2017 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    glass and windshield

    161 unsafe, 1 broken, 15 annoyance

    177
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 82% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "WHEN DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE TURNPIKE (70 MPH) THE MOLDING ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURNING HOME I NOTICED THAT THE SAME PIECE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE MOLDING OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. TH…"~3,200 mi, complaint #1378237
    • "THE TRIM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY, IT CRASH INTO IN THE SHOULDER AND CRUMBLED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE DRIVERS SIDE TRIM ALSO APPEARS TO BE LOOSE. IT WASN'T PARTICULARLY WINDY THIS DAY AND I WAS TRAVELLING…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1732628
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HAD ONE OF MY PLASTIC WINDSHIELD PILLARS FLY OFF. I PULLED OVER AND RETRIEVED IT AND GLUED IT BACK ON. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER I HAD MY OTHER SIDE FLY OFF, UNABLE TO RETRIEVE IT AND ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I HAD MY FIRST SIDE FLY OF…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1690418
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DELACY FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ELMA, NY 14059, [REDACTED PHONE]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1522990
    • "Water leaking in the drivers side frame that goes down the inner column by the dash onto the floor board, leaks above the driver visor, and in the back frame in the trunk of driver side. I have had it checked over by a Ford dealer twice and they claim it was m…"~153,840 mi, complaint #2049262
  2. #2

    other

    113 unsafe, 1 broken, 43 annoyance

    157
    incidents
    Typical range: 24,500–90,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 119 reports (57% had no usable mileage)

    • "ON 9/11/[REDACTED ADDRESS] - WINDOWS UP NO AC ON - GOT THIS OVERWHELMING FEELING THAT WAS GOING TO PASS OUT - PULLED TO RIGHT AND OPEN ALL WINDOWS - HEAD CLEARED - THIS WAS IN THE MORNING ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR - NO HISTORY OF MEDICAL ISSUES"~1,600 mi, complaint #1407521
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF COVER CLIPS DETACHED SEVERAL TIMES. THE ROOF CLIPS SEPARATED FROM THE RAILS AND CAUSED THE ROOF COVER TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DE…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1625142
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PILLARS ON THE VEHICLE WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE PILLARS WERE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TH…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1463729
    • "ONE WEEK AGO, MY FAMILY AND I TOOK A TRIP IN A RECENTLY PURCHASED EXPLORER WHERE WE ALL EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF POISONING. WE ARE CURRENTLY GETTING THE VEHICLE SERVICES BY THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE FIX WILL BE CORRECTED AS IT SEEMS…"~46,700 mi, complaint #1743930
    • "The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband driving at approximately 50 MPH, he observed a part flapping. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the Exterior A-Pillar Trim neede…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1975651
  3. #3

    exhaust system

    139 unsafe, 9 annoyance

    148
    incidents
    Typical range: 500–22,000 mi

    Median 7,000 mi, based on 153 reports (16% had no usable mileage)

    • "EXHAUST IN CABIN WHEN INSIDE AIR IS ENGAGED, YOUR OWN EXHAUST! HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS ACCELERATED AND THEN AS YOU LEVEL THE SPEED OUT, THE EXHAUST FILLS THE VEHICLE. THIS CONSISTENTLY HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAY, TURNING CORNERS, ETC. WE HAVE MONITORED…"~500 mi, complaint #1393576
    • "STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN ACCELERATING AND/OR MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC. I HAD TO OPEN ALL WINDOWS AS MY EYES WERE WATERING."~4,200 mi, complaint #1395816
    • "AFTER A SCARY LONG DRIVE FROM INDIANA TO NORTH CAROLINA I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I COULD SMELL EXHAUST WHILE DRIVING AND I FELT OVERLY TIRED, WAY MORE TIRED THEN NEED BE. AFTER TESTING IT WAS DETERMIN…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1405135
    • "EXHAUST LEAKING INTO CAB OF POLICE PACKAGE EXPLORER VEHICLE. SPRING OF 2018, SEALS OF MY EXPLORER WERE REPLACED. SEPT 2018, I FELT SICK, PULLED OVER AND PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING EXPLORER. NEXT WEEK, DIFFERENT FORD DEALER LOCATED ADDITIONAL MISSED SEALS AND…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1501820
    • "EXHAUST IS COMING INSIDE THE CABIN CAUSING ME TO HAVE HEADACHE AND SOME NAUSEA,,DRIVING DIFFERENT TIMES ,,UP HILLS AND SPEEDING UP,"~361,900 mi, complaint #1605151
  4. #4

    interior trim

    53 unsafe, 10 broken, 10 annoyance

    73
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 63,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side front window trim detached. The contact pulled over but was unable to locate the window trim. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the driv…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1869988
    • "THE TRIM MOLDING IS COMING OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT THE TOP ABOVE THE ELECTRONIC KEYLESS ENTRY TOUCH PAD. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT MAKE A NOISE THAT I CAN HEAR AS I AM DRIVING. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL BREAK OFF AND FLY LOOSE IMPACTING ANOTHER VEHICLE."~40,000 mi, complaint #1739337
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front door trim panel detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the driver's side front door trim…"~58,800 mi, complaint #1870088
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she discovered that the side panel trim for the front passenger’s side window was missing from her vehicle upon exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed that th…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1870430
    • "The drivers side Pilar applique which house the keyless entry came off while driving. It appears it is held on with double sided tape. If it were to fly off it would have posed a problem for other motorists and pedestrians. When looking up for other insidents…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2037452
  5. #5

    engine cooling

    5 stranded, 58 unsafe, 1 broken

    64
    incidents
    Typical range: 67,000–118,000 mi

    Median 83,500 mi, based on 52 reports (58% had no usable mileage)

    • "THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK INTO THE HEATER BOX WHICH CAUSE THE HEATER CORE TO FAIL AND THEN IT BEGAN FILLING THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CABIN WITH COOLANT FUMES FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT COURTESY FORD HERE IN PORTLAND OR. IT WENT BACK THRE…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1476259
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the engine overheating warning message would appear on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the coola…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1839308
    • "THE WATER PUMP LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL AND WILL COST OVER $3,000.00 TO FIX. THE FORD EXROPLER ENGINE DESIGN WITH THE WATER PUMP IN THE ENGINE IS A CASH TRAP FOR CONSUMERS. THE DESIGN IS HORRIBLE."~77,000 mi, complaint #1738126
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and it was diagnosed with a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was taken the dealer…"~89,600 mi, complaint #1976547
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, "The Engine Coolant Low" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no coolant insi…"~140,000 mi, complaint #2069961
  6. #6

    tire failure

    3 stranded, 52 unsafe, 1 broken, 5 annoyance

    61
    incidents
    Typical range: 12,500–23,000 mi

    Median 20,000 mi, based on 60 reports (21% had no usable mileage)

