Page 16 of 35 · complaints 751–800 of 1,704

2017 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2017 record →

Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2024GA

I was driving on the highway at around 60 mph, I accelerated to pass a car and then the "power" just cut off. The check engine light came on and having my foot on the gas did nothing and the car began to decelerate. Then it started to cycle between kicking in and cutting off for a few seconds, as if it was "catching". Then as I moved over towards the shoulder for safety it resumed normal operation.

Structure
Filed Mar 15, 2024130,000 milesTX

The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband driving at approximately 50 MPH, he observed a part flapping. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exterior A-Pillar Trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exterior A-Pillar Trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 14, 2024FL

My transmission went out at 70k miles. Ford told me it was the engine causing the transmission to seize but since they didn’t have an official recall on it, they wouldn’t fix it. It cost me 5k to fix and they had to get 3 different transmissions from ford because the first two were defective. I was out of a car for 8 months

Structure
Filed Mar 13, 2024DC

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 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Structure
Filed Mar 12, 2024TX

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 202454,186 milesTX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the coils and spark plugs were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test showed that coolant had leaked into cylinder #3. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,186.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 11, 2024PA

- Transmission/torque convertor has and is failing. Results in lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder - Known issue with this make/model/year of vehicle. Failure of the above began at 40,000 some miles and is presently not driveable at only 67,000 miles without an $8-$10,000 repair for a new transmission. - Confirmed with dealer the above issue and is in writing and submitted Case #CAS-47518676-K5Y6Y7 with Ford directly. Located letter sent to dealerships regarding this very issue dated 10/2020. - Vehicle has not been in any accidents, but am receiving a "warning" light indicating failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 9, 2024NV

Safety recall notice: 24S02/Nhtsa Recall 24V031 exterior A pillar trim part that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The passenger trim flew off and hit windshield and car while driving on freeway (I-15 near Calico, CA). Driver's side trim is loose and rubber is cracked holding it on. Windshield has bubbles and cracks in it since trim came off.

Power Train
Filed Mar 8, 2024120,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 20B27 and 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Structure
Filed Mar 7, 202450,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger's side front door clips needed to be replaced. While having the car washed, the contact was informed that the exterior top windshield trim was extremely sharp. Additionally, the exterior trim was loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 7, 2024AL

The A trim pillar piece described in NHTSA recall 24VO31 flew off at highway speed. The B pillar trim piece flew off striking the side of the car causing a dent.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 5, 2024NJ

Air bag light came on the dash board Headed to dealer to see why Code B141C Cost to repair the problem was very high not covered by warranty The problem seems to me a poor design. Because of this weak design I feel this puts passengers in danger.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 5, 2024131,178 milesMD

On Friday March 1, 2024 approximately 10:30pm. My SUV caught on fire while parked and off.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 1, 202477,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior trims on the front passenger's side and the front driver's side windows were detaching. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife was driving 75 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the nearby residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed, and the front engine mount had collapsed. The dealer determined that the water pump needed to be replaced and the front engine mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 28, 2024CT

Since owning vehicle with around 60k, 2 serpentine belts have been replaced, high pressure hose replaced, water pump is now failing. Looking online, this vehicle has been plagued with issues and no recalls? A failing water pump from 2011 models on? Not sure how a car can have over $10k in problems and no recalls.

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2024NE

Head gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into cylinder 1. Starts rough, but could result in lost of power or engine failure while driving. Ford dealer has confirmed the issue and said this shouldn't happen to a car with only 77,500 miles on it (2017 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 2.3L Ecoboost 4 cyl. engine). Have to repair or replace engine depending upon the extend of damage.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 2024CA

Our Explorer, experienced this in June of 2022. My daughter had just graduated college and we were moving some of her stuff back home 350 miles away. The Driver side area where the codes are put into to unlock the door if locked out, fell off and was hanging while we were driving on the freeway. We had to exit the freeway and my husband had to buy duck tape to tape it up. Our hatchback would not work as well as some of the other electrical things. I refused to drive it the rest of the way home, and we switched cars. It did cause electrical to go out throughout the car, intermittently. My husband had to buy the part online and replace it. The passenger side is going to fall off also, I noticed while washing it. So yes we need this done, asap. And we had to incur charges for having to replace the other one. There were warning lights for electrical, not working. I cannot remember what they were.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Feb 26, 202420,600 milesOH

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that her husband had informed her that the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed, and the dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,600.

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 202476,115 milesPA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the odor of burning oil was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the "Power Take Off Unit" was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 76,115.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 21, 2024ME

The trim between the drivers door and the back door is coming off. And the front passenger door does not shut right there is gaps.

