NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may fracture, which can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the toe links at no cost to you.
This page covers 13 recalls, 1629 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Ford Explorer.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2017 Ford Explorer complaints centers on structural issues, which account by far the largest share of reports. Owners most frequently describe problems with the windshield area and surrounding trim, specifically, the windshield surround trim detaching while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, and the rubber seals around the windshield cracking, degrading, or allowing water to leak into the cabin. Dashboard delamination comes up repeatedly as well, with owners describing the dashboard cover bubbling, separating from its substrate, and rolling back near the base of the windshield. Engine complaints form the second notable cluster, though at much lower volume. Power train issues round out the top reported systems. The trim detachment complaints are particularly consistent: owners describe pieces separating from both the driver and passenger sides, with concern that loose trim can become a road hazard for other vehicles.
1,629
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
34
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Ford Explorer has 13 recalls, the most serious being rear suspension toe links that can fracture and cause sudden loss of steering control, along with two separate fire risks from a turbocharger oil leak and a cracking engine block heater.
On the steering side, corroded heat shield fasteners on the steering gear can allow the shield to fall off, causing the steering gear to overheat and making the wheel significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds. The driver's seat back recliner may have inadequate welds that allow the seat back to collapse forward in a crash, reducing the protection the seat provides. Several body trim recalls share a common consequence: A-pillar trim, B-pillar door trim, and roof rail covers can all detach while driving and become road hazards. The turbocharger oil leak recall only affects vehicles with the 3.5L turbocharged engine, and the block heater recall only applies when the heater is plugged in. On vehicles with power front seats, the seat frames may have sharp metal edges that can cut someone reaching between the seat and center console.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may fracture, which can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the toe links at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The door trim on the B-pillar (between front and rear doors) on the driver and front passenger sides may detach while the vehicle is being driven.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a repair. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated November 2026.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt exposure corrodes the cross-axis ball joint, causing it to seize and fracture the rear suspension toe link.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle and rear suspension toe links at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Retention pins on the roof rail covers can loosen, causing the covers to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will install push-pins and replace damaged rail clips and roof rail covers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The outboard section of the rear suspension toe link may fracture in certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles that were previously repaired under recalls 16V-245 or 19V-435.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles with power front seats have sharp metal edges on the seat frames that could cause injury.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, who will apply protective tape to the sharp edges.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power front seat frames may have sharp edges that could cause injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will install protective tape on the exposed edges and tabs of the power seat frames at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, affecting rear suspension alignment and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect the rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckles if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fasteners holding the steering gear heat shield can corrode and weaken, causing the shield to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fasteners and replace them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat back frame has inadequate welds that may fail in a crash, preventing the seat from properly restraining the occupant's head and body.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat back frame and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turbocharger oil supply tubes may be improperly brazed, causing them to leak oil onto engine components.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil supply tubes and replace them if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