    • "2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES SIZE 255/50 R20. THE DOT CODE ON THE TIRES IS 5MNC 1AH 0716. THE VEHICLE ODOMETER SHOWS 4,186 MILES. ON FEBRUARY 19, 2017 WHILE DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AT LESS THAN 25MPH THE FRON…"~4,186 mi, complaint #1358323
    • "THE TIRES ON MY FORD EXPLORER WE'RE COMPLETELY BALD WITH LESS THAN 14,[REDACTED ADDRESS] SLOW AND AM SAFE MINDED DRIVER. WHEN THE TIRES APPEARED TO BE CUT I TOOK THE EXPLORER BACK TO THE DEALER AND TWO OTHER TIRE DEALERS. ALL SAID THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1539756
    • "I PURCHASED A 2017 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND AFTER 20,000 MILES I WAS TOLD THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AGREE WITH THE SERVICE MAN AND AM LOOKING TO REPLACE THEM. I LOOKED AT THE TIRES, HANKOOK, VENOUS S1NOBLE 2, 255/50R20 105H AND SAW THE DOT DATE WAS 00288…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1565406
    • "I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A OIL CHANGE AND MY DEALER CALLED TO INFORM ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE ALL MY TIRES AS THE TREADS WERE ALL IN THE UNSAFE AREA. THE TIRES ARE: HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBEL 2 SIZE 255/50R20 DOT 5MNC 1A H 1316 THESE TIRES HAVE 23,000 MILES ON THEM AN…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1450259
    • "HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 (EXCLUDED FROM RECALL) ARE WEARING EXTRAORDINARY FAST AND THE RUBBER IS STARTING TO PULL APART, FLAKE AWAY. CHUCKS OF RUBBER ARE COMING OFF OF THE TIRE AND LEAVING HOLES THAT APPEAR TO BE ABOUT 1/4 INCH DEEP . THIS WILL BE OUR SECOND S…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1514569
  7. #7

    transmission automatic

    5 stranded, 32 unsafe

    37
    incidents
    Typical range: 29,000–90,000 mi

    Median 58,000 mi, based on 35 reports (45% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN GEAR IT DOESN'T ENGAGE! IT FEELS LIKE IT IS ALWAYS IN NEUTRAL AND IT HAS A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES TO ME. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND NOW THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE…"~900 mi, complaint #1659247
    • "TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHICH WAS FIRST REPORTED LAST OCTOBER 2019 WITH ONLY 11,000 MILES. SINCE THEN, 6 REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE BY FORD IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX ONGOING TRANSMISSION ISSUE BUT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. VEHICL…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1690574
    • "FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION COMPLAINT I TOOK MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER INTO FORD DEALER AND EXPLAINED ABOUT A SHIFTING PROBLEM BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR THE BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING DURING TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSTICS IN OCTOBER OF 2017 I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE JERK…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1580601
    • "VEHICLE STARTED JERKING, SO TOOK IT TO FORD AFTER SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT AND STILL COULDN'T GET IT SEEN. CLERK SAID IT NEEDED TO STAY OVERNIGHT BUT WILL NOT GIVE ME A LOANER SO LET ME LEAVE WITH THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING FORWARD OR I…"~75,232 mi, complaint #1623869
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a whirling sound while shifting gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic and was diagnosed with a fail…"~129,828 mi, complaint #1961564
  8. #8

    engine internal

    6 stranded, 26 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    34
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 64,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LOUD ENGINE NOISES UNDER ACCELERATION. SOUNDS LIKE RATTLING OR DETONATION. SMELL EXHAUST FUMES DURING AND AFTER HARD ACCELERATION INSIDE VEHICLE."~30,000 mi, complaint #1630963
    • "ON MAY 20TH 2020, I DROVE THE CAR FROM MY HOUSE TO THE GROCERY STORE, AN APPROXIMATE [REDACTED ADDRESS]. I PARKED THE CAR ON THE PARKING LOT, A FEW SECONDS AFTER LEAVING THE CAR WHITE SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AS THE SECONDS PASSED THE WHITE…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1668796
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MEC…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1585925
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehic…"~100,685 mi, complaint #2035938
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft solenoid had failed. The vehicle was then taken…"~141,595 mi, complaint #1979628
  9. #9

    door latch and hinge

    25 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    30
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–82,000 mi

    Median 73,500 mi, based on 26 reports (49% had no usable mileage)

    • "EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE FROM THE FRONT CABIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TERRIBLE ON WINDY DAYS AS IT GETS WORSE. BEST GUESS WOULD BE POOR DOOR SEAL AROUND THE LATCH AREA. DOOR RUBBER WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BUT NO FIX. VERY NOISY IN CABIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND ON BOTH D…"~5,180 mi, complaint #1568718
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR FRAMEWORK WAS FAULTY. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED ABOUT T…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1642683
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door entry keypad molding trim had detached. The contact stated that there was air coming through the unsealed area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnos…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1997066
    • "THE ADHESIVE HOLDING ON THE PANEL COVERING ON THE DRIVER DOOR FAILED. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE PANEL PRIED LOOSE AND FLAPPED AGAINST THE CAR, CRACKING AND SENDING A CHUNK OF THE PLASTIC COVERING BEHIND INTO TRAFFIC. THIS COULD HAVE HI…"~79,900 mi, complaint #1731427
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the keyless entry outside the front driver’s side door popped off without warning. The contact also stated that the rear tailgate latch failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1846884
  10. #10

    suspension arms and bushings

    25 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    26
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 28,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DETAC…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1445848
    • "VEHICLE HAS AN NHTSA RECALL NOTICE#:19V435 AND A FORD ISSUED RECALL#:19S17 WHICH INDICATES AS FOLLOWS: RECALL DESCRIPTION: REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK REPLACEMENT. RISK TO SAFETY: A FRACTURE OF A REAR TOE LINK SIGNIFICANTLY DIMINISHES STEERING CONTROL, INCREA…"~28,526 mi, complaint #1579083
    • "LEFT SIDE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK FRACTURE IN MY CAR OCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN SERVICE ON A HIGHWAY! AFTER THE FAILURE MODE OCURRED, WE LOST THE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND WE FRONT CRASHED AGAINST A TRUCK. FORTUNATELLY A FATALITY DOES NOT OCURRED BUT IT WAS CLO…"~31,250 mi, complaint #1743964
    • "REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK RECALL: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES/HR WITH MY HUSBAND BEHIND THE WHEEL AND MYSELF AND OUR 3 CHILDREN IN THIS FAMILY VEHICLE, THIS REAR SUSPENSION BROKE. WE LIVE IN RURAL SALINE COUNTY AND DRIVE GRAVEL DAILY. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1576440
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear toe link fractured. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle swerved to the left. The contact stated that it was difficult to con…"~92,500 mi, complaint #2037049
  11. #11

