2017 Ford Explorer Problems

Received recall notice 6/2025 regarding the A pillar covers and scheduled for repair. Ford representative came out and placed black adhesive tape on the A pillars and windows but did not replace the covers. It is now 11/2026 and no word on when pillar covers will be replaced.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s side B-pillar door trim was detaching. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and stated that the cost of the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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 repaired at a cost of approximately $2,900. A turbocharger was replaced again in August 2025 at a cost of $2,895. The catalytic converter was replaced in March 2026 at a cost of $1,700. The internal water pump, which sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain, was replaced in April 2026 at a cost of $2,350. On [XXX], at about 138,000 miles, the turbochargers failed again, with loss of power and thick white smoke from burning oil, and the vehicle is now undrivable with both turbochargers in question. Major repairs total roughly $9,800 since 2023, with $6,945 of that in the last thirteen months alone. This is a repeating failure of the same components, and it matches the turbocharger oil supply tube defect described in recall 16V925000 for this same engine. Ford limited that recall to 1,352 vehicles, and my VIN falls outside it. Other owners of 2016 and 2017 Explorers report the identical failure outside the recall window, repeat failures after replacement, and turbo failures damaging their catalytic converters. I ask the agency to consider this complete history, and the pattern of identical complaints, in deciding whether to open an investigation, expand the recall, and compensate the affected customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 undrivable. Sudden power loss and heavy smoke while driving are serious safety hazards. This failure is consistent with the turbocharger oil supply tube defect in NHTSA recall 16V925000 for this same 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but my VIN falls outside that recall's range. I ask NHTSA to investigate turbocharger failures on 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum models with the 3.5L EcoBoost and consider expanding the recall, and I ask Ford to provide reimbursement or support for these repeated failures.

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 recommendation was to replace engine for $14,000.00 including parts and labor (declined recommendation). Brought vehicle to another dealership but found no codes. Instead replaced engine motor mounts, sparkplugs, and air filter due to noticeable vibrations. Dealership service tech inspected engine but found no abnormal findings. Went to another Ford dealership on 10/08/2026 to check Code P0299 that appeared on OBD test and for further inspection due to sluggish acceleration from full stop and slows down going uphill. Ford's guidance stated that torque converter failing due to mileage, acceleration/power loss from dead stop. Recommended fix was to replace the transmission for $8,461.03 (declined recommended service). On 10/23/2026, I picked up my vehicle from the dealership. During my return journey from the dealership, I encountered the same sluggish acceleration. A safety hazard that is attributed to a malfunctioning torque converter, a know problem for Ford. Consequently, Ford dispatched CSP 20B27 to assist in safeguarding the transmission converter from overheating. Regrettably, this intervention proved ineffective in mitigating the problem. Ford issued CSP 20N07 to extend warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for 12 months from RO date which in my case, RO date on CSP 20B27 was 03/19/2021. Despite the 12-month eligibility period not being met, my vehicle should have remained covered. Initially, Ford was aware of a transmission torque issue and was attempting to resolve it through CSP 20B27 and CSP 20N07. Currently, mileage is at 85K miles but I'm hesitant to drive due to safety concerns.

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.

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)

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.

1. Rubber is falling off the windshield and hood. This is a ford issue and they refuse to repair this. It appears to be heat related and the car was sold in an area with high summer temperatures. It is cracked and peeling at the bottom of the windshield causing rain and leaves to seep into the engine area. This could start a fire hazard if it's not repaired. Quoted me 12k to fix (more than the cost of getting another car that is less dangerous). 2. Inside auto same issue is happening with the ford installed dashcover. It is peeling back and in order to repair, they must take EVERYTHING out of the inside to repair and yes $$$$ close to 20k. Again this is a ford issue not a user issue. The dash cover is black and underneath it is white. Driver is unable to fix on own. Both of these are Ford defects that Ford should step up and repair.

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.

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 .

Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.

Rear suspension toe links have failed after prior recall repair in Canada in May of 2022. The vehicle is now registered in the US and the recall repair has failed causing driving, suspension, and extreme tire wearing.

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 176,825.

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 sticking out from the inner sidewall. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was completed in October 2025. The contact associated the tire failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,400.

See attached document for complaint.

