2017 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

Pulled my Explorer into the driveway because the temperature gauge came on While driving up my hill. Then when pulling in the driveway there was fluid leaking throughout my driveway and then there was a big puddle. I had it towed to a local service station in my town and I just got the estimate. The water pump was no good. I have only 74,599 miles on my SUV. I just found out that in the past (2011-2016) Explorers had issues with the water pumps. I brought it to a local auto repair station because I couldn't get my explorer in for 3 weeks at a local dealership.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle would emit a load roaring and grinding noise while shuddering and hesitating before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter failed and needed replacement, repointing, and reprogramming. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The failure was related to NHTSA ID Numbers: 10222455 (Power Train) 10187724 (Power Train), 10184652 (Power Train, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility), and 10181988 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that the passenger’s side windshield trim panel had detached from the vehicle. Later while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front driver’s side windshield trim panel detached from the vehicle. The contact rolled down the window to retrieve the detached panel to prevent the trim panel from separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the trim panels needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Equipment). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.

While driving under 80 mph on the highway my passenger side panel flew off and almost hit the vehicle behind me. I was able to locate the panel after having to drive in reverse on the shoulder for a few minutes. This is my second ford explorer and it flew off on my drive side on the first vehicle.

The windshield trim flew off and almost caused two accidents and the car is unsafe to drive with this missing as well as what happens when the other one flies off. The trim on the top of the car, both of them have flown off and almost cause two additional accidents. The trim on the back is completely cracked and came that way on the car. This has been very dangerous and could harm my children and I and other drivers. As well as extremely stressful. I have three children's live at risk. There were 3 different incidents.

Internal water pump failed. Dealer indicated that it needs replacement at a cost of $4,000. This is a know issue for Ford Explorer models for multiple years going back to 2011 including the model year 2017. Ford has not recalled the vehicles with this safety issue. Vehicles can overheat and cause engine damage including my location in the Phoenix Desert.

piller moldings between the front and rear windows became loose and one came off. this creates a hazard to other vehicles on the road. we had them replaced by Earnhardt ford in Chandler AZ on 2/10 2023. .

At highway speed the Windshield-Outer Trim Molding Pillar Driver Left Side departed the vehicle. I saw something flicker by but did not know what it was until I stopped and saw the missing trim piece.

The driver side windshield panel thing flew off while I was driving.

While driving down the road, the right-side windshield trim came off and struck the vehicle following me.

While driving, the driver side windshield trim flew off almost hitting a car behind me. While inspecting the vehicle, the other side is also starting to coming off, and the panel near the code to enter the drive side door is also starting to come off. The auto body shop has confirmed that this was a recognized problem by Ford and they have seen many Explorers come in with this issue and the body problem was tweaked in upgrades on 2020 explorers and later. Luckily the car behind me was not damaged and it didn't cause an accident but this is not safe & when calling the auto body shop, it would be over $1000 to repair both side windshield trim; not including the door panel that is also starting to dislodge. For this to be a known problem, this should be covered by Ford.

the windshield seal and trim are deteriorating and coming off. because of the risk, i have scheduled an appointment (April 2023) to repair at the dealer i purchased the vehicle from. windshield could fall out, pieces of material could hit other vehicles, leaks will damage the vehicle. the dealer will confirm at the appointment in April. no others have inspected the vehicle to date. no warning indicators

Coolant intrusion into the motor causing the motor to overheat Ford recommend new motor but will not take responsibility of the cost. There was a recall on the 2.0 motor but not on the 2.3 and it is the same design of motor. The problem is the way Ford design the motor the new ones after 2017 are designed differently.