    steering electric assist

    25 unsafe

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 45,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MAKING A LEFT TURN IN THE SNOW AND MY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND I HIT THE CURB, THR DEALER IS TELLING ME THERE'S NO WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN AND HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. WON'T WARRANTY ANYTHING AND I'M STUCK WITH A VEHICLE I BELIEVE TO BE UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE AN…"~13,750 mi, complaint #1444596
    • "THE VEHICLE HAS 34,450 MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED OCT 1 2016 BUT IS A 2017 MODEL. THE STEERING FAILED ON OCTOBER 13TH WHILE I WAS IN ESTES PARK COLORADO. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES JUST PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WITH A WARNING THE TRACTION CONTROL HAD STOPPE…"~34,450 mi, complaint #1612592
    • "DRIVING ONE DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND POWER STEERING LOCKED UP BRIEFLY INTERMITTENTLY, WITH THE ERROR MESSAGE. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN AND WAS FINE, LATER ON IN THE DAY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP FOR GOOD AND THE ERROR MESSAGE IS ALWAYS THERE."~44,200 mi, complaint #1575307
    • "WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH MY STEERING WHEEL SEIZED COMPLETELY, A BELL STARTED RINGING, AND AN INDICATOR LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING THAT STEERING FAILED. PLEASE PARK SAFELY. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND MY CAR HAD BEEN WORKING PERFECTLY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED.…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1551563
    • "Power steering locked up during a drive around the block, had to turn off the engine and turn it back on. After the car was running again, no issue. If this issue persists or comes back again, drivers aside from myself will be put in danger on the road as the…"~140,186 mi, complaint #1918265
  12. #12

    airbag system

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 36,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUMES THROUGHOUT THE VENTS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOR WAS SO ABSORBENT THAT IT CAUSED HEADACHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…"~500 mi, complaint #1372450
    • "MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON ICY ROADS ON DECEMBER 5. SHE WAS DRIVING OUR 2017 FORD EXPLORER WHICH WE HAD PURCHASED ON MAY 31, 2017. SHE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A COUNTRY HIGHWAY AND HEADED NORTH. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND SHE HAD JUST GOTT…"~9,400 mi, complaint #1439557
    • "WHEN STARTING I NOTICED THE FRONT AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ON INDICATING A MALFUNCTION FURTHER EXAMINATION INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER SRS NOT INDICATING PROPER ILLUMINATION UPON START UP AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR THE ALWAYS ON FRONT AIRBAG WARNING UNLES…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1637195
    • "CAR PULLED IN MY LANE MY CAR AUTO BREAKED, I ALSO PUT ON BREAK THEN ICON CAME ON ABOUT AIRBAG ISSUE. TOOK TO FORD RUN TEST. THE PIG TAIL THAT GOES TO AIRBAGS, NEED TO SAUTER 21 PINS THAT GOES TO CONNECTION OF PIGTAIL TO AIRBAG."~56,573 mi, complaint #1714526
    • "The contact owned a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 15 MPH traveling southbound, the occupant of a Chevrolet Impala driving at approximately 55 MPH allegedly fell asleep, veered into her lane, and crashed into the driv…"~135,000 mi, complaint #2136112
  13. #13

    torque converter

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 85,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission continued to shift between the fourth and fifth gears. There was an abnormal booming sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local de…"~35,000 mi, complaint #2022717
    • "PURCHASED 2017 FORD EXPLORER NEW WITH ONLY 549 MILES. 16 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, AT APPROX. 39,000 MILES, TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. 16 MONTHS LATER, AT APPROX. 79,000 MILES, TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I BELI…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1628544
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a…"~53,000 mi, complaint #2008592
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the RPM was inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and shaking while driving. The contact st…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1863014
    • "My torque convertor has started to fail, extreme vibration when in drive or reverse at a stop, hesitation when trying to take off from a stop, RPMS will redline and the car won't move and then it will slam in to second gear. I have found a recall/customer sati…"~170,242 mi, complaint #1978709
  14. #14

    engine head gasket

    1 stranded, 16 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, a message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked. T…"~88,000 mi, complaint #2016127
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had blown/failed…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1902033
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the message "No Oil Pressure" was dis…"~141,000 mi, complaint #1913024
  15. #15

    power windows and locks

    13 unsafe, 1 broken, 3 annoyance

    17
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER GOT INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DOOR, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. TH…"~7,500 mi, complaint #1437979
    • "THE PASSENGER WINDOW WAS INTACT WHEN IT WAS ROLLED DOWN. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. MY 8 YEAR OLD SON SHUT THE DOOR AND THE WINDOW WAS ROLLED UP. THE WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED."~13,000 mi, complaint #1384850
    • "I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH ALL THE DOOR LOCKS IN MY VEHICLE. WHEN TRYING TO LOCK THE DOOR USING THE KEY FOB NON OF THE DOORS WILL LOCK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. IN ORDER TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS YOU MUST DO SO MANUALLY BY PUSHING THE LOCK DOW…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1600249
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT POWER WINDOW ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT MIGHT BE INJURED IN THE EVENT THE WINDOW SHOULD ROLL UP INDEPENDENTLY WI…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1647410
    • "My locks on my doors will not lock with keyfob or when I push my lock button in the car. I am scared that if I can't lock them someone will fall out the car. Someone can steal my car because I cannot lock my doors."~108,165 mi, complaint #1987543
  16. #16

