2017 Ford Explorer complaints

We were driving on the highway and the b pillar trim flew off. It did hit another vehicle but didn’t cause any damage. I cannot use my keyless entry and current am driving with duct tape. This happened in August 2025 and I have spoken to local dealership and ford customer service.

Oil is leaking onto my spark plugs and fouling them out. Also took my car into dealership and parts are not available for the recall for the rear toe links.

In regards to recall 24V031 and 25V347, both of my A Pilars have flown off my car while driving. Luckily no damage was caused but the replacement parts are still not available. The recall is from 2024 and 2025. Does it really take over a year for replacement parts?

I purchased 2017 ford explorer from Mark Ficken. It was still under warranty. The transmission went out in a week something with the torque converter. They replaced the transmission free of charge. Two years two months outside of the warranty the transmission fails again due to the torque converter. I explained how ridiculous this was and they gave me a discount for replacing the transmission which I still had to pay thousands of dollars. Another two years and two months later outside of the warranty and the tourqe converter is bad again. Since they helped the last time they could not help again. They said it was normal wear and tear which is impossible because normal wear and tears on the same part within the same time frame is a faulty transmission period. I will NEVER purchase another vehicle from them as they wouldn’t even acknowledge that was a problem. This experience with Ford has been horrible. This Ford dealership took no accountability and the corporate division didn’t seem to care that this dealership allows stuff like this to happen with the Ford name. I ended up taking my vehicle to a outside mechanic, he replaced the fly wheel, that repair lasted about 6 months until fly wheel has now broken again with in 3 months. Now my mechanic is saying he will no longer honor the warranty on the fly wheel because he keeps having to replace it too much and he insists that ford knew something else was going on with the vehicle and its not normal to have to replace this many t

Windshield wipers worked when they wanted to for a while not anymore. It's impossible to see in the rain or clear the windshield when driving

Difficulty in steering around corners

Part came off while on my way to church at some point and was unable to locate the piece that came off

The Secret Service conducted an investigation regarding online motor vehicle sales. The vehicle was listed for sale. The vehicle was retired out of service as a police interceptor. The electronical components were taken out of the vehicle. However, insignias are still on the motor vehicle labeled as "POLICE" facilitating criminal activity such as false impersonation of a police officer and/or false pretenses. The seller has actual knowledge and can be punishable under color of law upon an agreement with a purchaser. Vehicle does have open recalls.

Vehicle contains traces of cychlorphine, labeled as "POLICE," facilitates criminal activity impersonation of a police officer, seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon purchase agreement. Safety risk for buyer, and the general public for false police pretenses, harassment, and actual police scrutiny. Vehicle has open recall.

Vehicle equipped with operation red and blue auxiliary emergency lights, prohibited and protected by law for law enforcement use only, facilitates impersonation of a police officer, false detention, harassment, legal scrutiny for police, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purchase agreement with a buyer, and can be liable for crimes committed by another by aiding an offender under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls, mechanical/electrical/lighting issues and requires maintenance.

I spoke to the service manager at Hub City Ford located at [XXX] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue however once they left I notice that they only fixed to left and right side and did not fix the top and bottom of window so I called the manager back. The manager insisted that this was the only parts they were going to fix and if we wanted the rest fixed we would have to pay out of pocket which would’ve cost around $800. This is very concerning to me because why would they only fix half of the problem with no explanation on why the rest would not be fixed. Since then I have called to complain about the loud whistling that is still there and now water is leaking inside of vehicle. Since the leak started we have has problems with the electrical system and windshield wipers coming on with no rain. I really need help because this is the only vehicle I have to drive to my doctors appointments as an elderly [XXX] ), wheelchair bound female. If the vehicle electrical system were to fail I would be stranded wherever it breaks down because my vehicle carries my wheelchair on a lift. I am also considered fully dis

Steering is difficult and makes noises when turning

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the A-pilar trim had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,819.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly vibrated and shifted in and out of gear with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,135.

NHTSA Recall Number 24V031. Exterior A-pillar applique trim flew off my vehicle while driving on I-95 in Florida in May 2023. This part is on my 2017 Ford Explorer and is listed on the NHTSA safety recall, 24V031, which was initiated in 2023. I have received two recall notifications from Ford, the first saying that the parts would be available in early 2024. I brought my vehicle to my local Ford dealership in 2024 and again in 2025, and when I called to follow up in February 2026, they said that Ford is not honoring this recall and has done nothing to get the replacement parts, telling customers that if they really want the parts, they should order them from an after market parts supplier. I did that, but the after market part was inferior. So, at this point in time, I am extremely frustrated and am filing this complaint to get an official response from Ford.

