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 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.
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.
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 that the A-pillar applique trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and 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 55,000. 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 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 trim around my windshield fell off while driving. I called a local ford store, Ed Martin Ford in Anderson, Indiana and was told the current recall does not cover this.
Head gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into cylinder 1. Starts rough, but could result in lost of power or engine failure while driving. Ford dealer has confirmed the issue and said this shouldn't happen to a car with only 77,500 miles on it (2017 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 2.3L Ecoboost 4 cyl. engine). Have to repair or replace engine depending upon the extend of damage.
Gaskets on windshield are broken and moving while driving. The windshield is leaking water inside the vehicle from rain water damaged sunroof function and carpet.
The water pump is in the engine on this vehicle. You have no clue if it is leaking and it can cause your vehicle's engine to blow. It is also a very very costly repair for a water pump.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough and was shuddering while starting and driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice. The mechanic determined that rodents had damaged the wiring underneath the hood. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the same assessment was made. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the wiring underneath the hood and the wiring in the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced due to rodent damage. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,877.
I have a recall for my vehicle that was issued February 2024. Ford dealership has not fixed it due to the company saying the parts are not available. It is poor business on ford corporate not to furnish the parts and dangerous since it is broken. I am not happy with your business and ready to report this to someone higher up to get it repaired. The dealership can’t help their customers due to the poor service from corporate.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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.
A piece of the driver side exterior column flew off and into windshield causing crack and poor visibility because of it.
At somewhere between 100k-123k the water pump started leaking. This was noticed by smelling a faint smell of coolant after driving. Additionally a small leak of orangish fluid was noticed under engine (front passenger side). Given the symptoms I had the vehicle taken to a Ford dealer for inspection where it was confirm from a system pressure test that the water pump had a leak. Additionally I was just outside my warrant coverage to have this covered by Ford (within the years, outside the mileage). After researching, I have found that many others have the same compliant and even a class action has been attempted. Ford needs to offer a recall for this very cost repair and known issue. Water pump failure could cause engine damage, resulting in vehicle failure while operating, which puts the operator at risk on the side of the road or while operating at highway speeds.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the odor of burning oil was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the "Power Take Off Unit" was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 76,115.
Headlight went out due to water intrusion on plug and module.
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 there was water entering the vehicle from the passenger's side to the middle lower side of the windshield. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was in the rain or at the car wash. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim was peeling and cracking. 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 dealer informed the contact that there was a limited amount of parts being received per week. 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 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side front windshield trim had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 dealer added the contact to the waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150); who informed the contact that parts were not 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 approximate failure mileage was 34,000. 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 moisture was leaking inside the vehicle from the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim. The contact's boyfriend attempted to tape the A-pillar trim where the moisture was entering the vehicle; however, moisture continued entering the vehicle. Recently, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle into the grass. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and placed the contact on a waiting list. The dealer stated that only a limited amount of parts were being received from the manufacturer. 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 approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
SAFETY Recall #24S02/NHTSA #24V031 ISSUED 2/2024 The replacement Exterior A-pillar trim part is still not available. It has been loose for sometime and now had to be duct taped on. The original availability estimation was the latter half of 2024. Please help motivate Ford to remedy this situation.
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Recently, the contact heard air entering through the A-pillar while driving at highway speeds. 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 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.
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
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 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). The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but was unable to provide a timeframe for when parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
There has been a long standing recall on the pillars for over a year, however ford continuously does not have the parts in stock. I have been awaiting repair for over a year with no date in sight.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal flapping noise was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the exterior trim clip around the windshield had detached and flown off the vehicle. The contact stated that the clip on the other side of the windshield was loosened and was removed due to it becoming a potential road hazard. The contact then 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 an appointment was scheduled to repair the vehicle. The contact was later informed two weeks later that parts were unavailable. The vehicle was returned to the contact. 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 approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
While driving at speeds over 35 mph, my 2017 Ford Explorer has started making a loud rattling noise that sounds like wind/air is coming through somewhere around the windshield. The sound is extremely loud when driving on the interstate or highways. After inspecting the inside and outside windshield area, I saw a very noticeable gap between the paneling/trim of the sides of the windshield and the seal. It appears to be loosening on both driver and passenger sides but more on the driver side of the windshield.
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was invalid.
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.
I am formally submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved recall issue on my Ford Explorer involving the front roof rail covers (pillars). The exact defect outlined in the recall is what I am currently experiencing: the pillars are barely attached and could easily detach while driving, posing a serious safety risk. I am also concerned this defect could compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of an accident or even during normal driving conditions. I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a leak. Rainwater enters the cabin through the area where the pillar is not properly secured. This has resulted in significant water damage and the growth of mold inside the vehicle. Because of this, I have been unable to safely operate my Explorer and have kept it parked in my garage for nearly a year. What is particularly troubling is that Ford continues to manufacture new Explorers, which clearly indicates that the required parts are available. It seems reasonable and necessary for Ford to divert these parts to dealerships and service centers to repair recalled vehicles, particularly when the issue directly impacts safety and vehicle usability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to resolve this recall in a timely manner and hold the manufacturer accountable for providing a safe and functional remedy for affected owners.
Issue with CAM Phasers when looking into the problem I noticed there was a recall for other 3.5 EcoBoost engines on other models but not on a Ford Explorer with the same engine.
See attached document for complaint
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exhaust fumes entering inside vehicle when idling and driving on the road. Must drive with windows open and still cannot drive for over a few miles. Get a headache and effects lungs. Vehicle is now parked and cannot use. Exhaust is leaking near engine. Looks like a cracked manifold. Unsafe to use. Date this occurred is an estimate because I do not know how long this has been a problem. There are other 2017 models with the same issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a whirling sound while shifting gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic and was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the started was previously replaced by the Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic. The contact was informed that the transmission was dropped to access the starter switch for the repair. The starter switch was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic because the heat was inoperable however, the vehicle mis-diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact stated that the mechanic dropped the transmission to replace the water pump. While replacing the water pump, the mechanic replaced the valve cover gasket, spark plugs, crank shaft seal kit front, antifreeze, and timing chain kit. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 129,828.
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.
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 contact stated that the trim had detached from the passenger’s side window and windshield. The trim on the windshield had been replaced twice. The trim was replaced but detached from the windshield and passenger’s side window again. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000. 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud thud striking the roof of the vehicle. When the contact returned to the residence, the contact noticed that the thud was coming from the trim on the passenger’s side of the windshield that detached, and the metal frame was exposed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 43,000. 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 unavailable. 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.
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 not 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Port Orchard Ford (1215 Bay St., Port Orchard, WA 98366); but 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 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 contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. The VIN was not available. 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 not 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 contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had 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 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. 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 repairs. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver’s and passenger’s side windshield trims detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the luggage rack trim detached from the vehicle. The seal on the front driver's and passenger's side doors were detaching from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. 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 contacted, and informed the contact that the part was on back order. The dealer stated the part was not expected to be available until approximately December 2025. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
On January 19, 2024, Ford Motor Company advised of NHTSA Recall 24V031. My vehicle is affected by this safety recall. I have been advised by Victory Ford of Kansas City, 1800 N 100th Terrace, Kansas City, KS 66111, that after repeated inquiries, repairs are still not available, nor is there an anticipated date when parts and repairs will be available to complete this safety recall. The "Important Safety Recall" notice I received indicated parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. If the manufacturer is required to report an incident in a timely fashion, are they also not required to perform the required remedies in a timely fashion?