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    12 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT FASTEN PROPERLY WHEN A COSMETIC DOOR BECOMES JAMMED IN THE MECHANISM. SEAT BELT WAS RENDERED UNUSABLE AND COULD EFFECT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE REAR SEATS. DESIGN FLAW EXPECTED, NO ABUSE TO COMPONENTS AND BRAND NEW VEHICLE. IT DOES…"~1,300 mi, complaint #1331734
    • "THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BROKE WHEN MY PASSENGER WAS ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE HERSELF. A SPRING POPPED OUT OF THE CENTER SEATBELT MECHANISM AND THE SEATBELT WOULD NO LONGER LATCH. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF AT THE TIME. WE BROUGHT THE CAR T…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1600722
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the driver's side rear seat belt retainer replaced; however, the failure recurred with the passenger's side rear seat belt retainer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer w…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1831188
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt would not latch after multiple attempts. The seat belt chime sensor would active due to the seat belt not latching securely. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1757164
  17. #17

    wiring harness

    2 stranded, 13 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 46,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN DRIVING CAR LOST ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS, POWER STEERING, RADIO, LIGHTS, ETC. I HAD IT TOWED TO SERVICE AND THEY SAID NOTHING CAME UP IN DIAGNOSTICS OR ERROR CODES. I PICKED THE CAR UP AND WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS IT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. BEFORE IT WAS O…"~7,900 mi, complaint #1384685
    • "AFTER THE 2017 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLANK, THE CLIMATE WOULD NOT WORK, THE WIPERS, BLINKERS, WINDOWS, ETC. WOULD NOT OPERATE. I TRIED RESTARTING THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AND IT…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1537331
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION FORD SCOTTSDALE AT [REDACTED PHONE] (LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], S…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1528209
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough and was shuddering while starting and driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was…"~52,877 mi, complaint #1979724
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle however, the engine failed to turn over. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to and independent mechanic where the ve…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1910672
  18. #18

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 11 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 20,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE SURGE ON FIRST ACCELERATION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. SURGE - THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN ACCELERATING LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN STOPS FOR ABOUT TWO OR THREE CYCLES (STOP/START, STOP/START ETC.) IT IS UNEXPECTED AND UNCONTROLLABLE UNTIL IT SUBSIDES W…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1460376
    • "WE WERE DRIVING FORWARD ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER, A WRENCH LOGO APPEARED ON THE DASH DISPLAY, THEN WE COASTED THE CAR TO A STOP AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THEN WE SMELLED SMOKE, SAW FLAMES FLICKERING UP FROM THE HOOD, VACATED THE VEHICLE AN…"~17,300 mi, complaint #1642345
    • "VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DRIVING AND IS MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN MAKING TURNS. AFTER STALLING IT STARTS BUCKING AND I HAVE TO PRESS GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO GET A RESPONSE."~23,350 mi, complaint #1493252
    • "*VEHICLE MAKES POPPING NOISE *JERKS, LOSS OF POWER WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD, HARD TO STEER, PUSH ON GAS AND WILL NOT GO. ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH COME ON. CALLED DEALER WHEN FIRST HAPPENED WAS TOLD TO TURN OFF BACK ON TO RESET. HAVE WORKED WITH DEALER AND MAN…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1735638
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling while in drive(D) and reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicl…"~98,000 mi, complaint #2004105
  19. #19

    steering rack mechanical

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS (25 TO 40 MPH) THE STEERING WILL FEEL LIKE IT IS "BINDING UP" SLIGHTLY WHEN TURNING. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME SO THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. ALSO AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN A STRAIGHT LINE FOR A LONG PERIOD…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1610684
    • "INTERMITTENT STEERING BINDING CONDITION AT SLOW TURNS MAINLY DURING HOT WEATHER. THIS BINDING ISSUE WAS DIFFICULT TO RECREATE AND EVENTUALLY THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO CREATE THIS AFTER A LENGTHY (30 MINUTE) ROAD TEST IN 80+ DEGREE WEATHER. THE BINDING ISSUE WAS A…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1600714
    • "AT AROUND 35,800 MILES, I NOTICED A SLIGHT JERK OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES. I WAS GOING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A QUICK AFTERNOON TRIP OUT OF TOWN. ON THE WAY HOME (36,000 MILES) IT WAS DOING THIS EVEN WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. I HAD MY HUSBA…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1588001
    • "MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME VERY STICKY. I WOULD MAKE A TURN AND THEN WHEN I WOULD GO TO TURN THE WHEEL BACK, IT WOULD STICK. IT ALMOST THREW ME INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER YESTERDAY. I NOTICED IT MORE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND MOST TIMES IT WAS SOMETHING I COULD 'DEAL…"~38,500 mi, complaint #1704440
  20. #20

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKING THROUGH THE AC VENTS"~5,000 mi, complaint #1474316
    • "CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSIONS IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM"~5,100 mi, complaint #1421720
    • "TAKEN BACK TO DEALER FOR ROTTEN EGG SMELL THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME AFTER ALL THEY DID WAS INSPECT PER THE TECH BULLETIN AND REPROGRAMMED AC UNIT,(STILL HAVE SMELL WHILE UNDER MEDIUM ACCELERATION ) ALSO WHISTLING COMING FROM INTAKE SIDE OF MOTOR."~14,000 mi, complaint #1509196
    • "BOUGHT MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER BRAND NEW AND IT HAD BEEN FINE UNTIL 3 MONTHS AGO WHEN WE STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE INSIDE OF THE CABIN. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WE TURN ON THE CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THE AC OR REGULAR AIR TURNED ON BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS. IN TW…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1510153
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air conditioner system blew out hot air when activated. As a result, the children in the vehicle felt overwhelmed by the impact of the heat while driving in hot weather conditions. The contact…"~96,000 mi, complaint #1991268
  21. #21

    alignment and pull

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT VIVA FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], EL PASO, TX 79912, [REDACTED PHONE]). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1604011
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on uneven terrain or roads, the rear of the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independ…"~37,000 mi, complaint #2064992
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH in a rainstorm, the rear of the vehicle started to violently fishtail from side to side. The contact stopped and inspected the vehicle but found no failure. The vehicl…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1901943
    • "SLOWING DOWN HARD SHIFT @ 40 AND @20. STEERING FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO PULL WHEN DRIVING ON A CURVE OR WHEN TURNING."~94,531 mi, complaint #1679970
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact then noticed that the tire wear was uneven. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to re…"~96,000 mi, complaint #2043136
  22. #22

    wiper and washer

    9 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TOOK MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER IN TO AUTO DEALER FOR SERVICE (UNDER 11,000 MILES) AND HAD OIL CHANGE AND WINDSHIELD WIPER CHANGED FOR A TRIP I WAS TAKING. I TURNED THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ON DUE TO THE RAIN AND THE BLADE FLEW OFF , PERMANELTY SCRATCHING MY REAR…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1546934
  23. #23

