2017 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

I experienced the expulsion of coolant underneath the hood of my vehicle in the parking lot / driveways the past month or so. I took this into my mechanic and they diagnosed with water pump failure, need of timing chain assessment and 12 hours of expected labor. This issue has been recalled in Canada, but not here in the U.S. This is a significant amount of money to fix this and a safety issue as this vehicle is often driven in rural areas late at night. If inspection upon request is needed I can make it available.

Car wouldn't start. All the water had run out due to coolent leak near water pump and in finding it they found leak near front engine mount. These are problems that other 2017 explorer owners have also complained about online. In addition, Kirkland Ford stated they are backed up on repairing the toe link and roof repair due to lack of certified mechanics. The 2017 whole vehicle should have been recalled due to the cheap parts used which has caused me to continually go in to have recalls fixed. While there they end up causing more issues causing me thousands in repair bills. I have scheduled with independent car repair shop for them to give me estimate of repairing the above items for January 10 the first date they had available.

My locks on my doors will not lock with keyfob or when I push my lock button in the car. I am scared that if I can't lock them someone will fall out the car. Someone can steal my car because I cannot lock my doors.

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 60 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 20 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contracted. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. 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 driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had become loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the part was ordered. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Transmission is shuttering, had it checks by River City Ford and the tech advised the Torque converter needed to be replaced. After research, the recall 20N07 in October 9, 2020 for torque converter issues was found. After reading the document, the same issues, same motor same transmission is happening to my vehicle. The issues are as stated, vehicles that experience adverse NVH, vibration and/or rough idle in Drive or Reverse, low performance / lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder while driving. However my vehicle is doing the same thing, has the same 2.3L engine with the 6F35 transmission, but it is not on the recall list. NHTSA should step us and add all Ford Explore with that year, engine and transmission to this recall since the same issues are happening.

Apparently Ford is aware that there is a know issue with the Ford Explorer Water Pump failure which is causing water pump leakage inside engine mixing coolant and oil. This has been reported by thousands of consumers who are faced with an average cost of about $3000 to get this resolved. This should be considered a recall.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side and passenger's side trim pieces were fractured around the front windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired at the owner’s expense. The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. 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 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

windshield trim panel detaching and flying off my car while driving at highway speeds.

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 windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the trims were secured with black tape. The contact stated that the failure required tape to be applied to the trim pieces. 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 and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

The A pillar panel on the windows are a hazard. While driving yesterday the panel flew off and hit the car behind us causing the driver to over react and almost crash into several other vehicles. Ford has been unhelpful with this matter on making these safe.

Driver's side A-Pillar trim fell off while driving at highway speed

While driving in the freeway the plastic cover on the front "A" pillar flew off causing it to crash onto the front passenger side window before falling off. It could have caused serious bodily injury to my wife (front passenger) if the window was rolled down.

My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT - eco boost (72,524 miles) vehicle was misfiring (running really rough) at startup the last week or so and the engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle was serviced in July of this year and there was no mention of the problem. Upon paid inspection today (11/10/23) and diagnosis at my local AAA Car repair service they reported the following: Engine code P0303 - no 3 misfire. The no 3 plug is very clean, which is not good (as it likely means a leak of coolant from head gasket). Upon pulling the number 3 plug, it was confirmed that there was a coolant leak from the Head Gasket. AAA car repair indicated that this was not normal for a car with this low of mileage and shouldn't happen this soon. They said they did not do this type of work and advised I check with Ford corporate to see if there was a recall or extended warranty. I called Ford Corporate, and they did not see any recalls or information that could help with the repair, and they advised I reach out to the NHTSA to see if there might be other reports or investigations underway and if not, to open one. The vehicle has only been inspected by the AAA Service garage and is now back home in my garage and available for inspection upon request. NOTE: in researching this issue on line, I did find several articles and links of videos with this problem. There are safety issues, especially when pulling out in traffic or accelerating, as the vehicle sputters and does not run smoothly or go as fast as expected and could cause an accident. 

The black trim/molding around the front windshield is breaking and perking off in chunks while driving on the freeway.

2017 Ford Explorer windshield trim is starting to come off. Pieces have flown off behind the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the passenger side A-pillar flew off the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and later 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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. The failure was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

windshield molding is falling apart. Windshield cowl fell apart and had to be replaced. Now rest of molding falling apart, as well as interior door molding.

I paid for A pillar repair on my own and they have not sent out reimbursement remedies. See below. Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SOME OF THE EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM, WHICH BORDERS THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, MAY BE LOOSE, MISSING OR BECOME DETACHED.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, there was an unknown fluid was underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Windshield trim flew off on the freeway going 65mph causing damage to a vehicle behind me. This problem has been reported to my nearest ford dealership.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was a whistling sound coming through the exterior windshield A-pillar trim. 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was 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 71,000. 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 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rubber under the A-Pillar trim had become unsecured. The local dealer sent a technician to the residence, and duct tape was used to secure the trim as a temporary repair. The failure mileage was 35,000.