The safety problem is a known recall that remains unfixed since 2024 and should have higher priority for FORD then they currently do. Since owning the vehicle there have been numerous occasions where when on highway speeds the trim flies off. First two times there was nobody behind us but the third time a piece flew off of the trim causing the car behind us dramatically. Luckily no accident was caused but potential for flying debris should be a higher priority for you and FORD as well. Debris should be a major concern specially in highway with speed up to 75mph debris can be deadly. Honestly this debris is a ticking time bomb for anyone driving with these trims that have not popped off yet. We dont need to wait for someone to be seriously hurt or killed in order to move up this repair in priority. I believe FORD and maybe even you guys consider this a low priority becaue it is "cosmetic" but flying debris can be deadly specially when we know its an issue last 2 years

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the front windshield. The contact received several notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times in reference to the recall but was informed that parts were not available; occasionally, there were no responses. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

I was driving 30 MPH down a country road and the drivers side toe link broke about putting me in the ditch

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 stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached near the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.

The rear tailgate window has blown out twice. First time 2/10/2026 and again 3/22/2026. Both times happened while parked with the car running.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the completion of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000(Suspension), the vehicle started experiencing suspension failures. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated and made an abnormal clunking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle felt like the front end suspension was fighting with the rear end suspension, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into a pole. The pole was damaged and bent. The vehicle sustained front-end damage. No police report was filed. The contact sustained seat belt burn and bruising on the right shoulder by the collar bone. The vehicle was driven to Sweets Auto Repair, where suspension repairs were performed. The contact stated that since 2023, the front and rear wheel hub assembly, the rear driver's side upper control arm, the front driver CV axle, the front stabilizer, and the front driver lower control arm and ball joint assembly had been replaced. Additionally, the sway bar link was replaced three times, all four tires were replaced due to premature wear on one occasion, and the front tires were replaced at 4,000 miles due to premature wear on another occasion. The front-end alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another certified independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side struts were loose and nea

First my Roof rack trim flew away on the freeway, Now my mirror cover flew away on the freeway as well hitting a car begin me ....

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar and B-pillar trim pieces damaged the window, causing the contact to be pulled over by Law Enforcement several times. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 158,200.

The 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorers have a huge issue with them. The internal water pump on my 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5L engine failed. The failure caused coolant to leak into the engine crankcase, where it mixed with the engine oil. This contaminated the oil and led to catastrophic engine failure and seizure. The vehicle has already been brought to a dealership for service and is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk because the engine could have seized suddenly while the vehicle was in motion. If I had not caught the issue early, it could have resulted in a complete engine shutdown without warning, leading to loss of power, reduced steering control, and inability to accelerate in traffic. I have a strong understanding of vehicles and was able to recognize the warning signs, but the average driver would likely not identify these symptoms. Without that knowledge, this type of failure could easily occur without warning and put both the driver and others on the road at significant risk. Yes. The issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealership as a failed internal water pump. Coolant was beginning to leak internally into the engine and oil pan, where it mixed with the engine oil. The symptoms—coolant leaking near the oil pan, loss of coolant, lack of heat, and eventual engine failure—are consistent with this type of failure on this engine. The vehicle has been inspected by both the dealership and my independent me

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side B-pillar trim detached. In addition, the contact stated that the electrical wires were exposed. The contact stated that the exposed wires might result in electrical failure with the vehicle and were unsafe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was a result of the unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that the front driver's side B-pillar trim needed to be detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered and would be available in August 2026. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

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 local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

I was driving on the interstate and the B pilar from my vehicle flew off, hit my passenger side window, and merely missed the vehicle traveling behind us. This incident could have caused a big accident.

The pillers where in inspected by the dealership and determined that they need to be replaced and one of the recalls have been for over 2 years and the other is for over 8 months. I called Ford and they just told me the parts are still not availabe as the dealer Walker Ford in Clearwater also claims.