    engine turbo supercharger

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 90,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "2017 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. 3.5 ECOBOOST. WHEN ACCELERATING 3/4 OR MORE ON THE PEDAL. DOES NOT SMELL SO MUCH AS EXHAUST AS IT DOES SULFUR AND BAD EGG SMELL. ONLY WAY TO GET THE SMELL OUT OF VEHICLE IS TO TURN AIR OFF AND ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. SEEMS WORSE WHEN AIR C…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1409572
    • "FRONT BANK TURBOCHARGER WEEPING OIL NEAR VERY HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS. I NOTICED A RECALL FOR SIMILAR SITUATION FOR OTHER TURBOCHARGED FORD VEHICLES MFGD NEAR 2017."~40,000 mi, complaint #1660264
    • "MAY 29TH 2019 I WENT INTO HEALEY FORD IN GOSHEN NY AFTER NEARLY 4 WEEKS OF HAVING HUGE PLUMES OF WHITE SMOKE POURING OUT OF MY EXHAUST PIPES EVERY TIME I PUSHED ON THE GAS OR STOPPED. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY OR A CITY STREET THE ISSUE STILL OC…"~44,532 mi, complaint #1571528
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a bluish-gray cloud of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle o…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1866702
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that the engine failed to turn over after several attempts while starting the vehicle. There was an abnormal rotten and…"~155,000 mi, complaint #1918186
  24. #24

    paint and clearcoat

    3 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE LEANING EDGES OF CAR HOOD HAS PAINT BUBBLES. THE LOCAL FORD REPRESENTATIVE STATED THIS WAS A CLASSIC FAULT OF FORD IN LATER MODELS WITH ALUMINUM HOODS. HE STATED THAT MOISTURE WILL PENETRATE THE PAINT AND CAUSE BUBBLES. HE STATED THAT FORD MOTOR WILL NO…"~35,389 mi, complaint #1555402
    • "PAINT IN FRONT OF ROOF STARTED BUBBLING DO TO CORROSION FORMING UNDER THE PAINT. FORD WONT COVER IT BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO HAVE A HOLE FOR THEM TO COVER IT."~43,000 mi, complaint #1719093
    • "THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD IS PITTING UNDER THE PAINT WHICH IS AN IN GOING FORD ISSUE FOR DECADES NOW. UPON SPEAKING WITH FORD, THEY TELL ME THEY CAN'T HELP ME BECAUSE I DON'T GET MY VEHICLE SERVICE WITH FORD. SO THEY ARE REFUSING TO MAKE GOOD ON A PREEXISTING…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1666700
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked she observed paint bubbles, paint chippings, and corrosion on the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the aluminum paint needed to be replaced.…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1898279
    • "FIRST COMPLAINT IS THE PAINT IS PEELING AND BUBBLES FROM THE FRONT OF HOOD. THIS WAS FIXED BY FORD 1 YEAR AGO AND TOLD WAS NOT SURE WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. NOW AGAIN ALL ALONG HOOD AT FRONT SAME PROBLEMS. *TR SECOND COMPLAINT. THE REAR TIRES ARE WEARING AT TH…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1672014
  25. #25

    battery and charging

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE HEATED SEATS, THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL AND THE APPLE PORT WAS INOPERABLE. THE MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYED EMERGENCY CHARGING NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE…"~13,001 mi, complaint #1648359
    • "DRIVING DOWN A DIRT TRAIL FROM A MOUNTAIN OUTLOOK THE CARS ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. WE HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES, OR ANYTHING BUT STEARING. NOT TO MENTION WE WERE PICKING UP MAJOR SPEED DOWN A MOUNTAIN, AND BOUNCING EVERYWHERE. WE HAD TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH, HITT…"~14,640 mi, complaint #1417509
    • "WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND, ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED IN TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH INDICATED BAD CELL IN MANUFACTURERS BATTERY CAUSING IT TO BLOW AND SPRAY BATTERY ACID ALL OVER ENGINE C…"~40,210 mi, complaint #1581552
    • "I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER BRAND NEW. AT 28,000 MILES THE BATTERY WAS LEAKING AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE OTHER DAY I DID AN OIL CHANGE AND NOTICED THE BATTERY WAS LEAKING AGAIN AND CAUSING CORROSION. THE ACID IS CLEARLY VISIBLE ON THE BATTERY. MY VEHICLE I…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1626037
    • "I PURCHASED MY FORD EXPLORER 2017, IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016, I HAVE RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALER MORE THAN 10 TIMES LESS THAN A 2 YEAR PERIOD. MY FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE TRUCK WOULD NOT GET ENOUGH SPEED, UNLESS I HIT THE GAS 2 OIR 3 TIMES, THE DEALER CAME IT WASN'T…"~57,653 mi, complaint #1501500
  26. #26

    control module

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "AFTER A STOP, THE CAR WAS AT STATIONARY, WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON, GAVE ME ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE". TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING, WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR, IT HAS 606 MI ON…"~604 mi, complaint #1326582
    • "ON JANUARY 11, 2020, I TURNED ON THE IGNITION OF MY 2017 EXPLORER SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IMMEDIATELY HAD 4 WARNING LIGHTS AND MULTIPLE ERROR MESSAGES APPEAR. IT WAS THE ABS, STABILITY CONTROL ON AND OFF LIGHTS AND A WRENCH. THEN THERE WERE MULTIPLE MESSAG…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1637437
  27. #27

    fuel tank and lines

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THIS IS A BRAND NEW EXPLORER 2017 WITH LESS THAN 700 MILES. I HAD TWO PROBLEMS; THE FIRST ONE IS SERIOUS. 1)THIS HAPPENED WITH ME TWICE; WHERE THERE WAS A FUEL LEAKING FROM THE CAR TO THE GROUND WHEN I FILLED THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NOT…"~700 mi, complaint #1333210
    • "DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR AND FUMES. NO CARS OR TRUCKS WERE IN FRONT OF ME AND I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHERE THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM. LATER IN THE [REDACTED ADDRESS], GOT VERY SLEEPY AND DIZZY. STOPPED AT REST AREA FOR FRESH AIR. THIS HAS…"~6,200 mi, complaint #1417554
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HAVE A SEVERE HEADACHE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMI…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1503175
    • "CAR OFF. WHEN FILLING TANK, WHEN IT'S FULL AND THE PUMP CLICKS OFF THAT YOUR TANK IS FULL AND YOU PULL THE GAS PUMP OUT THE CAR IT SPILLS OUT FUEL THERE'S NO SAFETY OR STOP EVERY TIME I FILL MY GAS TANK GAS COMES OUT DOWN THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND SINCE I HAVE H…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1721009
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING, THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO FEEL ILL WITH SYMPTOMS THAT INCLUDED BECOMING DISORIENTED, DROWSINESS, NAUSEA, AND…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1515527
  28. #28

    seat mechanism

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS STRUCTURALLY UNSTABLE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN GOING IN THE LEFT DIRECTION OR WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A SHARP TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEBBER FAMILY MOTORS ([RE…"~16,432 mi, complaint #1482490
    • "THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT FEELS LOOSE. WHEN DRIVING AND TAKING A SHARP CURVE OR GOING OVER BUMPS THE SEAT SHIFTS."~19,000 mi, complaint #1710177
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contacted stated while reaching down between the driver's front side of the seat to retrieve an item, the sharp edge of the seat frame cut her hand. The contact also stated that several passengers had cut their hands…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1959570
    • "DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT NOT WORKING , TRUCK ONLY HAS 34624 MILES .DIAG CODE B1034:40 , DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR OUT OF WARRANTY"~34,621 mi, complaint #1653699
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while seated in the parked vehicle, the rear passenger’s side head restraint became unhinged. The contact stated that the exterior front driver’s side pin paddle had failed. The vehicle was not tak…"~99,208 mi, complaint #2106114
  29. #29

