Problems · by component

2017 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

94 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer cite electrical system, 5% of all 1,713 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
94
5% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The vehicle ACM shorted and caused a fire while driving. My safety was put as risk because the car quickly filled with smoke and unbearable fumes causing me to swerve and attempt to find a safe place to pull over.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2026Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11753538
“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
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, inspected, and confirmed that the driver’s side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that the electrical system on the tailgate had stopped working as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the tailgate would not open because the electrical system was disconnected, and the trim had fallen off. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the dome light remained illuminated and turned off approximately 4-5 seconds later. Additionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R) on several occasions, the dome light illuminated, and the contact was unable to see out of the rear window. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Electrical system, Visibility, StructureODI 11750826
“The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11748550
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was provided a report at the time of the purchase by the dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 55717. After obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 80,758. No other agency was contacted. The VIN was not provided.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 8, 2026Electrical systemODI 11736506

Showing 6 of 94 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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