when it’s off or not raining. Even when the wipers are on there’s a big delay to wipe windows which makes it hard to see. I’m not sure if any of these issues are related but they have been brought to the attention of the manufacturer with no response.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45–50 MPH, the driver's side panel near the windshield detached and the trim on the windshield detached. While driving at various speeds, the windshield was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coils and spark plugs were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test showed that coolant had leaked into cylinder #3. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,186.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that her husband had informed her that the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed, and the dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,600.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and removed the front passenger's side A-pillar trim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 95,500.
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband driving at approximately 50 MPH, he observed a part flapping. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exterior A-Pillar Trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exterior A-Pillar Trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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. Parts distribution disconnect.
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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.