Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Ford Explorer problems

Owners filed 1,713 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between Sep 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is structure (663).

Complaints
1,713
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
34
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
51
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Structure663
  2. Engine241
  3. Power train125
  4. Electrical system94
  5. Engine and engine cooling77
  6. Steering76
  7. Wheels60
  8. Suspension58
  9. Visibility/wiper45
  10. Fuel/propulsion system44
  11. Air bags34
  12. Visibility32
  13. Seat belts23
  14. Tires22

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201610
2017143
2018122
2019134
202064
202197
202296
2023253
2024229
2025391
2026174

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Structure

663 reports7 crashes2 fires4 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure) however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026StructureODI 11771679

Engine

241 reports7 crashes3 fires
“Both turbochargers on my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 have failed. The first turbocharger failed and was replaced in 2025. On August 10, 2026, at about 138,000 miles, the second turbocharger failed: the vehicle lost power and poured thick white smoke from the exhaust as engine oil burned off, making it undrivable. Sudden power loss and heavy smoke while driving are serious safety hazards. This failure is consistent with the turbocharger oil supply tube defect in NHTSA recall 16V925000 for this same 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but my VIN falls outside that recall's range. I ask NHTSA to investigate turbocharger failures on 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum models with the 3.5L EcoBoost and consider expanding the recall, and I ask Ford to provide reimbursement or support for these repeated failures.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2026EngineODI 11770400

Power train

125 reports4 crashes
“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 P0316. Service tech recommendation was to replace engine for $14,000.00 including parts and labor (declined recommendation). Brought vehicle to another dealership but found no codes. Instead replaced engine motor mounts, sparkplugs, and air filter due to noticeable vibrations. Dealership service tech inspected engine but found no abnormal findings. Went to another Ford dealership on 10/08/2026 to check Code P0299 that appeared on OBD test and for further inspection due to sluggish acceleration from full stop and slows down going uphill. Ford's guidance stated that torque converter failing due to mileage, acceleration/power loss from dead stop. Recommended fix was to replace the transmission for $8,461.03 (declined recommended service). On 10/23/2026, I picked up my vehicle from the dealership. During my return journey from the dealership, I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Power trainODI 11773396

Electrical system

94 reports3 crashes6 fires
“B-Pillar trim on drivers side detached/broke in half and flew off in traffic. Since then, electrical panel on the driver door messed with the locks. locks no longer work, back tailgate ajar warning is on (even though the tailgate is closed) unable to open to open the tailgate (stuck in lock)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11771073

Engine and engine cooling

77 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the engine light illuminated and the vehicle stopped in the middle lane. The contact was able to maneuver and coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The instrument panel was illuminated afterwards. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Action Number: DP26008 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed by Firestone and then towed to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and two letters were sent, three emails were sent to the CEO, and two phone calls were made to Ford Customer Service, who opened a case, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11763586

Steering

76 reports1 crash1 related recall
“Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11752959
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.