2017 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2017 Ford Explorer has a complaint index of 80, ranking 5th worst of 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 1,691 complaints, 13 recall campaigns, and Structure & Body issues make up 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #5 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,691
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 34
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 51
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 51 / 0
Top 2017 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body675 (40%)
- Other373 (22%)
- Engine317 (19%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires127 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain123 (7%)
- Electrical System99 (6%)
- Steering76 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers73 (4%)
- Fuel System49 (3%)
- Airbags34 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy during moderate-speed collisions, leaving occupants unrestrained on impact.
- Roof rail covers and A/B-pillar trim loosen or detach, sometimes melting or coming off while driving.
- Owners report brake failure leading to front-end collisions at low mileage.
- Power steering has locked up suddenly during turns, especially in slick conditions.
- Exhaust odor has entered the cabin, with owners reporting headaches after extended driving.
- Electrical burning smells have come through the vents without warning lights illuminating.
2017 Ford Explorer recalls
13 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V448000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body288,314 vehicles
Structure:body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V101000Feb 20, 2026Suspension, Wheels & Tires412,774 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025Other59,006 vehicles
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 to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
2017 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Ford Explorer reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 80 for the 2017 Explorer, the 5th worst among 21 model years tracked, which places it in the Avoid category relative to other Explorer years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
- Structure & Body complaints lead at 40% of all complaints (675 total), followed by Engine at 19% (317 complaints) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 8% (127 complaints). Median mileage at failure for Structure & Body issues is 76,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2017 Explorer, including rear suspension toe link fractures, roof rail cover detachment, and B-pillar door trim detachment. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 Explorer compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's complaint index of 80 is lower than 2016's 100 and 2013's 85, but still ranks in the Avoid group along with 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2020.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Ford Explorer?
- EPA rates the 2017 Explorer at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.