2017 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
73/100
#5 most-complained of 16 Explorer years
The 2017 Ford Explorer has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 5th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 1,691 complaints, 13 recalls, and 34 crashes, with Structure & Body issues accounting for 40% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 1,691
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes / fires
- 34 / 11
- Injuries / deaths
- 51 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 24 hwy
Top 2017 Ford Explorer problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash reports, including impacts at low and moderate speeds.
- Owners describe brake failure leading to front-end collisions, in one case resulting in the vehicle being declared destroyed.
- Some drivers reported power steering locking up suddenly, including during turns in snowy conditions.
- Structure and body complaints include melted pillars and a burning odor coming from vents linked to an electrical fire.
- One owner reported exhaust fumes entering the cabin along with recurring carbon monoxide sensor alerts.
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 gives the 2017 Explorer a Complaint Index of 73, ranking it 5th worst among 16 model years, which earns a Caution verdict relative to other Explorer years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Explorer?
- Structure & Body complaints make up 40% of the 1,691 total complaints, followed by Engine issues at 19% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 8%.
- Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2017 Explorer, covering areas including Structure & Body and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, such as roof rail covers detaching and rear suspension toe links fracturing.
- How does the 2017 Explorer compare to other years?
- The 2017 Explorer's Complaint Index of 73 is lower than 2016 (100) and 2013 (93), both rated Avoid, but higher than 2019 (7) and 2023 (13), both rated Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Ford Explorer?
- The EPA rates the 2017 Explorer at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.