What NHTSA's records show for the 2017 Ford Explorer: 1,706 owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Structure (661), Engine (239), Power Train (123). 34 complaints mention a crash and 11 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2017 Ford Explorer owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice
Posted by CleanVins Research on
What NHTSA's records show for the 2017 Ford Explorer: 1,706 owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Structure (661), Engine (239), Power Train (123). 34 complaints mention a crash and 11 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2017 Ford Explorer recalls and complaints at a glance
NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns and 1,706 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer. The most-reported problem areas are Structure (661), Engine (239), Power Train (123). The most recent recall (NHTSA #26V448000, July 2026) covers the Structure. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Ford dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).
Recall campaigns
14
Owner complaints
1,706
Complaints mentioning a crash
34
Complaints mentioning a fire
11
Most-reported problem areas
Component
Complaints
Structure
661
Engine
239
Power Train
123
Electrical System
93
Engine and Engine Cooling
77
Steering
76
Recall campaigns
NHTSA #26V448000 — Structure (July 2026): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
NHTSA #26V101000 — Suspension (February 2026): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
NHTSA #25V685000 — Equipment (October 2025): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack…
NHTSA #25V347000 — Structure (May 2025): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
NHTSA #24V031000 — Structure (January 2024): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
NHTSA #21V537000 — Suspension (July 2021): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New…
NHTSA #21V316000 — Structure (May 2021): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
NHTSA #20V675000 — Suspension (March 2021): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,…
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-10-12.
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