Structure
Filed Feb 21, 202481,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45–50 MPH, the driver's side panel near the windshield detached and the trim on the windshield detached. While driving at various speeds, the windshield was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 15, 2024IN

The trim around my windshield fell off while driving. I called a local ford store, Ed Martin Ford in Anderson, Indiana and was told the current recall does not cover this.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 15, 2024MO

All plastic parts around all doors and windows have become detached. Windshield wipers do not stay on. All lights and gps go haywire and flash on and off gps system goes off and makes loud buzzing noise

Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 2024OH

At somewhere between 100k-123k the water pump started leaking. This was noticed by smelling a faint smell of coolant after driving. Additionally a small leak of orangish fluid was noticed under engine (front passenger side). Given the symptoms I had the vehicle taken to a Ford dealer for inspection where it was confirm from a system pressure test that the water pump had a leak. Additionally I was just outside my warrant coverage to have this covered by Ford (within the years, outside the mileage). After researching, I have found that many others have the same compliant and even a class action has been attempted. Ford needs to offer a recall for this very cost repair and known issue. Water pump failure could cause engine damage, resulting in vehicle failure while operating, which puts the operator at risk on the side of the road or while operating at highway speeds.

Structure
Filed Feb 14, 2024100,000 milesWA

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior trim detached and flew off. The contact stated that the failure almost caused an accident because the trim flew onto another driver's windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the recall was not an active recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2024IL

The water pump is in the engine on this vehicle. You have no clue if it is leaking and it can cause your vehicle's engine to blow. It is also a very very costly repair for a water pump.

Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2024MN

While driving my 2017 Ford Explorer, There was a smell of burnt oil/tire entering my vehicle through the vents. I took it in to the Ford Dealership and I was advised that I needed a brand new transfer case, and the front engine mounts needed to be replaced due to broken seals. This was causing transmission fluid to leak onto other parts (hot) which was causing the smell while I was driving. My vehicle is at 89,000 miles, and if I don't get this replaced, then it will cause transmission failure. I was told that this should not happen on a vehicle with 89,000 miles. The leaking fluid can also cause a fire under the hood. When asked why or how this could happen, I was told it just wasn't "built" well. Cost of repairs will be about $4,500.00. WOW.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 5, 2024CA

The B pillar molding/trim with keypad pulled away at the top corner of both driver and passenger front doors. Then, they flew off while on the freeway, with cars behind me driving 70 MPH.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 5, 2024CA

The black trim/molding around the front windshield is breaking and perking off in chunks while driving on the freeway.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Feb 5, 2024140,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle experienced a severe shudder and vibration. The vehicle was connected to an ODB scanner which produced a code related to a faulty torque converter. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 4, 2024CA

A piece of the driver side exterior column flew off and into windshield causing crack and poor visibility because of it.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2024WA

When it rains, water leaks from the lights, seatbelts and dome lights. The water collects on the passenger floorboard front and rear and collects in the spare tire well. The car is now starting to mold this winter. We have brought the car in past years to be fixed with the Ford dealership not able to fix the reason for the leaking. yes, this car is available for inspection. The car is forming mold spores inside and we are unable to park under cover. It is potential for making us sick. Ford could not find a source of how to fix the water leak.

Structure
Filed Jan 29, 202469,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rail fractured. The contact stated that two years ago a recall notification for the failure was received, and the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fractured roof rail assembly. The contact was informed that the roof rail assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The contact stated the roof rail detached and flew off of the car on the freeway. The piece that is attached to the vehicle remains on the car. Also, the contact is requesting an update on the complaint.

Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2024CA

Issue with CAM Phasers when looking into the problem I noticed there was a recall for other 3.5 EcoBoost engines on other models but not on a Ford Explorer with the same engine.

Power Train
Filed Jan 25, 2024129,828 milesWA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a whirling sound while shifting gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic and was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the started was previously replaced by the Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic. The contact was informed that the transmission was dropped to access the starter switch for the repair. The starter switch was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic because the heat was inoperable however, the vehicle mis-diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact stated that the mechanic dropped the transmission to replace the water pump. While replacing the water pump, the mechanic replaced the valve cover gasket, spark plugs, crank shaft seal kit front, antifreeze, and timing chain kit. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 129,828.