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 upon further inspection, the driver’s and passenger’s side B-pillar trims were loose. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached from the front windshield. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted by chat, and informed the contact that parts were not yet available and that another notification would be sent when parts were available. The failure mileage was approximately 121,613.

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 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The recall for the roof rails was not properly fixed. Ford is not willing to fix their mistake.

The car was up on ramps, to replace a sensor, in park and slipped out of gear rolling backwards with force. Someone could have been under or behind the vehicle. Other vehicles could have been behind, property could have been damaged. The cars door caught the building and pulled it all the way back against the front fender.

Vehicle was brought to an authorized Ford dealership for coolant leak. The dealer confirmed a coolant leak originating from the internal water pump. The water pump on this engine is chain-driven and located inside the engine behind the timing cover, requiring approximately 12 hours of labor to access and replace. This is a known design defect affecting millions of Ford vehicles with the 3.5L Cyclone/Duratec engine across multiple model years (2007-2020). The defect allows coolant to leak past the bearing seal, with potential to mix with engine oil and cause catastrophic engine failure. This is a serious safety risk as failure can occur without warning while driving. The problem was confirmed and documented by the Ford dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to the leak being discovered. Repair cost exceeded $4,300. This defect was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit (Roe v. Ford Motor Company, Eastern District of Michigan) which was settled confidentially in January 2024 without a recall being issued. Ford has not notified owners of this known defect or offered any remedy program to US customers, despite a Canadian class action resulting in relief for affected owners there. I am providing the cost invoice but will provide an itemized invoice once repairs are finished.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached, and duct tape was used to secure the piece into place. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure), 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

October 2025 check engine light came on, took to mechanic showed misfire in cylinder two and three. Replaced all plugs and coil packs, engine light went off. Engine light came back, hard start on November 26,2025 showed misfire in cylinder 2 and 3. Replaced those coil packs again, engine light off. February 2, 2026 engine light back on, hard start with vibration. Took vehicle to Mtn View Ford in Chattanooga to have diagnostic test done. Received call on February 9,2026 that the engine was in complete failure, coolant leaked into the cylinders, would require a $12,000 new engine at 84,328.6 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been driven more than 50 miles per week in the past two years, had on time maintenance.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, there was air coming from the driver’s side A-pillar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was replaced. The contact stated that almost three years after the A-pillar trim was replaced, the failure returned. The contact then received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 47,979.

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 while his son was driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim, where the keyless entry pad was installed, fractured and partly flew off the vehicle, causing the keyless entry pad to remain illuminated or to blink constantly. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an abnormal battery drainage since the failure. The dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not 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 and informed the contact that the part for the recall repair would be available by August 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Rear camera view is completely distorted when in use During times of rain, car wash or high humidity

I received recall 24V031 in Feb '24, A pillar defect. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealer and had it inspected in Aug of '24. It was satisfactory at that time. Eight months later, it started rattling and flew off my car as I drove on the interstate. I called the dealer and was told that it was repaired in Aug '24. I explained that it was not repaired, only inspected and given the OK to drive it. I'm still waiting for it to be replaced. I now have an issue with the B pillar notice 25S53. It is loose at the top and will probably detach as I drive down the road. This is a safety hazard to anyone driving behind me. The dealer refuses to remedy either one of these issues.

According to the recall of the a-pilar which can lead to the safety of the road and people on the road. There as yet to be a solution to fix this issue on the ford explorer which leave an open recall. Ford is highly responsible for not finding a remedy to fix this is for the safety of the owner of vehicle and other drivers on the road.

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 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 had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while replacing the windshield wipers, the trim around the front windshield detached. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Recall was published 1/19/24 Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 It's been over two years and Ford is saying the replacement parts are still not available. This is unacceptable.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that previously the manufacturer issued a recall for the toe links, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that, according to the manufacturer, the part that was replaced was the part under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

When driving my car, you can hear wind noise like the windows are down and it's loud enough to where I can't hear my kids most of the time when they need something from the backseats. These two recalls have been in place since May 2025 and there is still no remedy to fix this almost a year later. I have not taken it to a dealership but plan to this Friday 02/27/26.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side B-pillar trim was becoming loose near the top of the trim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, when the dealer was contacted, the contact was informed 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 not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contact about the recall and the A-pillar trims were replaced. The contact then stated that while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim flew off the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part for the repair was on backorder. 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 failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.