2017 Ford Explorer

1,694 complaints on file, page 1 of 85.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure May 1, 2022Warrenville, ILUnknown or other

   The back up camera is cloudy with very limited visibility at night. My safety is at risk backing the car up. Yes available for inspection. I have told the dealer. I am unsure if they actually looked at it at night. This issue has been happening for a few years and now it is much worse. I learned of this sight to report it to. There are no lights or warning lamps.

   NHTSA complaint 11768108
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Jul 24, 2025Monroe City, MOBody

   B-pillar is coming off, not allowing keypad to lock/unlock. Remedy has not come available in over a year.

   NHTSA complaint 11767832
3. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Saginaw, MIUnknown or other

   Ford Safety Recall 24S02 was previously recorded as completed on my 2017 Explorer after this dealership inspected the A-pillar moldings. The recalled A-pillar molding subsequently became severely loose and detached while I was driving on the highway. I am concerned that the recall inspection/remedy may not have been properly performed before the recall was reported completed. The dealership initially attempted to charge me for replacement and is now submitting the matter to Ford for review. I am requesting review of the dealership’s original recall documentation and the circumstances under which the recall was closed.

   NHTSA complaint 11767739
4. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure May 23, 2025160,000 milesGilbert, AZStructure

   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 complaint 11764718
5. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Jul 15, 2026Medford, ORStructure, Suspension

   See attached document for complaint.

   NHTSA complaint 11764479
6. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Sep 6, 202655,000 milesMetairie, LAEngine, Engine and engine cooling

   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 complaint 11763586
7. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 9, 202663,500 milesChino Hills, CAStructure

   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 complaint 11763185
8. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Jan 13, 2026Elk grove, CAUnknown or other

   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 complaint 11763126
9. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Chaska, MNSeat belts

   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 complaint 11763003
10. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026122,000 milesSparta, NJStructure

    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 complaint 11762786
11. Filed Sep 5, 2026Failure Mar 13, 2026Pacoima, CAExterior lighting, Body, Unknown or other

    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 complaint 11762396
12. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026120,000 milesCorona Del Mar, CAStructure

    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 complaint 11762240
13. Filed Sep 3, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Greeley, COAir bags, Seat beltsCrash1 injured

    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 complaint 11762051
14. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2021Columbia, SCStructure, Visibility

    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 complaint 11761670
15. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2024Smyrna, GAStructure

    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 complaint 11761389
16. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 19, 2026Sugartown, LAAir bags, Warnings, Adaptive cruise control

    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 complaint 11760842
17. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 21, 202671,789 milesGoose Creek, SCStructure

    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 complaint 11759049
18. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026EL Cajon, CABody

    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 complaint 11758208
19. Filed Aug 17, 2026Failure Jan 31, 202681,000 milesSpring, TXStructure

    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 complaint 11757397
20. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Rutherford, NJSteering

    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 complaint 11756710