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 25,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN I DRIVE THE TRUCK LOST POWER AND THE GAS PEDAL DON'T WORK FOR 25 SEC. GO OFF AND ON AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AND IN CITY STREETS. THIS HAPPENED IN THREE (3) DIFFERENT TIMES. THE DEALER DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. CAR IS BEEN ON THE DEALER…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1355517
    • "THE CAR LURCHES FOR THE FIRST 40-50 FEET AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE APPLYING MINIMAL PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAPPENS THE INITIAL TIME PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AFTER EACH ENGINE START, REGARDLESS OF PUTTING IT IN REVERSE FIRST OR NOT. IT USED TO ONLY HAPPEN AFTER EV…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1560079
    • "VEHICLE LOSES ACCELERATION, STALLS AND SHAKES WHEN AT A STOP. JERKS WHEN BACKING UP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO FORD TWO TIMES. FIRST TIME REPLACED THROTTLE, AND SECOND TIME UNABLE TO DUPLICATE ERROR. CURRENTLY WILL BE PICKING UP VEHICHLE FROM SHEEHY FORD ASHLAND IN…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1616599
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. CONTACT STATED CAR WOUL…"~29,177 mi, complaint #1606468
  30. #30

    brake hydraulics

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A WALL DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN HER. THE…"~3,694 mi, complaint #1390067
    • "WHEN APPLYING JUST THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE SAME MOMENT THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON A CLANKING OR CLICKING NOISE HAPPENS. THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE IS ALSO RANDOM AND…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1437688
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE BATTERY SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AND WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANGELA KRAUSE FORD ([REDACTED A…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1621172
  31. #31

    infotainment head unit

    5 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "PROBLEMS WITH FORD SYNC 3 SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING: 1) NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHOWS INCORRECT LOCATION, AND DOES NOT PROVIDE GUIDANCE. CAR MUST BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 2) MOBI…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1371944
    • "FORD EXPLORER XLT "IN-DASH CONTROL SCREEN BLANKS OUT-LEAVES NO ELECTRONIC CONTROL DRIVE, ODOMETER, SPEED, CLIMATE CONTROL, BACKUP CAMERA, STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, TURN SIGNALS ETC""~36,486 mi, complaint #1625774
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLUETOOTH DISCONNECTED AND THE GPS AND TEMPERATURE SENSORS WERE UNRESPONSIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1570943
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, he became aware that the center screen failed to display a rearview, potentially compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illumin…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1976904
  32. #32

    backup camera

    2 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "REAR CAMERA GLITCHES OUT AND IMAGE IS DISTORTED ON MANY CASES WHEN BACKING UP.. SIMILAR TO CONCERNS ON RECENT RECALL ON NEWER MODELS. ADDITIONALLY, BACK ELECTRIC 12V PORT DOES NOT DISENGAGE AND HAS LIVE CONNECTION EVEN WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION. FINALLY, VENTS N…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1712478
  33. #33

    engine mounts

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION STALLING AND LATER THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED VEG ONLY HAD 62,000 MILES ON IT. THE POWER TRAIN HAPPENED SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR MOUNTS"~62,000 mi, complaint #1614332
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the engine shield fractured and detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the engine shield and the failure wa…"~74,300 mi, complaint #1762422
  34. #34

    suspension struts shocks

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents
    Typical range: 57,000–132,000 mi

    Median 89,000 mi, based on 25 reports (24% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ROTATED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ADDITIONALLY,…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1700009
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud snap from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle which resulted in the contact losing control of the vehicle and the vehicle started to fishtail. The contac…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1762963
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and ended up nearby a ditch. The contac…"~113,000 mi, complaint #2019908
  35. #35

    engine oil consumption

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MY EXPLORER SPORT WITH TURBO HAS A RECURRING OIL LEAK THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR A FEW TIMES. I CAN SMELL OIL BURNING WITHIN MINUTES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THERE ARE OIL STAINS ON OUR GARAGE FLOOR. MY CONCERN IS THAT OIL MAY BE LEAKING ONT…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1483572
    • "OIL LEAK AROUND TURBO AT EXHAUST. COULD BE RELATED TO THE NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL # 16V925000 AS THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME 3.5L GTDI ENGINE AND SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED DURING THE TIME FRAME OF THE 2017 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES EFFE…"~40,094 mi, complaint #1534766
    • "THIS ISSUE ALREADY HAS AN NHTSA ID NUMBER 10156860 LEAKING PDU. THE PARTICULAR FAILURE OF THIS UNIT LEAKS OIL ONTO HOT EXHAUST AND ACCORDING TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER IS A FIRE RISK PUTTING OCCUPANTS AND PROPERTY IN POTENTIAL HARMS WAY. IT APPEARS TO BE A V…"~63,604 mi, complaint #1724925
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, a warning chime sounded, and the "Low Oil Pressure" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The message disappeared after depressing the accelerator pedal. T…"~67,000 mi, complaint #2085720
  36. #36

