2017 Ford Explorer

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Risk. A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Risk. Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

Defect. 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.

Risk. A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Defect. 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.

Risk. A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

Defect. 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.

Risk. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

Defect. 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.

Risk. A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.

Risk. Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.

Defect. 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.

Risk. A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side B-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The contact used tape and hot glue to reattach the B-pillar trims to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

See attached document for complaint.

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.

There is a driver's safety-restraint malfunction with a failure mode such that the tongue (male end of seat-belt) will not insert normally into the buckle (female end) unless the red release button is depressed. The driver buckle failure results in a failure in the vehicle's personal safety system. The component has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealer, as Ford Motor Company has indicated this will be an out-of-pocket cost replacement due to the extended warranty on this buckle no longer being applicable - Ford issued voluntary special field action 23L06 related to the driver's side buckle that expired March 31 2025.

Ford diagnosed the A-Pillar recall (Ford Recall Notice 24S02) condition on January 13, 2026, confirmed that the vehicle requires the recall repair, and placed the vehicle in the repair queue. The obstacle preventing completion of the repair is not the dealership. Rather, it is Ford Motor Company's continued inability to provide sufficient replacement parts to its dealer network. I have been advised that the waiting list for this repair is approaching 300 customers and the dealer is receiving only a very limited number of replacement parts from Ford. Based on the information provided to me, the dealership is receiving approximately three to four replacement parts at a time. As a result, the inability to complete the repair is attributable to the supply of parts from Ford, not the actions of the dealership. Ford's suggestion that I simply return to the dealer does not address the underlying issue. The dealer has already diagnosed the defect, identified the required repair, and acknowledged that the repair cannot be completed until Ford supplies sufficient replacement parts. Further, the current allocation of parts suggests that the delay may be substantial. Assuming a waiting list of approximately 300 customers and replacement parts being supplied at a rate of only three to four units at a time, many customers could potentially face wait times measured in years rather than weeks or months. While actual delivery schedules may vary, this demonstrates why directing affected owners

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the driver's side B-Pillar trim detached and was hanging off the vehicle with the wiring exposed. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the driver's side B-Pillar trim to the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable until July 2027. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure); however, the failure recurred with the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers detaching. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver’s and front passenger’s side door B-pillar trims had detached. The contact duct-taped the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers and the driver’s and front passenger’s side door B-pillar trims. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact had to pay for the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Ever since my B pillar came off my car my cabin lights stay on longer than usual and my trunk cant be opened, both being an inconvenience. Dealer agreed the lights stay on because of what broke off but since theres no remedy they cant do anything about it. Ive already had to purchase a battery and will soon prob going to need to again but ford will not pay for one despite it being they're fault.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver’s door B-pillar trim had detached, causing the liftgate to not open as needed. The message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed with an audible chime, and the trunk warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Head on collision occurred XXX. A man was traveling east on XXX and ran the light at the intersection of [XXX]. I was heading south on [XXX] and hit his white truck. My air bags did not deploy. Also, within the last year a seatbelt was not latching properly and I had to get it replaced. In addition to repairing the roof rack cover which flew off as I was driving one day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack in the front windshield and water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact was concerned about the electrical system failing from becoming wet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure). The local was contacted in person, and the contact was advised that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was qualified for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and informed the contact that parts were not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side A-pillar trim was loosened and rattled excessively. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Benoit Nissan in DeRidder, LA, was contracted to perform a critical safety repair/recall on my vehicle's airbag system. The dealership charged for the completed repair, but explicitly aborted the physical installation, leaving the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) incomplete, non-functional, and hazardous. They attempted to return the vehicle to me with the air bag safety system compromised, creating an immediate, severe physical risk to occupants in the event of a crash. This involves deliberate service manipulation of a federally mandated safety device. They have a proven record of deceitful operations of criminal negligence and felony theft

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side door B-pillar trim detached and was hanging by the wires, which became frayed. The message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed while the liftgate was closed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,789.

I know there is a current recall, but I have NO idea why FORD is taking almost 2 years now for a remedy. Now the trim piece under this recall is starting to separate from the driver side. This also has electrical functions (keyless entry), and is making driving the vehicle a challenge as who knows when the piece will fully separate from the vehicle. HELP PLEASE, there has to be a faster way to get this recall work done.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer was contacted, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was taped down to avoid becoming detached. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim struck another vehicle. In addition, the driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim was reattached but was still loosened. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts would be unavailable until 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The steering wheel sticks when going into a turn then pulls back . It’s been on going . I know they had issues and recalls with steering .

Recall hasn't been fixed since January when I purchased the vehicle

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. The contact stated that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle and the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loosened. The failure mileage was 130,000.