CarModelProblems.com

2017 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

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.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Structure371 · 22%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 25V347000 · Recall 26V448000
Structure:body260 · 15.4%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 25V347000 · Recall 26V448000
Engine236 · 14%RecalledRecall 16V925000
Power Train114 · 6.8%No official action
Electrical System87 · 5.2%No official action
Steering75 · 4.5%RecalledRecall 17V530000

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.

Complaints by component

STRUCTURE371 · 22%
Unspecified / other368 · 21.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY260 · 15.4%
ENGINE236 · 14%
POWER TRAIN114 · 6.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM87 · 5.2%
STEERING75 · 4.5%
WHEELS59 · 3.5%
SUSPENSION54 · 3.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING53 · 3.1%

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.

Recalls — 14 campaigns

Seats

NHTSA campaign 19V651000 · 2019 · reported 09/11/2019

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

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 2019 · reported 06/10/2019

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

Wheels:hub

NHTSA campaign 17E048000 · 2017 · reported 08/28/2017

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 17V530000 · 2017 · reported 08/28/2017

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

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 17V332000 · 2017 · reported 05/22/2017

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

NHTSA campaign 16V925000 · 2016 · reported 12/22/2016

An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 2021 · reported 05/05/2021

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

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · 2021 · reported 07/15/2021

A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 2020 · reported 03/12/2021

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 2024 · reported 01/19/2024

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

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 25V347000 · 2025 · reported 05/23/2025

Door trim that detaches while driving 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

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 26V101000 · 2026 · reported 02/20/2026

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · 2026 · reported 07/14/2026

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 it Park 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

122016168201715820181622019922020123202112620223072023278202443520251952026

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.