    heater core and blower

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "WE CURRENTLY HAVE 4-2017 EXPLORERS THAT WERE PLACED IN SERVICE BETWEEN JANUARY 11 AND JANUARY 19, 2017. MILEAGES RANGE FROM 700 TO 3000 ON THE 4. AFTER OUR DRIVER REPORTING DIZZINESS, HEADACHES AND NAUSEA, THE FIRST VEHICLE WAS TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE ON FEBRUAR…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1386088
    • "EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN SEEMS COMING FROM HEATING DUCTS TOOK IT TO DEALER DID THERE SO CALLED FIX BUT STILL SMELL EXHAUST MAKES ME FEEL DIZZY WHEN DRIVING IT SEAMS THE SMELL COMES AND GO THE SMELL IS BAD AND ALSO MAKES EYES WATER"~3,700 mi, complaint #1444812
    • "FAILURE OF THE HEATER CORE RESULTING IN THE RELEASE OF A FINE MIST OF ANTIFREEZE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND FOGGING UP THE INSIDE DRIVERS WINDOW WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INTERSTATE. VISIBILITY REDUCED TO ZERO THROUGH THIS WINDOW. FAILURE OCCURRED AT 37.8K…"~37,800 mi, complaint #1622201
    • "THE LINES TO THE REAR CABIN HEATING AND COOLING STARTED LEAKING R134, SO THE WHOLE CAR IS LOSING AIR CONDITIONING SINCE IT ALL TIES TOGETHER. THE CAR IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD, AND IS HAVING PROBLEMS LIKE THIS, WHICH SHOULD BE QUITE EMBARRASSING TO AN EXPERIE…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1538145
    • " The contact's wife owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the defroster was engaged but failed to respond and the windshield became foggy. The contact's wife pulled to the side of the road and wiped the windshiel…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1794186
  37. #37

    sunroof

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TRAVELING DOWN INTERSTATE AND SUNROOF EXPLODED, SOUNDED LIKE A SHOT GUN BLAST. GLASS SHATTERED, PANEL WAS PULLED UPWARD AND NO DAMAGE TO THE CURTAIN."~5,000 mi, complaint #1374512
    • "EVERY TIME IT'S PARKED FACING DOWN HILL AND IT RAINS THE SUNROOF/MOONROOF LEAKS. THE WATER COMES OUT OF THE UPPER CONSOLE ONCE YOU START DRIVING."~7,500 mi, complaint #1387403
    • "DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, TEMPERATURE AROUND 54 DEGREES, LIGHT RAIN, NO TRAFFIC, HEARD A LOUD "POP" NOISE. BROKEN GLASS FROM THE SUNROOF SLID OFF THE ROOF ON TO THE ROAD. FOUND A LARGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE SUNROOF WINDOW. INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOUND NO POINT O…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1566087
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXPLOSION SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BILL COLLINS FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LOUI…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1594062
  38. #38

    unintended acceleration

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE PARKED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN, THE MOST NOTABLE BEING WHEN IT WILL APPLY FULL ACCELERATION WHILE IN A CORNER. THIS HAS BE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1664678
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced unintended surging and engine revving. During the failure the driver had difficulty stopping the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the fa…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1894444
    • "WHEN GEAR IS ENGAGED IN 'D' WITH ENGINE ON, VEHICLE MOVES WITHOUT FOOT ON THROTTLE. WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED TO STOP IT, THERE COMES A LOUD VIBRATION FROM THE ENGINE WHICH BECOMES NERVOUS AND TRIES TO DRAG VEHICLE FORWARD UNLESS GEAR IS PUT IN 'N' OR 'P'. IT HAPP…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1542704
  39. #39

    brake pads and rotors

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE THEN IT FEELS LIKE I HIT SOMETHING. THEN THERE'S A CLUNK .. (REAR TOW BEARING/U-JOINT) #2 HAVE TO ALWAYS HAVE DEFROST ON OR WINDOWS FOG UP.. THEN THERE'S A SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. BREAKS GRIND WH…"~29,350 mi, complaint #1692009
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the brakes would squeak upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact took her vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the rear brake calipers needed repla…"~33,038 mi, complaint #1804767
  40. #40

    lighting exterior

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON 09/15/16 WE PURCHASED A 2017 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED FROM SUPREME FORD OF SLIDELL, LA. TWO WEEKS AFTER HAVING THE SUV, WE NOTICED THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING AT TIMES. ON 11/16/2016, WE DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THE LIGHT.…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1336709
  41. #41

    trunk or liftgate

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON 10/31/17 WHILE OUT WITH MY CHILDREN TRICK-OR-TREATING, THE LIFTGATE ON MY LEASED 2017 FORD EXPLORER BECAME "STUCK" IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND WOULD NOT CLOSE ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. MY FAMILY AND I HAD PULLED OVER AND PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA TO GE…"~4,128 mi, complaint #1423461
  42. #42

    corrosion and rust

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A ROUTINE INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, CORROSION WAS FOUND ALL AROUND THE VEHICLE. BROADWAY AUTO ([REDACTED ADDRESS], GREEN BAY, WI 54304, [REDACTED PHONE])SCHEDULED A DIAGNO…"~3,092 mi, complaint #1552957
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that all four doors were corroded. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic diagnosed that the door pillars were rusted and were not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaire…"~55,895 mi, complaint #1768425
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front side of the roof connected to the upper center of the windshield was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist unless t…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1806010
  43. #43

    emissions aftertreatment

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, CARBON MONOXIDE EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER BECAME DROWSY WHILE DRIVING. THE CARBON MONOXIDE REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE WINDOWS WERE ROLLED DOWN. THE…"~20,350 mi, complaint #1415948
  44. #44

    fluid leak unspecified

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER AND A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK. I HAVE OVERALL FEELING BAD SINCE WE GOT OUR NEW 2017 FORD EXPLORER, WHICH IS VERY OUT OF CHARACTER FOR ME. I AM A PRIOR SPECIAL OPERATION VETERAN, OVERALL IN GOOD HEALTH, AND ONLY 30Y/O.…"~890 mi, complaint #1397405
    • "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 contact stated there was water leaking into the vehicle on the front…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1992774
  45. #45

    noise or vibration unspecified

    4 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "We have approximately 37000 miles on our 2017 Explorer. While driving on the interstate yesterday, it began making a near continuous wind vibration sound around the windshield. We stopped several times on our trip trying to determine where the sound was coming…"complaint #1749976
    • "The cowl needs to be repaired. It makes an annoying buzzing sound inside of the car on the dashboard. It distracts the drive and the driver, I can't go over 40mph. I did my research and put masking type over it and it stopped the noise. I've only had the vehic…"complaint #1870030
    • "Once I reach 65 mph it sounds like bees are in my truck. It's a very annoying sound and it feels the windshield will come off. "complaint #1955142
    • "When driving my car, you can hear wind noise like the windows are down and it's loud enough to where I can't hear my kids most of the time when they need something from the backseats. These two recalls have been in place since May 2025 and there is still no re…"complaint #2180039
  46. #46

