2017 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1710 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Structure (662), Unknown Or Other (378), Engine (241).
Key takeaways
- 1710 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 34 involve a crash, 11 a fire, 51 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 662 | 39% |
| Unknown Or Other | 378 | 22% |
| Engine | 241 | 14% |
| Power Train | 123 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 94 | 5% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 77 | 5% |
| Steering | 76 | 4% |
| Wheels | 60 | 4% |
| Suspension | 58 | 3% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 45 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 | 3% |
| Air Bags | 34 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System,structure,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-10-14
B-Pillar trim on drivers side detached/broke in half and flew off in traffic. Since then, electrical panel on the driver door messed with the locks. locks no longer work, back tailgate ajar warning is on (even though the tailgate is closed) unable to open to open the tailgate (stuck in lock)
Suspension - filed 2026-10-14
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 ex...
Engine - filed 2026-10-11
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, m...
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More for the 2017 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.