Traveling west on I90 out of Boston a piece of the bodywork (plastic trim sealing the windshield) on the passenger side of the car tore away and flew into the path of vehicles behind. The car has been inspected and repaired by a Ford dealer to the expense of $250 parts and labor. I have filed a complaint with Ford. They simply said that they would not pay for the damage. Nevertheless, this should not be happening. The bodywork should not failing while driving. No police or insurance representatives have been involved. And there was no indication this would happen prior to the incident on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), and while shifting from drive(D) to park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond while shifting between gears. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, hesitated, and made an abnormally loud sound while driving from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she read on the news that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

Vehicle began overheating and repair shop advised it appears to be a water pump issue. The vehicle only has 107000 miles on it. Was quoted $2500-3000 for repair due to pump being built into the engine.

In Jan 2023, the driver's side windshield plastic trim flew off my car. It was at night so I do not know if there was an issue behind me. This is the second time we experienced this issue. It happened last year on the same side. We brought it to the Ford dealership and their parts person told me that she had seen this regularly and have talked to Ford about it. They fixed it, and were going to charge me $600 for each side, total $1200 (asked them to reseat the other side). There was no warning that the trim was going to separate from the car and fly off. I see there is a Safety probe on this issue and believe there should be a recall and force Ford to fix this since there could be accidents, injuries and potential for death if the trim comes off and causes other drivers to lose control or hit a motorcycle driver directly. It would be like a spear coming at the motorcycle rider. Thank you.

The right side trim piece on the windshield came off while driving and was dangerous for me and my passenger. The whole side is exposed and will most likely leak. The rubber gasket tore after the trim piece came off and was hitting the side window.

Water pump leaking

While driving on the interstate the second day that we had the car, bought it used the right side window A pillar trim came off the car and landed on the interstate and broke in pieces. Several cars behind us had to swerve to keep from hitting the parts. Could have caused a very bad accident as there was a lot of cars on the road. I see that this a major issue with the Explorers and should be recalled due to safety.

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Driving from Lubbock Texas home to Carlsbad New Mexico on January 18. Very windy out. At approximately 6:00 pm my wife and I heard a noise like something light hit our windshield. It was dark when we got home and we went to bed. Got up to go to the office in the am and same the drivers side A pillar windshield trim piece missing. Saw that there was a recall for this issued in Dec 2022. Went to the Ford Dealer and they said this vehicle was not in the recall list. Why?

Windshield trim piece covering passgener side windshield pillar flew off while driving at highway speed. Sounded like something hit the vehicle, but once we stopped, I realized a piece of the car had flown off.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a bluish-gray cloud of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger leaked on the engine and the turbocharger tubes needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

2017 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SEATBELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONSUMER STATED TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED THE DEALER LOST THE STEP PANEL AND ALSO NEED ADDITIONAL PARTS TO INSTALL THE NEW SEATBELT.

The driver side heated seat does not work at all the passenger side heated seat works just the driver side does not work

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle ran over a pothole and the contact attempted to turn and the tires slid. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V537000 (Suspension), but the failure persisted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a tire shop to get the tires replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred which over time caused the tires to wear out and need to be replaced. Due to the failure consistently occurring, the contact replaced the tires on the vehicle nine times since the vehicle was first purchased the vehicle at the end of 2022. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had a slotted tire adjustment. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

A-post (passenger side) trim because detached at high speed, striking another car.

The trim on my windshield is coming off. I saw an article about people reporting this. Due to funds I have just put some medical tape on it to keep it on. It was flying off on the interstate and I had to pull off the road and only had a first aid kit with medical tape in it. The trim is unfortunately built into the plastic of the car so you have to replace the entire thing. There are also small chips of glass coming off the actual windshield. My car has its original windshield. I feel like this is unsafe because it could just go flying off an impair your vision. My car is available for inspection. There were no warnings. The dealer inspected it and said it is a common problem and would be $700-$800 to repair.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the rear driver’s side door failed to open as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear driver’s side door latch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the rear passenger’s side door latch experienced a similar failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear passenger’s side door latch to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Brought vehicle in for a recalled issue concerning the rear toe. After the repair, had accelerated tire wear in a month. Replaced the tires 3x in 2 years and the issue is still there. Currently tires are needed again for 4th time in 2 years.