    throttle and pedal

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND SOUNDING DIFFERENT. THE VIBRATIONS KEPT GETTING WORSE. THEN I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND MY SPEED WAS GOING DOWN. I COULDN'T GET MY SUV TO GET ANY SPEED AT ALL IT GOT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO ZERO MPH AN…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1491912
    • "I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TWICE OVER THE LAST YEAR. WHEN I HAVE ACCELERATED QUICKLY WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY , THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL REMAIN DEPRESSED DOWN. THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. I THEN APPLY THE BRAKES PEDA…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1588808
    • "AUGUST 2020: WHEN PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, APPLIED GAS PEDAL FULLY TO THE FLOOR, IT STUCK. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. HAD TO GET TO SHOULDER, SHOVE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF. FORD DEALER REVIEWE…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1739312
  47. #47

    timing belt or chain

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for an annual smog check, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed.…"~73,838 mi, complaint #2148710
  48. #48

    wheel or rim

    2 stranded, 1 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STREET 25-35 MPH JULY 30, 2020, ON A SUNNY DAY,MY CAR RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE CAME OFF. ON A CITY STREET. CAUSING MY CAR TO HIT THE CURB. THERE WAS NO BODY DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR TIRE."~55,000 mi, complaint #1745967
    • "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. T…"~176,825 mi, complaint #2106258
  49. #49

    cruise control conventional

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THREE DIFFERENT TIMES IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHILE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED OR WHILE BEGINNING TO START CRUISE CONTROL AT AN ACCESSIVE RATE OF SPEED."~17,125 mi, complaint #1489983
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, IT SUDDENLY DISENGAGED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE ON ITS OWN AND SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. SAYVILLE FORD ([R…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1609927
  50. #50

    driveshaft axle cv

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owned a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1805946
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rea…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1926657
  51. #51

    evap system

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS HIGH SPEEDS OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THERE WAS A ROTTEN EGG ODOR ENTERING THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR WAS PRESENT WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS IN USE. THE CONTACT STATED T…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1458879
  52. #52

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT AT THE MALL WITH MY BABY GIRL. I STARTED THE CAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE WHEN I REALIZED MY ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS OFF. I COULDN'T SEE MY SPEED LIMIT, BLINKERS, FUEL GAUGE, ETC... NOTHING WAS ON. I PANICK…"~8,900 mi, complaint #1493363
  53. #53

    key fob and immobilizer

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR FRACTURED AND FELL OFF INTO TRAFFIC. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE 'LIFTGATE AJAR' MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A NEA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1513605
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from outside the driver's side door. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road and observed that the keypad had detached and was…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1986519
  54. #54

    power steering hydraulic

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "SUDDEN POWER STEERING FAILURE RESULTING IN AN UNSAFE AND UNUSABLE CONDITION IN WHICH THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN. DASH ALERTS BEGAN TO GO OFF, AND THE STEERING WAS STILL USABLE. NEXT TIME THE CAR WAS STARTED THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER OPERATING AND SEVE…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1485723
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 5 MPH making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to…"~36,000 mi, complaint #2040487
    • "POWER STEERING JUST STOPS WORKING AND ALMOST CAN NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND TRACKING CONTROLS STOP WORKING. THIS IS POLICE VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET JUST BEFORE A TURN. *TR"~57,000 mi, complaint #1661717
  55. #55

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock brakes. On Sunday, while driving slowly through a slippery parking lot, due to ice, my brakes locked in the downward position. I was not able to get the brakes to function. This resulted in a low impact auto accident…"complaint #1787821
    • "On freeway, pushed brakes but vehicle did not stop or slow down resulting in multi car rear end collision. Auto braking and ABS features did not engage. Vehicle was towed and our insurance agent claim adjuster recommended we reach out to you. No warning lamps,…"complaint #1833751
  56. #56

    adas collision warning

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40-50MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAFFIC STOPPED ABRUPTLY, COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM WITH BRAKE SUPPORT DID NOT ACTIVATE, DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A HARD STOP, BRAKES ENGAGED AT INITIAL PUSH OF THE PEDAL THEN BECAME UNRESPONSIVE REG…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1481283
  57. #57

    climate control module

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED ON MY FORD AND NOW WHEN THE MAX AC IS ON AND YOUR GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR NEED TO ACCELERATE THE MAX AC TURNS OFF AND COMES OUT OF THE DEFROST VENTS AND BLOWS HOT AIR THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND IT DOES OCCUR IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE THA…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1475456
  58. #58

    fuel pump

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed a full tank; however, the Distance To Empty indicator was incorrect. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the f…"~40,800 mi, complaint #1977548
  59. #59

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "First my Roof rack trim flew away on the freeway, Now my mirror cover flew away on the freeway as well hitting a car begin me ...."complaint #2189257
  60. #60

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My parking pawl failed. Other 2017 explorers have the recall but mine doesn’t? Dealership says mines not effected but it broke? Hardly seams fair. I was able to jump back in and stop it before it rolled out of the driveway and almost hit my neighbors. "complaint #2085605
  61. #61

    parking sensors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I backed into a parking spot, put the car in park and turned the vehicle off. As I was getting ready to get out of the car, it rolled backwards into another car parked to my passenger side rear. My vehicle did not give any warning, no sensor alert, or anythi…"complaint #1819475
  62. #62

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A CUSTOMER COURTESY SERVICE LETTER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE EVALUATED AND REPAIRED FOR FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN AND A SOFTWARE PATCH IMPLEMENTED. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON MAY 15, 2018, BUT THEY DID…"~22,158 mi, complaint #1578432
  63. #63

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS STUCK AT A STANDSTILL IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY ON FATHER'S DAY WHEN THE DASH LIT UP WITH MULTIPLE WARNINGS SUCH AS "STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY," "SERVICE ADVANCETRAC," "STABILITY CONTROL OFF," AND "HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE."…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1577077
  64. #64

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving my 2017 Ford Explorer, There was a smell of burnt oil/tire entering my vehicle through the vents. I took it in to the Ford Dealership and I was advised that I needed a brand new transfer case, and the front engine mounts needed to be replaced due…"complaint #1965564
  65. #65

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN BACKING UP AND THE WHEEL IS TURNED THERE'S A HESITATION THEN WHAT FEELS LIKE I HIT SOMETHING. (A CLUNK W/O THE NOISE ) THEN WHEN BREAK PEDDLE IS PRESSED THE CAR SHIMMIES BAD . I ALSO SMELL ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM THE HEATER VENTS .BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1700236

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 16V925000, 17E048000, 17V332000, 17V530000, 19V435000, 19V651000, 20V675000, 21V316000, 21V537000, 24V031000, 25V347000, 25V685000, 26V101000, 26V448000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.