2017 Ford Explorer engine problems

“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.”

“This is a second complaint for the same vehicle. Complaint number 11770400, filed today, understated the failure history, and I am filing this one so the complete record is in the database. Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, VIN [XXX]. The first turbocharger failure occurred in 2023, at under 110,000 miles, and was repaired at a cost of approximately $2,900. A turbocharger was replaced again in August 2025 at a cost of $2,895. The catalytic converter was replaced in March 2026 at a cost of $1,700. The internal water pump, which sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain, was replaced in April 2026 at a cost of $2,350. On [XXX], at about 138,000 miles, the turbochargers failed again, with loss of power and thick white smoke from burning oil, and the vehicle is now undrivable with both turbochargers in question. Major repairs total roughly $9,800 since 2023, with $6,945 of that in the last thirteen months alone. This is a repeating failure of the same components, and it matches the turbocharger oil supply tube defect described in recall 16V925000 for this same engine. Ford limited that recall to 1,352 vehicles, and my VIN falls…”

“Sudden catastrophic engine failure due to coolant mixing. This resulted in a safety issue due to time and location of the event. From online consumer reports this event happens just after 100,000 miles to the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV's and is a KNOWN event that Ford has NOT disclosed. Regular maintenance can NOT prevent this event and stopping the use of the vehicle only helps if it is immediate and the problem known. That Ford hasn't disclosed this possibility of failure nor suggested preventative measures is a safety concern.”

“Engine hesitated, kept hesitating/slowing down until 2017 Ford Explorer just stopped. Towed SUV to Koons Ford Service Center. Charged $200 for diagnostic assessment. Informed that oil/coolant mix due to water pump failure. Diagnose: replace Engine Long Block and Hardware and thermostat. Costing $11,195.04 for job. Never mentioned what happened to cause this. At another dealership, mechanic told us of the NHTSA Recall 25V685000 regarding this malfunction. Note: Koons Ford has had a "history" with this SUV, only working on recalls when we push the issue. Also, requiring a $200 diagnostic charge each time the vehicle is seen. This location is where we bought the vehicle.”

“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.”

“Driving down the highway and checkengine light came on when I was headed to work. The vehicle lost power due to misfire with engine. I check the spark plugs and there is oil all over sparkplugs and the coil packs. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by ford immediately, they need to put a new engine in or pay me to get this fixed.”