2017 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1715 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Structure (665), Unknown Or Other (378), Engine (241).
Key takeaways
- 1715 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 34 involve a crash, 11 a fire, 51 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 665 | 39% |
| Unknown Or Other | 378 | 22% |
| Engine | 241 | 14% |
| Power Train | 125 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 94 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 77 | 4% |
| Steering | 76 | 4% |
| Wheels | 60 | 3% |
| Suspension | 58 | 3% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 45 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 | 3% |
| Air Bags | 34 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2017 Ford Explorer
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Structure - filed 2026-11-04
Received recall notice 6/2025 regarding the A pillar covers and scheduled for repair. Ford representative came out and placed black adhesive tape on the A pillars and windows but did not replace the covers. It is now 11/2026 and no word on when pillar covers will be replaced.
Structure - filed 2026-11-03
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side B-pillar door trim was detaching. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer ...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-24
About 3 years and 3 months after a Power Control Module reflash was done in March 2021 under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 20B27, vehicle was brought to Ford dealership on 06/07/2024 with mileage at 79,730 for multi point inspection due to vehicle runs rough and hard time accelerating. Diagnostic code was P03...
Diagnose it yourself
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
More for the 2017 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.