FORD EXPLORER · model year

2017 FORD EXPLORER

1893 NHTSA complaints, 50 crash reports, and 13 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017FORDEXPLORER carries 1893 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 50 crashes, 15 fires, 65 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 EXPLORER is unknown or other with 340 filings, followed by structure (331) and structure:body (239). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 13 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2017 EXPLORER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1893
Complaints
50
Crashes
15
Fires
65
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 FORD EXPLORER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 FORD EXPLORER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1893 filings

Crashes Reported

50 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
STRUCTURE331
STRUCTURE:BODY239
ENGINE220
POWER TRAIN104
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
STEERING70
WHEELS58
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING53
SUSPENSION45
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM41
VISIBILITY/WIPER38
AIR BAGS31
SERVICE BRAKES21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20

Recalls (13)

17E04800028/08/2017

WHEELS:HUB

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly result

17V53000028/08/2017

STEERING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

25V34700023/05/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

16V92500022/12/2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.

17V33200022/05/2017

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these v

26V10100020/02/2026

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

24V03100019/01/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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.

21V53700015/07/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

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 Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I

20V67500012/03/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Yor

19V65100011/09/2019

SEATS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.

25V68500010/10/2025

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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 and develop a coolant leak, causing it t

19V43500010/06/2019

SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

21V31600005/05/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Recent Complaints

20260219STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20260213STRUCTURE:BODY

There is currently a safety recall 25S53 for B pillar trim that is out but Ford says my SUV is not covered under it. The B pillar trim is in fact beginning to fall off now.

20260212STRUCTURE

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 not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was on backorder. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

20260211UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

20260211STRUCTURE:BODY

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

20260209STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact used silicone to reattach the trim to the front passenger’s side. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact added silicone to reattach the trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the B-pillar trim on the driver’s side fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact used silicone to reattach the trim. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

20260202STRUCTURE

See attached document for complaint. I’m writing to voice my concerns about my inability to have my vehicle repaired. I’ve received these safety recall notices for years. Every year I call both local Ford dealerships (Classic Ford of Columbia, Dick Smith Ford) and both tell me I must leave my vehicle for 7 to 10 days or longer and without access to a loaner vehicle. Any assistance that you can provide to have the Safety Recall repairs completed on my vehicle will be appreciated.

20260130STRUCTURE

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 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 rubber under the A-Pillar trim had become unsecured. The local dealer sent a technician to the residence, and duct tape was used to secure the trim as a temporary repair. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20260129AIR BAGS

UNKNOWN

20260129ENGINE

UNKNOWN

20260129VISIBILITY/WIPER

Issue: Rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: Occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 F) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: The glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety Concern: Sudden loss of rear visibility, risk of injury from flying glass, and potential hazard to pedestrians or nearby vehicles. Pattern: Multiple owners of 2017 Explorers report the same issue—rear window shattering in cold weather or during defroster use—suggesting a possible systemic defect in the rear glazing or defroster system. Request: Please review this incident as part of a potential defect trend and assess whether an investigation is warranted.

20260121STRUCTURE:BODY

I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously tape the area to door which is not ordeal nor a forever fix. The b pillar is held on by wires that are slowly breaking. The wires lead to a hole that is inside my door. the opening exposes from the outside, meaning if it rains or snows, it is getting inside the hole, into my car door. If the recall piece ever came in, my door has already experienced neglect and issues. I'm concerned this will lead to corrosion, electrical complications and additional mechanical failures. Also, if it is not taped up correctly, air b

20260121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously tape the area to door which is not ordeal nor a forever fix. The b pillar is held on by wires that are slowly breaking. The wires lead to a hole that is inside my door. the opening exposes from the outside, meaning if it rains or snows, it is getting inside the hole, into my car door. If the recall piece ever came in, my door has already experienced neglect and issues. I'm concerned this will lead to corrosion, electrical complications and additional mechanical failures. Also, if it is not taped up correctly, air b

20260121VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously tape the area to door which is not ordeal nor a forever fix. The b pillar is held on by wires that are slowly breaking. The wires lead to a hole that is inside my door. the opening exposes from the outside, meaning if it rains or snows, it is getting inside the hole, into my car door. If the recall piece ever came in, my door has already experienced neglect and issues. I'm concerned this will lead to corrosion, electrical complications and additional mechanical failures. Also, if it is not taped up correctly, air b

20260120STRUCTURE

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 driver's side door exterior B-Pillar trim had detached, causing the mounted keypad to detach. The failure left a hole in the mounting area of the keypad. The contact stated that the B-Pillar trim was hanging by the keypad wires, and the keypad wires had fractured. Additionally, there was a cold wind entering the vehicle with the B-pillar trim not securely taped to the vehicle, causing the contact's feet to become painfully cold. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of the failure. The contact stated that the dealer took pictures of the failure but declined to test-drive or inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

Mileage: 80,000

20260120SERVICE BRAKES

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

20260120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20260120VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

20260119STRUCTURE:BODY

Regarding ***IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL*** 25V347. The B-pillar trim appliqués on my 2017 Explorer have detached completely from the vehicle - both of them, before the recall notice was received in June 2025. It’s now the end of January 2026 & still no fix for this SAFETY recall! How is a car piece detaching from a vehicle & becoming a projectile on a busy highway not a priority!!! Now I’m reading that there won’t be a fix until the end of 2026-absolutely outrageous. And yes, Ford dealer workers at 2 separate dealers confirmed that they are ‘waiting on Ford’ to supply the parts.

20260117STRUCTURE:BODY

I went to open my hatch and the bolts have completely rusted through to the point of detaching the rear hatch/trunk on the left side due to rust corrosion. Car is in a shop but I am told this might be a ford defect. I have had multiple people tell me of huge rust issues from the rack into the rear trunk/hatch door.

Compare 2017FORDEXPLORER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 FORD EXPLORER have?
The 2017 FORD EXPLORER has 1893 NHTSA complaints, 50 crashes, 15 fires, 65 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2017 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 FORD EXPLORER?
Yes, the 2017 FORD EXPLORER has 13 recall(s). The most common affected component is WHEELS:HUB. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD EXPLORER?
The most-complained component for the 2017 FORD EXPLORER is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 340 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2017 FORD EXPLORER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 FORD EXPLORER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.