Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure — runs 6.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
1,684Complaints
14Recalls
34Crashes
11Fires
51Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure (22% of complaints) — is covered by 4 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Structure complaints here are 6.3× the median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,684 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“DRIVING DOWN A DIRT TRAIL FROM A MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK THE CARS ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. WE HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES, OR ANYTHING BUT STEARING. NOT…”NHTSA complaint 11039479 — filed 10/24/2017 · SERVICE BRAKES
“DRIVING DOWN A DIRT TRAIL FROM A MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK THE CARS ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. WE HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES, OR ANYTHING BUT STEARING. NOT…”NHTSA complaint 11039479 — filed 10/24/2017 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“SMELL OF EGG/SULFUR IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR AFTER RAPID ACCELERATION. I HAD NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE. THEY DIDN'T SEEM…”NHTSA complaint 11035999 — filed 10/23/2017 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
Structure issues are the most-reported category, cited in 371 of 1,684 NHTSA complaints (22%), followed by unspecified/other issues (368), structure:body (260), engine (236). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?
1,684 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 51 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V651000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2017 Ford Explorer's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.
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