How many engine complaints does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 317 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer, which is 19% of the 1,691 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 16V925000 covers 2017 Ford Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles with 3.5L GTDI engines for improper turbocharger oil supply tubes; Ford dealers inspect and replace the tubes as needed.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2017 Ford Explorer is 40,094 miles.

Do the engine problems involve fires or crashes?

NHTSA data tied to the engine complaint area for the 2017 Ford Explorer includes 3 fires, 8 crashes, and 15 injuries.

Are engine complaints worse in 2017 than other Explorer years?

The 19% share for 2017 is lower than 2016's 22% and 2010's 27%, but higher than 2019's 9%, based on NHTSA complaint data across model years.

2017 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 317 complaints, 19% of all 1,691 complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Explorer. A related recall (16V925000) covers turbocharger oil supply tubes on the 3.5L GTDI engine. Median mileage at failure was 40,094 miles, with 8 crashes and 3 fires reported.

Engine complaints: 317; 19% of 1,691
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 15
Median mileage: 40,094 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Exhaust fumes entering the cabin, especially under load, hill climbing, or hard acceleration, causing headaches, dizziness, and nausea in occupants.
Overheating while driving at highway speed, sometimes tied to water pump failure built inside the engine.
Under-hood smoke and fire, in some cases occurring while the vehicle was parked and off.
Sudden loss of power or inability to accelerate beyond a low speed, in one case after multiple turbo replacements.
Hard or intermittent starting with dashboard warnings, clicking, and delayed engine response at stop lights.
Black smoke from the exhaust with no diagnostic codes detected by the mechanic.

When 2017 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 17, 2016, latest Sep 11, 2026.

317 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q3 (22).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 16V925000Dec 22, 2016Engine1,163 vehicles
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.
Risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201031 (27%)
2011113 (9%)
2012103 (12%)
2013316 (14%)
2014272 (16%)
2015299 (17%)
2016530 (22%)
2017317 (19%)
2018129 (18%)
201926 (9%)
2020162 (13%)
202169 (16%)
202238 (14%)
202313 (12%)
20241 (5%)
202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 317 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer, which is 19% of the 1,691 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 16V925000 covers 2017 Ford Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles with 3.5L GTDI engines for improper turbocharger oil supply tubes; Ford dealers inspect and replace the tubes as needed.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2017 Ford Explorer is 40,094 miles.
Do the engine problems involve fires or crashes?: NHTSA data tied to the engine complaint area for the 2017 Ford Explorer includes 3 fires, 8 crashes, and 15 injuries.
Are engine complaints worse in 2017 than other Explorer years?: The 19% share for 2017 is lower than 2016's 22% and 2010's 27%, but higher than 2019's 9%, based on NHTSA complaint data across model years.