Suspension
Filed Jan 24, 2024OR

Rear toe joint arm used to replace recalled rear toe joint arm is causing the tires in the back to tilt leaving vehicle at risk of roll over accident from tire, axel, or suspention failure. The suv becomes increasingly unstable and difficult to control. The mechanic said it was a miracle that my suv had not flipped. When I took this issue to the dealership, the service manager was aware of the issue and had a "high percentage" of cars that had the recall service done returning with the same problem. Despite this information being passed on to ford by its dealership service departments, Ford is continuing to place drivers at risk by using the toe joint arm that is too small. Pictures: rear vs front tires purchased same time, allign.before new toe joint placed with report, then after, recall work done and , allign report, toe joint arms used for recall. Date below is when my car was taken out of service for safety. Most driving speeds 25 to 35 mph zones.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 24, 2024PA

Shark fin antenna flew off the car. Plastic piece only, the rest of the component is attached and exposed. At a visit with the local Ford Dealership I had requested a repair to a current recall on the vehicle and to inspection the antenna. Upon their inspection they state they do not need to perform work on the recalled problem and that the shark fin would be $590 for the piece that detached although I did not hit anything for the plastic to fall off. Also, if I did hit it on something I believe the whole piece would've completely detached not just the plastic piece. Upon many google searches, it appears this is a common issue. This piece flying off the vehicle could fly into the vehicle behind me and at the rates of speed commonly traveled it could cause severe damage to the driver.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 2024WA

I was driving on the freeway. We were having a windstorm. A strong guest of wind tore off the passenger side windshield trim piece.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 23, 2024CA

Me levanté por la mañana para llevar Mis hijos ala escuela y ya estaba rayada la troca ..desconocido

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2024162,609 milesTX

Exhaust fumes entering inside vehicle when idling and driving on the road. Must drive with windows open and still cannot drive for over a few miles. Get a headache and effects lungs. Vehicle is now parked and cannot use. Exhaust is leaking near engine. Looks like a cracked manifold. Unsafe to use. Date this occurred is an estimate because I do not know how long this has been a problem. There are other 2017 models with the same issue.

Seats
Filed Jan 19, 202434,000 milesNV

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contacted stated while reaching down between the driver's front side of the seat to retrieve an item, the sharp edge of the seat frame cut her hand. The contact also stated that several passengers had cut their hands while retrieving an item from the passenger’s side front seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V651000 (Seats) however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 13, 2024IN

When I was driving down the highway at a normal speed (65 mph) the passenger side windshield trim piece detached from my vehicle. I was not able to confirm that the piece of trim was the origin of the noice. I was not able to determine that until I reached my destination. This is a large trim piece and I could imagine it could cause damage to vehicles behind either to their vehicles or their tires. I will be taking the vehicle into the dealership to have the area with the missing trim inspected. It has not been inspected by police or insurance. There were no warning lights, sounds, or any indication that the piece was about to fail.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump
Filed Jan 8, 202459,800 milesTX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the internal water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and it was stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 59,800.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 4, 2024LA

Once I reach 65 mph it sounds like bees are in my truck. It's a very annoying sound and it feels the windshield will come off.

Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2023MI

Vehicle shutters, jerks and loses acceleration between 50 to 60 miles per hour. Can cause accident with other vehicles behind on freeway or any other circumstance. Have had vehicles behind me almost ram the back of my vehicle when this happens. No warning lights on dash. 12/27/23 Dealer says it’s the Torque Converter. Issue occurs every time during acceleration and deceleration. Has been going on for several years but I didn’t know it was an actual transmission problem. Dealer told me when I purchased vehicle that the car had to learn my driving habits and that’s all it is. Has not been inspected by anyone other than dealer

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 28, 2023FL

Front windshield rubber trim is disintegrating, dry rotted and cracked throughout, separating from windshield, pieces about to fly off. Vibrates and makes sound when driving 55 mph or more.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 28, 2023FL

Driver side window button does not work. All others do. There is no reason this should not work on a car with so few miles 18,700 and less than 7 years old.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 2023FL

The rubber windshield trim is detaching from the windshield, causing a loud rattling/vibrating noise inside the vehicle. This issue also allows debris to get between the windshield and the windshield frame, causing even further damage.

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 2023WA

Car wouldn't start. All the water had run out due to coolent leak near water pump and in finding it they found leak near front engine mount. These are problems that other 2017 explorer owners have also complained about online. In addition, Kirkland Ford stated they are backed up on repairing the toe link and roof repair due to lack of certified mechanics. The 2017 whole vehicle should have been recalled due to the cheap parts used which has caused me to continually go in to have recalls fixed. While there they end up causing more issues causing me thousands in repair bills. I have scheduled with independent car repair shop for them to give me estimate of repairing the above items for January 10 the first date they had available.

Steering
Filed Dec 26, 2023WI

Rack and Pinion is bad... vehicle is only six years old... why?? please look into this issue.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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