Recalls · problems · safety

2017 Ford Explorer: recalls and problems

14 recalls and 1,700 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure.

14recalls
1,700complaints
34crashes reported
11fires reported
51injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Structure659 · 39%
  • Unknown Or Other374 · 22%
  • Engine237 · 14%
  • Power Train123 · 7%
  • Electrical System89 · 5%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling77 · 5%
  • Steering76 · 4%
  • Wheels60 · 4%
  • Suspension54 · 3%
  • Visibility/Wiper44 · 3%

What owners report

Structure

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 an

Engine And Engine Cooling,Engine

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 v

Seat Belts

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

Unknown Or Other

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

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Explorer. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.