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 attempts, the issue has not been corrected. Repairs and parts replaced have included the purge valve, EVAP-related sensor(s), charcoal canister(s), and associated tubing. Significant money has been spent diagnosing and repairing this condition, but the symptoms continue. After filling the fuel tank, the engine may run rough, hesitate, lose power, and attempt to stall. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power or stall while driving, entering traffic, slowing for intersections, or operating in other traffic situations. The condition has persisted despite replacement of multiple EVAP system components. Based on the repeated failures and inability to permanently correct the issue, I believe this may indicate a defect affecting other vehicles of the same model year. I am requesting that this issue be investigated due to the potential safety risk associated with engine hesitation, loss of power, and stalling.

Vehicle experienced white exhaust smoke due to oil entering the exhaust system, caused by turbocharger failure. This led to contamination and failure of all O2 sensors, requiring full replacement, along with replacement of both turbochargers. The radiator also failed and had to be replaced. This appears to be a cascading mechanical failure affecting multiple major systems, including the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical components, rather than normal wear and tear. The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable, leaving me without transportation during a period of financial hardship. The severity and extent of repairs raise concern about a potential broader defect. This also created a safety concern due to excessive exhaust smoke and reduced vehicle reliability while in operation.

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

Rear camera view is completely distorted when in use During times of rain, car wash or high humidity

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)

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

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.

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)

While the car seat was properly installed and being used under normal conditions, the top tether strap pulled free from the anchor point. This caused the car seat to no longer be safely secured. The top tether is a critical safety component intended to limit forward movement of the car seat. Once the tether pulled free, the child’s safety was put at risk due to loss of proper restraint performance. The car seat has not been physically inspected by the manufacturer or other parties. The incident was reported to the manufacturer, but the manufacturer declined to evaluate the failure.

The following is a letter I sent to Ford. I've yet to hear back from them. This is a picture of what happened in my 2017 Explorer on Thursday, June 5, 2025. As I unlocked and got into my car, I realized the seat was moving forward. I tried to get out of the seat, but it was difficult because the space was closing in. I managed to squeeze out of the space before it totally closed me in and pinned me between the seat and steering wheel. As you can see from the picture, the seat is as close to the steering wheel and console as possible. The steering wheel was 7 inches from the seatback and 7 inches from the seat bottom. The seat was 2 inches from the console. This is extremely dangerous. This is not the first time this has happened. This has occurred at least ten times. Sometimes it is when I get in the vehicle as happened June 5. One time I was pinned between the steering wheel and seat and my legs were jammed into the console. Fortunately, I was able to extricate myself with only a few scrapes and bruises. While it is happening, I try the side buttons that control the seat and other ways to stop it, but nothing I do stops the movement once it begins. The only way to avoid being pinned in is to get out while the seat is moving. Other times it has happened when I am not in the car. I unlock and open the door to get in and the seat has moved itself and is as far up to the steering wheel as physically possible. The first time this happened; I told the service desk at the dealer when I was having work done on the SUV. They checked and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it.`

The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.

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 and check everything for why the pads wore down so fast. The findings were that all components were in good working order and the outside rear pads actually had 5mm and the inside rear pads had 2mm.The dealer told me they couldn't find a problem as to the extreme wear. I contacted Ford and they couldn't or wouldn't help due to no problem found and brakes being a wear related part. All work was performed at Lithia Ford of Boise.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim on the driver's and passenger’s side of the windshield was loose at the top. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 are rotated on schedule, and tire pressure maintained. Looks like defective tires, need to be investigated as safety recall. Ford Motor Company is aware of the problem and stated that we need they have a problem with those tires pealing and wearing out, most people have to replace around 20,000 to 30,000 miles. VERY DANGEROUS! I have safety inspections that shows tire are perfect.

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.

The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission skipped gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging while changing gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

2017 FORD EXPLORER BASE MODEL WE HAD OUR VEHICLE "FIXED" FOR THE CARBON MONOXIDE DEFECT ON JUNE 24, 2020. IT IS NOW 7/9/2020 AND OUR CO ALARM IN THE VEHICLE IS STILL PICKING UP AT LEAST 11PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AFTER TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THESE OCCURRENCES ARE SPORADIC, NOT CONSISTENT WITH EACH USE OF THE VEHICLE.