The trim of our windshield flew off and almost caused an accident. Water got in and caused damage shortly after.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact heard a slapping sound coming from the vehicle and became aware that the front driver’s side windshield trim had detached and struck the vehicle behind. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side keyless entry panel detached from the vehicle. The contact stated while driving, the panel fell off and was sticking out, but eventually snapped in half. Additionally, the liftgate lost power. The contact duct taped the panel to the door. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an unknown speed, the panel detached. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Water leaking in the drivers side frame that goes down the inner column by the dash onto the floor board, leaks above the driver visor, and in the back frame in the trunk of driver side. I have had it checked over by a Ford dealer twice and they claim it was my sun roof-which it is not. When I tried to have it checked again with a non Ford mechanic, it’s been too cold and rainy so the problem cannot be found. It has gotten worse in my car, water damage to the dash and I get condensation that forms on the inside of my windshield. Thought it occurred due to the windshield guard cover recall but that isn’t the case.

The front windshield gasket on our 2017 Explorer is disintegrating, cracked and brittle. Today a chunk broke off as I was driving.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed dry rot and cracks in the rubber seal around the perimeter of the windshield. Additionally, there were big chunks of the seal missing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Mechanic confirmed water pump failure. Explorer was brought to mechanic for issue with heater. Upon inspection by mechanic, the coolant was low. Mechanic filled the coolant and left the vehicle idling. Water was seen leaking from undercarriage. Vehicle cannot be safely driven until water pump is replaced. Minimum cost of $2000 to complete repair.

Once I reach 65 mph it sounds like bees are in my truck. It's a very annoying sound and it feels the windshield will come off.

THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AT TIMES. WHEN GOING TO ANOTHER LANE OR PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC, IT WILL SURGE LOOSING POWER. I NOTICED IT SHORLTY AFTER PURCHASING IT. IGNORED IT FOR A LONG TIME BUT HAVE HAD TO DRIVE IT MORE LATELY AND FEEL UNSAFE DOING SO. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE. IT HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES ON ITAND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE

Rubber front windshield trim is deteriorating in the sun. Pieces are braking off while driving & causes a whistling sound.

The passenger side exterior windshield pillar trim piece flew off while driving on I20 west of Dallas Tx. Could have hit the car behind me.

I noticed a couple of months ago that the rubber gasket that lines my windshield on both sides has started to crack. Within the last month pieces of it started to fly off while driving, even at standard speeds of 45mph. I started looking for replacement parts and cost for having this repaired but could not afford the dealership cost. Last week while driving on a busy highway at 72mph my passenger side windshield pillar molding completely detached from my car and flew into traffic behind me. Luckily, it did not hit any vehicles but was run over by several behind me. There are multiple complaints about this being a VERY common issue with Ford Explorers from 2011-2019. I'm unsure why this hasn't been recalled yet as most owners of these vehicles have had to replace them on their own. I've seen several reports of this costing upwards of $1000 of done by the dealership. As an owner of this vehicle, I expect when I pay $30,000+ that it be a vehicle that is safe not only for my family but others traveling around us. There are no warning signs of this happening and it's very dangerous. Ford has been made aware by multiple complaints and nothing is being done to correct the issue.

mechanic noticed water pump leaking at only 61,000 miles and ford refused to help because it was "out of warranty". water pump needed to be replaced which was a 3 day $2300 job. With the amount of people that have had this exact same issue you would think Ford would take action on their equipment. Really starting to regret buying so many Fords.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield molding separated and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the parts needed to complete the repair were out of stock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The car started overheating while on my way home from a trip. I had to get a wrecker to haul it in. Ford offered no help. It was the water pump. Milage at the time was 103,000, Cost to fix $3000. So no Thanksgiving for me this year.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact drove to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that there was no coolant in the vehicle, and that coolant had leaked due to the water pump failure. The mechanic added coolant to the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer informed the contact that the water pump needed to be replaced, and that the failure was a known failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

My two back doors wont lock or unlock. Very frustrating

Driver side windshield trim came off while driving on freeway at 70mph We saw something fly off and pulled over to check and the trim was gone Don’t know what happened to trim, praying it didn’t damage anyone else’s car or cause an accident

Driving down the highway last night and passenger side windshield pillar cover flew off. Don't know what effect it may have had on any vehicles behind us.

The passenger side windshield panel came loose and then cracked and flew off whole driving on an interstate. It did not hit any cars but it is a big piece and could have damaged a car or caused a wreck.

Outer windshield guide/protector cracked in half and parts flew off while driving on highway around 60MPH.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger's side front door clips needed to be replaced. While having the car washed, the contact was informed that the exterior top windshield trim was extremely sharp. Additionally, the exterior trim was loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the windshield rubber and trim cracked and detached from the vehicle. 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 approximate failure mileage was 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

While driving cross country, driver began to experience lag in acceleration and delayed shifting. In some cases, noted transmission was not down shifting. At destination, the check engine light came on and we took the vehicle into a Ford dealership for repair. It should be noted that there was a low coolant light just prior to the trip and we filled up approximately a quart to bring it back to serviceable limits. The dealer called after several hours to explain the car would need a new 2.3L EcoBoost engine and new Automatic transmission. The engine had evidence of coolant in the engine/oil. The transmission was diagnosed to have a failure of an internal component. The vehicle was been regularly serviced for the 79000 miles with no previous warning lights. We currently have the vehicle in our garage trying to decide if it's worth fixing for $25000 quoted by the dealer.

Recall information stated repair/parts would be available later 2024. It is now March 2025, my A-pillars are not being held on all the way and need to be replaced before a safety violation happens. I can’t even take my vehicle through a car wash in fear they will be ripped out.