2017 Ford Explorer Body & structure Problems

Recall hasn't been fixed since January when I purchased the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11756390

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whistling sound of air coming through the A-pillar trim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and tape was used to seal around the A-pillar trim. The dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the whistling sound became louder after the dealer placed the tape on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 77,303.

NHTSA ID

11753023

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Mileage

77,303 mi

07/17/2026 [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Attn: Ford Customer Relationship Center / Service Management Ford Motor Company [XXX] RE: IMMEDIATE ESCALATION DEMAND: Safety Recall 24S02 (NHTSA Campaign 24V031000) Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer VIN: [XXX] Servicing Dealership: Max Ford of Butler (Butler, [XXX]) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally demand the immediate escalation and resolution of an open safety recall on my 2017 Ford Explorer. My vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 24S02 regarding the detachment of the exterior A-pillar windshield molding. I have been actively waiting on a dealership backorder list for twelve (12) months. This extreme delay is completely unacceptable for a federally mandated safety defect. The exterior trim pieces on my vehicle are now actively loose. Every day this vehicle is driven, it presents an immediate structural hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road should the plastic trim completely detach at highway speeds. Furthermore, despite Ford’s official bulletin instructing dealerships to inspect and apply interim stabilization to loose trim while parts are delayed, my local dealership has failed to offer or complete this temporary safety service. I have been forced to manually tape down my own vehicle’s exterior panels using temporary automotive tape to mitigate the immediate risk of a highway accident. I am demanding the following immediate actions: 1.COPIS Parts Escalation: I demand that Ford Corporate immediately issue a COPIS (Customer Order Processing Information System) critical part inquiry for my specific VIN to manually pull and expedite the delivery of the updated A-pillar replacement kits and retention adhesive to my servicing dealer. 2.Regional Management Intervention: I request that a regional Ford parts and service manager contact me directly within three (3) business days to provide an exact, g INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751004

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, inspected, and confirmed that the driver’s side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that the electrical system on the tailgate had stopped working as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the tailgate would not open because the electrical system was disconnected, and the trim had fallen off. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the dome light remained illuminated and turned off approximately 4-5 seconds later. Additionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R) on several occasions, the dome light illuminated, and the contact was unable to see out of the rear window. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11750826

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. Additionally, while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the passenger-side B-pillar trim detached and blew onto the roadway. The contact stated that the driver had noticed that the passenger-side B-pillar trim was loose prior to the notification and incident. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11749057

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

B pillar trim flew off while going down highway. Almost hit vehicle behind me.

NHTSA ID

11748440

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Received recall 25V347 in June of 2025. They still say the parts are not available. The driver side B-pillar trim came loose a few months ago. The dealer (lithia ford, Boise, ID) said I would have to pay over $600 to have them repair it and the money would not be refunded when the recall parts are available. Not having the parts available for over a year is unreasonable.

NHTSA ID

11746201

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

Regarding Safety Recall Notice 25S53 / NHTSA Recall 25V347, I received the recall literature June 2025. This past week, a trim piece in this recall came off the vehicle while in motion. This is a safety hazard and can cause accidents. Upon reaching out to Ford, NO remedy is available and might have something (might) November 2026. That is too long to wait for other pieces to fall off and possibly create accidents. I can't understand why it has taken over a year now to come up with a remedy. Obviously they are aware of the seriousness of this failure, and this should be addressed ASAP!

NHTSA ID

11746093

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

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 repair. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached, and the passenger's side A-pillar trim was loose and lifting. Additionally, the rear passenger's side door trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11744444

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact was the manager at a used auto dealer, and the inventory included a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim had detached and fell off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11744409

Incident

May 16, 2026

Mileage

99,000 mi

I am writing regarding recall 24s02, a pillar trim piece coming off. They did come of about a year ago. Woodland Ford ordered the recalled parts in January 2025. I am very frustrated at this point as is the dealership. We paid a lot of money for this vehicle and the car looks like something from a shady used car lot. Not a good look! This problem has gone on for way too long. I don’t want to hear excuses like supply chain issues or needing millions of these parts made to complete the job. These excuses are ridiculous. Ford should not be allowed to make any new Explorers and no new ones can’t be sold until this recall is resolved. They must have the parts mentioned to put on new Explorers as they are being built. I would like a pair of those for my vehicle. Also I would like Ford heavily fined and each customer paid $10k for their trouble. Our car was 60k so I think this request is reasonable. Don’t tell me to take it to dealer for temporary repairs. Those are not satisfactory and any mechanic will say the repair is unsatisfactory.