In March of 2022, this vehicle was repaired for a rear suspension toe link recall. On Christmas evening, December 25, 2022, the toe link failed. The car fishtailed briefly before veering uncontrollably off the road. I had no warnings that this was going to happen aside from a slight "clunk" in the rear of the car a second beforehand. Fortunately oncoming traffic immediately stopped and avoided me and I was able (with much difficulty) to move the car to safety. I was only going about 35 mph; I cannot imagine how much carnage I would have created had I been on the highway I was headed to just 3 miles away. The car was flat-bedded to the Ford dealership that has always repaired the car the very next morning, December 26. While waiting for the wrecker, I walked the area where I heard a "clunk" just before the car's steering became inoperable and found a bolt which I brought with me to the dealership. In conversations on December 27, 28 and 29, the Ford service manager stated to me that he and the shop foreman were at a loss as to why the rear suspension toe link failed, but in examining the bolts, they believe they were machined/bored just a little too small allowing it the ability to unscrew itself from the toe link assembly and fall off the car. While the car was at the dealership, I reached out to Ford Motor Company's customer escalation team with the issue. My concern was not just for my own safety, but there are 600,000 other Ford Explorers on the road that might experience the same failure. On Friday, one of the team's members called me back to say that her investigation revealed that the bolt simply unscrewed itself. When I asked "well don't you think this is a huge recall issue?" she stated that investigation/issuing safety recalls are not the job of Ford. When I asked if the bolt unscrewing itself seemed plausible, she responded "I don't know." I have not yet picked up the car though the dealer replaced both toe link assemblies. I am GRAVELY concerned.

At the end of December 2022, my entire right side of my windshield trim piece flew off on the highway. In addition, my right side passenger applique has come off twice on the highway since summer of 2021. The second one was a replacement and it only lasted less than a year before flying off while on the highway again in the fall of 2022. Pictures attached show the windshield piece completely cracked and flew off taking the seal with it.

The side pillars on both the driver side and front passenger side became loose. There was a definite rattle sound inside the car. Thankfully I noticed it before they flew off and hit another person/car on the highway. This could have led to multiple injuries. When I brought the car back to the dealership they mentioned that this has happened to other cars. Perhaps there needs to be a recall. This only compounds the situation I had in April of 2022. While driving on a highway I suddenly had a rattle in the front window. I discovered that the moulding had rotted and the window was separating. When replaced by the dealership, they told me that they have dealt with this problem numerous times. Is it time to recall and have Ford pay back these expenses?

On December 19, 2022, while driving to work in the morning on Interstate 580 I heard some cracking noises coming from outside my vehicle then all of a sudden I see something fly off the right side of my windshield. I immediately looked in my rearview mirror and see a piece of what appeared to be plastic bouncing off the ground luckily no one was hurt nor did it hit another car but it could have easily considering the force with which it ripped off. Once I arrived at work I noticed the right side of the windshield trim panel was gone there were no warning lights or alert notices on the vehicle prior to this incident. I had this same piece replaced approx 3-4 years ago believing that it was our fault (per the service department at the Ford dealership) for driving the truck through a brush-type carwash since then we NEVER returned to those types of carwashes. The car is available for inspection as we have not had the part replaced. In January I came across a news article in USA TODAY regarding this same issue occuring to others yet no recall has been issued!

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

The trim and seals around the front windshield are cracked and coming apart. This has caused parts to fly off potentially hitting other cars. This has happened in multiple occasions.

I WAS DRIVING ON I95 ON FRIDAY AND THE DRIVER LEFT SIDE WINSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FLEW OFF IN THE WIND VERY HARD. ON SATURDAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FEW OFF I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE I DONT KNOW IF HIT THE WINDSHILED OF THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. NOW BOTH ARE GONE.

My suv begin to run hot and instantly water begins to boil and I was trying to pull off the road immediately.with no warning from the forward collision as a car hit me. Got a quote from many dealerships or mechanics who says that the water pump failed and is a common problem with my suv and it quoted 2500 with a two week time frame because the water pump is built inside the engine no one wants to work on it due to risk. Help!

Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.

I was driving in the highway and one of the roof racks went off flying and almost hit the car behind me. After I stopped I checked the other rack and it is also lose and coming off.

The transmission would slip and/or lag. This started around 65k miles. It was reported to the dealer, they couldn’t reproduce it. Then at 101k miles the engine started vibrating when in gear and idling. Motor mounts were replaced, but the problem persisted. Eventually got the entire transmission replaced.

My husband was driving on the highway on a windy day and the Apillar Trim blew off the car. It got stuck in one of the side mirrors and was bashing against the window until my husband could pull over and get it. When I called the dealership and told them what happened, they shared that it happens frequently. I brought it into the dealership to be repaired and was told by 3 people that it happens frequently. The repair will cost $685. We are going to see if a different repair shop can fix it for less. Either way, our car should not blow apart on a windy day. -Had the part blown into traffic, it could have seriously injured a car behind them or coming toward them -In addition, it was surprising to my husband who said he nearly drove off the road because this part was banging against the car -There was no warning -The dealership has inspected it

- The weather stripping around my front windshield failed and caused the molding around the windshield to also fail. - This failure occurred while driving at highway speeds. The flying debris alarmed me and could have obstructed my view. It could also have hit another vehicle and caused an accident. - There are instances online of this happening to Ford Explorers. Unknown if it has been inspected by dealers. - My vehicle has not yet been inspected for this defect. - There were no warning lamps or messages/symptoms before this failure. It first appeared on 12/1/2022. My vehicle is a 2017 and at 56000 miles.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that carbon monoxide was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle after driving short distances. The contact stated that he felt lightheaded while driving the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

On 11/21/22, my car ‘lost’ it’s transmission at 72,704 miles. This is when a wrench light came on the dashboard, and the car went into limp mode-putting myself and my 2 children at risk while driving. I was luckily able to pull off the road. When I restarted the car, the light went off and allowed me to slowly drive back to my house. We had it towed to a Ford Dealership for further investigation. Prior to this incident, the car had been having intermittent issues with shifting gears on hills, and an occasionally clunking noise that paired with it. We had taken it to the dealership and asked them to investigate. They told us there were no issues, that the transmission was fine, which meant no codes. We had just had some powertrain issues resolved, due to other lights associated with the terrain management system. The issues continued, intermittently, but we were unable to get into another appointment prior to its failure. Once in, we were informed that it was ‘rare’ and that while they hadn’t fully investigated the issue the prior time-there had been no computer codes to indicate this would happen. So, now we have no car and an $8200 bill to fix it, as quoted by our Ford Dealership

After purchasing a 2017 Ford Explorer Eco Boost (65K miles) it was only 6 -7 months (yes months) later that I would find myself in a devastating car situation. At exactly 72,000 miles, I discovered my engine would need to be completely replaced. I discovered this after having my vehicle diagnosed at the Ford dealership. Coolant in the #2 and #3 cylinders. The dealership said it would cost $9500 for a new motor. I just bought the car! After searching the internet, I am finding more and more people are having the same problems, and some are prone to engine fire! I have children! There is already law suite against the Ford Company, But I try to do the right thing, I called Ford Motor Company to report my problem. Case No. CAS-39543003-F9S9T0 CRM:040000805. They said they would look into it. My hopes were up. I received a call, They know it is a default in the motor but it has not been recalled yet! Really! So I’m supposed to wait until there is a recall! I was so upset! She did say that they would pay for $4500, but I only have 30 days to let them know if I will take their offer. I told her I don’t have $5 - $6000 sitting around. Ford motors is aware of this issue and has refused to offer assistance in the whole cost. It should be a recall...

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle assembly needed to be replaced. The parts needed to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly shift gears while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission 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 60,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that both windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached and hit other vehicles while driving approximately 60 MPH on different occasions, nearly causing crashes. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side door B-pillar trims had become loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was advised that a fee would be charged for the repairs. 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 38,000.