2017 Ford Explorer Owner Complaints

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 and hot glue to reattach the B-pillar trims to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11764718

Incident

May 23, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11764479

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

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 vehicle was towed by Firestone and then towed to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and two letters were sent, three emails were sent to the CEO, and two phone calls were made to Ford Customer Service, who opened a case, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11763586

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

Mileage

55,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the driver's side B-Pillar trim detached and was hanging off the vehicle with the wiring exposed. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the driver's side B-Pillar trim to the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable until July 2027. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.

NHTSA ID

11763185

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

Mileage

63,500 mi

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 list for this repair is approaching 300 customers and the dealer is receiving only a very limited number of replacement parts from Ford. Based on the information provided to me, the dealership is receiving approximately three to four replacement parts at a time. As a result, the inability to complete the repair is attributable to the supply of parts from Ford, not the actions of the dealership. Ford's suggestion that I simply return to the dealer does not address the underlying issue. The dealer has already diagnosed the defect, identified the required repair, and acknowledged that the repair cannot be completed until Ford supplies sufficient replacement parts. Further, the current allocation of parts suggests that the delay may be substantial. Assuming a waiting list of approximately 300 customers and replacement parts being supplied at a rate of only three to four units at a time, many customers could potentially face wait times measured in years rather than weeks or months. While actual delivery schedules may vary, this demonstrates why directing affected owners back to the dealership does not provide a meaningful resolution when the necessary parts remain unavailable. The Ford dealer used tap to temporary repair the condition as seen in photos which keeps the A-Pillar covers from detacting while driving the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11763126

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

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-of-pocket cost replacement due to the extended warranty on this buckle no longer being applicable - Ford issued voluntary special field action 23L06 related to the driver's side buckle that expired March 31 2025.

NHTSA ID

11763003

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure); however, the failure recurred with the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers detaching. The contact also 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 driver’s and front passenger’s side door B-pillar trims had detached. The contact duct-taped the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers and the driver’s and front passenger’s side door B-pillar trims. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact had to pay for the front and rear driver's side roof rail covers to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11762786

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Mileage

122,000 mi

Ever since my B pillar came off my car my cabin lights stay on longer than usual and my trunk cant be opened, both being an inconvenience. Dealer agreed the lights stay on because of what broke off but since theres no remedy they cant do anything about it. Ive already had to purchase a battery and will soon prob going to need to again but ford will not pay for one despite it being they're fault.

NHTSA ID

11762396

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

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 door B-pillar trim had detached, causing the liftgate to not open as needed. The message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed with an audible chime, and the trunk warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11762240

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

Head on collision occurred XXX. A man was traveling east on XXX and ran the light at the intersection of [XXX]. I was heading south on [XXX] and hit his white truck. My air bags did not deploy. Also, within the last year a seatbelt was not latching properly and I had to get it replaced. In addition to repairing the roof rack cover which flew off as I was driving one day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762051

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack in the front windshield and water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact was concerned about the electrical system failing from becoming wet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure). The local was contacted in person, and the contact was advised that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was qualified for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and informed the contact that parts were not available.

NHTSA ID

11761670

Incident

Sep 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side A-pillar trim was loosened and rattled excessively. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11761389

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Benoit Nissan in DeRidder, LA, was contracted to perform a critical safety repair/recall on my vehicle's airbag system. The dealership charged for the completed repair, but explicitly aborted the physical installation, leaving the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) incomplete, non-functional, and hazardous. They attempted to return the vehicle to me with the air bag safety system compromised, creating an immediate, severe physical risk to occupants in the event of a crash. This involves deliberate service manipulation of a federally mandated safety device. They have a proven record of deceitful operations of criminal negligence and felony theft

NHTSA ID

11760842

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side door B-pillar trim detached and was hanging by the wires, which became frayed. The message "Liftgate Ajar" was displayed while the liftgate was closed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,789.

NHTSA ID

11759049

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

Mileage

71,789 mi

I know there is a current recall, but I have NO idea why FORD is taking almost 2 years now for a remedy. Now the trim piece under this recall is starting to separate from the driver side. This also has electrical functions (keyless entry), and is making driving the vehicle a challenge as who knows when the piece will fully separate from the vehicle. HELP PLEASE, there has to be a faster way to get this recall work done.

NHTSA ID

11758208

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

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 contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer was contacted, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was taped down to avoid becoming detached. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11757397

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

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 .

NHTSA ID

11756710

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the B-pillar trim struck another vehicle. In addition, the driver's side B-pillar trim was fractured. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim was reattached but was still loosened. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts would be unavailable until 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11756707

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle and the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loosened. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11756522

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Mileage

130,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11756390

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

My 2017 Ford Explorer is subject to Ford Safety Recall 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for exterior A-pillar trim that may detach from the vehicle. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer, and the dealer confirmed that my vehicle is covered by the recall. However, the dealer informed me that the required Ford recall replacement part is unavailable and that they have not received these parts for an extended period of time. The A-pillar molding on my vehicle has actually detached and flown off the vehicle while driving on TWO separate occasions. Replacement aftermarket molding has not provided a reliable solution. This is therefore not a hypothetical or cosmetic concern. The failure described in Ford's safety recall has occurred twice on my vehicle. Ford's recall identifies detached A-pillar trim as a potential road hazard that can increase the risk of a crash. Despite the known safety defect and the repeated occurrence on my vehicle, I cannot obtain the Ford recall repair because the authorized dealer cannot obtain the required Ford replacement part. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's inability to provide a timely recall remedy for Recall 24S02, including the continuing unavailability of the required replacement parts. My vehicle currently remains subject to an acknowledged safety recall for a failure that has already occurred twice.

NHTSA ID

11756043

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Driving down the highway and checkengine light came on when I was headed to work. The vehicle lost power due to misfire with engine. I check the spark plugs and there is oil all over sparkplugs and the coil packs. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by ford immediately, they need to put a new engine in or pay me to get this fixed.

NHTSA ID

11755673

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

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 could not help me. He suggested I pay $280 for a diagnostic and if alignment was the problem that will go towards it. I told him I can not afford to be paying for alignment when the new part can not hold alignment. I request a reimbursement for my new tires for collateral damage from the recall and he said they do not offer reimbursements, they told me to reach out to Ford Customer Service. I reached to Ford Customer Service and they pointed me back to the Dealer. Seems like Ford does not want to take responsibility for they bad replacement parts that do not hold alignment. Seems like there are a lot of customers with this issue and are having to spend hundreds of dollars on replacing the Toe links with after market adjustable Toe Links and installing new tires and having them realigned.

NHTSA ID

11754760

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

I EXPERIENCED BOTH TRIM PANELS ON MY EXPLORER RIPPING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY POSSIBLY CAUSING THEM TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THE FORD DEALER IN LAS VEGAS TO GET THE RECALL ITEM REPAIRED. THEY INSPECTED IT AND DETERMINED THAT MY DAMAGE WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED OVER ONE YEAR AGO. I RECEIVED AS RECENTLY AS NOVEMBER 2025 A LETTER FROM FORD INFORMING ME AGAIN OF THE RECALL. I CONTACTED MY DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT FORD DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE REPAIR PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT IS NOW APPROACHING TWO YEARS SINCE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FORD TO GET THE REPAIR PARTS AND CORRECT THE DAMANGE TO MY VEHICLE?

NHTSA ID

11754207

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11753538

Incident

Jul 27, 2026