About average for the Explorer
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the body, doors and structure, which half of owners reported by about 77,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,704 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer. The most reported problem area is the body, doors and structure (664, 39% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 4th of 13 Explorer years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 14 recalls.
11 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2017 Ford Explorer before you buy.
Body, doors and structure
664 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 77,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (262).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure) however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 160,000 miles
Engine and cooling
305 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 42,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
125 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 55,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
About 3 years and 3 months after a Power Control Module reflash was done in March 2021 under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 20B27, vehicle was brought to Ford dealership on 06/07/2024 with mileage at 79,730 for multi point inspection due to vehicle runs rough and hard time accelerating. Diagnostic code was P0316. Service tech…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Vehicle losses power randomly during acceleration, may not stay in park without parking brake on. Shudders badly and shifts harshly decelerates without warning. Nearly has caused collision when merging onto roadways due to lack of control of acceleration, have had to slow onto shoulder multiple times.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
94 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
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, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 80,758 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
89 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles. Parts named most: Windshield: critical fasteners (14).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
There are 2 recalls that have not been acted on by Homer Skelton Ford of Millington, LLC. It has been almost two years and the dealership continues to state they do not have the parts to fix the recalls. The two recalls are not indicated as active, so I’m not sure if they claimed they already fixed them in their system. The recalls are…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The driver side headlight low beam LED stopped functioning. I noticed moisture inside the headlight housing. I bought a replacement headlight unit and a control module. The replacement headlight housing has also had the low beam go out, again. Now I have to purchase a module to see if the headlight itself is fine and it's possibly just…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
76 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 .Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff with the message "Power Steering Loss" displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 109,000 miles
Wheels and tires
76 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to change the tires on the vehicle and was unable to remove the lug nuts. The contact stated that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 176,825 miles
Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 P255R20 A/S BSW Tires 23,041 miles 2017 Ford Explorer Sport. These are the tires that came on the vehicle, there is only 23,041 miles on the vehicle and the tires are prematurely wearing on the outerside of all 4 tires. Chunks of the tire is pealing off. Hazardous to drive. The vehicle is not out of line, tires…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Suspension
58 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger-side rear tire was low on air pressure. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed wires exposed on the inner tread of the tire. Additionally, the contact inspected the driver-side rear tire and observed exposed wires…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 165,400 miles
New Tow Link replacement from recall 20S62 damage my new Tires. New redesign Toe links are unable to hold alignment and are damaging tires prematurely. I have called the dealer that performed the Service (Citrus Motors in Ontario California) and spoke with Service Manager Cesar. I told him the problem I was having to find a solution, he…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
49 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 236,000 miles has an ongoing EVAP/fuel vapor system problem that causes the vehicle to hesitate, stumble, and attempt to stall. The problem occurs most frequently after refueling and also when the fuel level is low. The check-engine light comes on repeatedly, and despite numerous repair…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and vibrated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to partially coast to…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 94,084 miles
Seats and seat belts
39 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to use the 2nd row seat belts, after further inspection, the 2nd row driver’s side seat belt buckle remained latched and failed to release from the buckle and the 2nd row passenger side seat belt failed to latch securely as intended. The vehicle was taken to…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 85,000 miles
Air bags
34 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owned a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 15 MPH traveling southbound, the occupant of a Chevrolet Impala driving at approximately 55 MPH allegedly fell asleep, veered into her lane, and crashed into the driver's front end. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 57,737 miles
Brakes and stability control
26 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 29,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The inside rear brake pads sustained a 66% loss of material in 9260 miles of normal driving. The vehicle was serviced on 10-03-23, 53,446 miles, the fronts pads had 7mm and the rears had 6mm. The vehicle was again service on 09-11-24, 62,706 miles, the front pads had 6mm and the rear had 2mm. I had the dealer take the rear brakes apart…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Car wouldn't stop or slow down until I put all my pressure on the pedal. No previous warning about brake issues. No lights or sounds regarding brake problems.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Cruise control and acceleration
21 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
August 2020: when passing a vehicle on the highway, applied gas pedal fully to the floor, it stuck. Vehicle continued to accelerate, pedal would not return to normal position. Had to get to shoulder, shove vehicle into neutral and turn off. Ford dealer reviewed, determined only likely cause could be the throttle body, replaced throttle…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 ford explorer. While driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle [VIN] to 20 MPH. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Contact stated car would not pick up speed and lost power. The vehicle was taken to hertrich ford lincoln…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 29,177 miles
Driver assist systems
17 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Warnings (8).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, he became aware that the center screen failed to display a rearview, potentially compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 140,000 miles
in 2019 with 55,000 miles on my 2017 Ford Explorer limited the screen which displays the front and rear cameras stopped working. after taking in for repair we had to replace the APIM module. then last week our 2018 Ford fusion with 35,000 miles had the same part fail. upon further research it appears that there are alot of Fords that…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Ford Explorer complaints by year
Compare the 2017 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2017 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer | About average | 14 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | About average | 4 |
| 2017 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 4 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Traverse | About average | 3 |
2017 Ford Explorer recalls
Body and structure
- Risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Equipment Engine block heater
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.
Full recall summary
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.
Body and structure
- Risk
- Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Body and structure Roof and pillars
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Body and structure
- Risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Seats
- Risk
- Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Wheels Hub
- Risk
- A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Steering
- Risk
- If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Seats Recliner
- Risk
- If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Engine and cooling Turbo / supercharger
- Risk
- An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
2017 Ford Explorer questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas on the 2017 Ford Explorer are the body, doors and structure (664 complaints), the engine and cooling (305 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (125 complaints). Within the body, doors and structure, owners most often name the body.
Is the 2017 Ford Explorer a good year to buy?
About average for the Explorer. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the body, doors and structure, which half of owners reported by about 77,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer. The most recent, from Jul 2026, covers the body and structure. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 77,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 42,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
The Explorer years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2017 Ford Explorer?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model