Worst 2017 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Body Structure
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 350 | — | — | 84,229 mi | |
| Body Structure | 248 | 7 | 2 | 39,614 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 229 | 7 | 3 | 36,943 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 109 | 4 | — | 58,599 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 82 | 3 | 4 | 46,635 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 73 | 1 | — | 52,597 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 58 | 1 | — | 18,727 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 53 | — | — | 101,550 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 48 | 2 | — | 57,212 mi | |
| Fuel System | 43 | — | — | 22,325 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 42 | 1 | — | 30,705 mi | |
| Airbags | 31 | 8 | — | 48,931 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 6 | — | 29,112 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 2 | — | 32,998 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 17 | 1 | — | 39,027 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | 2 | — | 40,962 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 16 | — | — | 29,663 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | 14 | — | — | 50,667 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 12 | — | — | 32,026 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 12 | — | — | 53,300 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | 1 | 15,667 mi | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter | 8 | — | — | 87,075 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 7 | — | — | 74,200 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Pump | 6 | — | — | 83,267 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 6 | — | — | 55,895 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 57,462 mi | |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 5 | — | — | 21,800 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 4 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2017 Ford Explorer
12 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~6,065,819 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
+ 2 more recalls
Other Ford Explorer Years
2017 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2017 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2017 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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