250 complaints reported

2017 Ford Explorer UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
250
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
6

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Mar 2025

Engine coolant leak. Come to find out it is the internal water pump, which several mechanics stated is a "common motor design flaw" with these vehicles. The repair for this is $3500! Not a small amount for a average person with low income. If Ford is aware of this common issue, why is nothing being done to protect their customers like me. I'd like to hear from someone in regards to this, as I have always been a loyal Ford consumer, but this will change after this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

I am unable to renew my registration due to not being able to complete / repair the recalls. Dealer does not have the parts for the repair therefore my vehicle will not pass inspection for the renewal. This has caused many troubles and issues, I am being pulled over by police and constantly worried they might tow my vehicle for expired registration.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

Driving down the highway and the roof rail flew off almost hitting the car behind me upon pulling over i discovered the roof rail flew off. I called the dealership and they told me that vehicle is over 150k miles and the recall was voided. I don’t remember seeing that.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Feb 2025

the transmission has gone out for a second time 3 years ago the transmission was replaced as part of fords customer satisfaction and after 3 years of driving the car started acting weird stalling or not wanting to go- now it will not start after taking to the ford dealership they informed me it was the same problem they had previously fixed, and it was no longer under warranty I would have to pay for a whole new transmission- to be honest I still owe money on this car and could not afford a repair of over 7000 -It was already fixed just 3 years ago how is the Transmisson faulty for a second time? there needs to be recall on this part/

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED FOR SAFETY RECALL 24S02 FOR MONTHS AND THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. I CANNOT USE MY CAR TO GO ON TRIP OR ON FREEWAYS BECAUSE OF THE WINDSHIELD NOISE AND I AM AFRAID OF SOMETHING COMING OFF AND CAUSING A WRECK.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Feb 2025

Was making loud buzzing noises and cracking noise while driving. The whole bottom is now gone. This been going on about 1-2 years now, when this all started. Need all the pillars replaced immediately. I drive to work in this vehicle and it's a 40-minute commute one way.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Feb 2025

In my 2017 Ford Explorer, that backup camera is experiencing issues that sound related to the current recall on 2021-2024 Ford Explorers. The image is all distorted, the backup assist lines are not present, the screen will go black or grey with distortion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

Since Ford issued the first recall notice for Recall 24S02, I have been contacting my local Ford dealerships every few months to check whether the replacement parts were available. Each time, I am told the parts are still not in stock. As of today, multiple pieces of my vehicle have flown off while I was driving. This has become a serious safety hazard. Most recently, while driving on the freeway, a part detached from my car and the vehicles behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting it. I am increasingly concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. At this point, my vehicle does not feel safe to drive, but I have no alternative transportation. This appears to be a straightforward part for Ford to manufacture and replace, yet the delay has been unreasonable. Something needs to be done— I cannot continue driving a vehicle where pieces are literally coming off while in motion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Jan 2025

About 4 years ago it was a recall to the roof rail trim disconnection, which mine was totally fine but since it was a recall I took it to the dealer to be replace. Now while I was driving on the highway I saw the right trim flight away. I called the dealer that replaced to see what they can do since I feel this is a continue problem a defective part. I even show them the left side is coming off but their answer was that it was a recall part and the part was already replaced it and is nothing they can do now. I really feel they should be responsible to replaced it again since it is a recurring problem. I didn't have any issue with the original one and the one they replaced both are defective.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Dec 2024

For over a year the windshield of my car had a “rattle” or wind-like noise. I figured this was due to the weather stripping around the windshield degrading and falling off. I heard about the recall and the very next day I was driving down the interstate and the plastic piece (A-Pillar) flew off and the car behind me swerved to miss the piece. A day or so after this occurred, large rains came through our area which resulted in water entering my vehicle. I took my car to the dealership a day or 2 later where they had to inspect to see if the vehicle met the recall and order the parts. This was over 3 months ago. I called Ford about 1 month after my vehicle was inspected and spoke to a representative who informed me that the parts are in stock and are being shipped out upon ordering from the dealership. The dealership placed the order the same day they inspected the car. I have not heard any communication from Ford regarding this. I am cornered about water damage in my vehicle due to prolonged issue with not only the weather stripping but also missing the plastic piece (A-Pillar). I have contacted the dealership multiple times and their hands are tied due to not having the parts needed to fix the recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2024
Sep 2024

Hello there’s. Since I got the recall letter I keep going and calling to the Central ford dealership to replace the windshield molding, they keep saying that the moldings aren’t available but I know that they have been replaced them. My left moldings is very loose, I’m afraid that it will fall causing an accident. Could you do something about it? I just went a week ago. They said that they will call me when they get them. They been saying that since the first time Thank you.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2024
Sep 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2024
Jul 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2024

The APIM (Accessory Prodical Interface Module) component failed. This controls the touch screen, navigation system, phone/bluetooth call acceptance and other application. So while driving I had no or inaccurate navigation. The vehicle is in the shop now to replace the APIM. It has not been inspected as far as I know. I had the problem in June 2023, the dealer said it was a software issue so they updated the software. May 29, 2024 it did the same thing now it is the APIM. But there was a note on the repair report from June 2023 that This statement tells me that it was the APIM in June 2023 the "APIM was slow/laggy, however normal operation after little warm up at this time". In June the vehicle was under an extentened warranty, it as expired so If they had repair it in June like they should have the warranty would have covered it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

None of the door locks work, making it unsafe and dangerous for crime areas. I have contacted ford many times however they are unwilling to fix issues and it is a widespread issue with the year and model... It is an expensive issue to fix in all 4 doors

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2019
Apr 2024

When it rains, water leaks from the lights, seatbelts and dome lights. The water collects on the passenger floorboard front and rear and collects in the spare tire well. The car is now starting to mold this winter. We have brought the car in past years to be fixed with the Ford dealership not able to fix the reason for the leaking. yes, this car is available for inspection. The car is forming mold spores inside and we are unable to park under cover. It is potential for making us sick. Ford could not find a source of how to fix the water leak.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2021
Mar 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jan 2024

Me levanté por la mañana para llevar Mis hijos ala escuela y ya estaba rayada la troca ..desconocido

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2023

Driver side window button does not work. All others do. There is no reason this should not work on a car with so few miles 18,700 and less than 7 years old.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

Front windshield rubber trim is disintegrating, dry rotted and cracked throughout, separating from windshield, pieces about to fly off. Vibrates and makes sound when driving 55 mph or more.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

The rubber windshield trim is detaching from the windshield, causing a loud rattling/vibrating noise inside the vehicle. This issue also allows debris to get between the windshield and the windshield frame, causing even further damage.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
Dec 2023

The gasket/seal surrounding the windshield on the passenger side front windshield was breaking off in sections. I had the dealer look at it while it was in the shop for some other recall work since I had only noticed it the day or so before. I was told it was the Pillar Moulding was coming apart but it was not a covered item. (Oct 2022) and the gasket itself was a wear and tear item. The gasket has continued to come off and has now caused the windshield to leak substantially.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022
Dec 2023

windshield trim coming off before 5 year mark. had part of the trim come off and go flying along making a bad sound at highway speeds. had a about a 1 feet chunk fly off and hit the car behind me on the interstate.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Nov 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford Explorer has 250 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.