NHTSA ID

11744036

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

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 contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's-side B-pillar trims had detached. The failure prevented the windows from rolling down and rendered the trunk inoperable due to an electrical short. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11743302

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Mileage

105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure. 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 failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11743038

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

72,000 mi

The silver roof rack cover on both sides of vehicle completely came off of vehicle while driving. The clips broke off just like the problems listed in another recall for the same year Explorer. There is a recall for all models of the same year and make, however the Limited is excluded from the recall. If someone was behind me it could've resulted in a crash. This recall for this part needs to be for all models.

NHTSA ID

11742587

Incident

May 15, 2026

. The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the B- Pillar trim to eject from the vehicle and the fused was blown. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11739563

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

Mileage

102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 ( STRUCTURE); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that while driving approximately mph unknown, the A-pillar trim on the driver's side of the windshield detached, hitting the vehicle behind them. The contact stated that after speaking to the other vehicle's driver, there was no damage found. The contact continued to drive. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall for the A-pillar trim. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11739239

Incident

May 17, 2026

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55-60 MPH the front windshield trim on the passenger side had detached and almost hit another vehicle. The other side was also loose. The contact received the recall notification letters for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who ordered the parts 2.5 months ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the parts being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the status of the parts. Additionally, a case was opened and closed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11735607

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Mileage

65,000 mi

While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the vehicle, stay illuminated for 10 mins after exiting. When entering the vehicle and turning it on to drive, the dome lights will not turn off until a speed of 5-10 MPH is reached. I have noticed abnormal car battery drainage because of these events. Additionally, the rear lift-gate no longer functions since the b-pillar detachment. Unable to open rear lift-gate at all. Unable to use the electronic keypad. Spoke to the dealership at least 10 times now and the same reason is given: “we have not received the parts.” They have stated that the parts were ordered for my vehicle in November of 2025. It is now the end of April 2026. Notice of this recall was 5-23-2025

NHTSA ID

11734320

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

While driving on the freeway the exterior a-pillar detached from the vehicle, causing it to strike the ground at an unsafe speed. Unsure if another vehicle was struck because of this molding failure. Spoke to the dealership at least 10 times now and the same reason is given: “we have not received the parts.” They have stated that the parts were ordered for my vehicle in November of 2025. It is now the end of April 2026. Notice of this recall was 1-19-2024.

NHTSA ID

11734316

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

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 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not available. The contact was informed that parts had been used to repair other vehicles after the contact had scheduled an appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ID

11734141

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

Mileage

142,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (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 repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and sent a technician to duct tape the front windshield and front driver’s and passenger’s side door trims. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim, front driver's and passenger's side door trims, and duct tape had detached. The contact stated that the failure resulted in electrical system failures for the front driver's side door panel, steering wheel control buttons, heated seats, horn, and speedometer. The radio remained in operation after the vehicle was turned off. The second dealer, Fritts Ford (8000 Auto Dr, Riverside, CA 92504); was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11733291

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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 exterior A-pillar trims and trims surrounding the windshield were fractured and partially detached. The dealer was contacted and informed that the recall remedy was not yet 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11732968

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

A and b trim pillar pieces are loose and I just lost one going down the interstate. It is also causing my car to leak when it rains. Recall was issued over a year ago and still no parts available to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11732926

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the clips for the B-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were fractured, and the B-pillar trims were hanging off the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure; however, the contact was reminded that parts were still unavailable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11732322

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

40,000 mi

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was detaching from the windshield on the passenger’s and driver's side. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that there were no repairs available. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and placed tape around the A-pillar trim. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer informed the contact that the A-pillar trims were on back order. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11731540

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi