YearToAvoid

2017 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 49 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer, 3% of its 1,691 total complaints. No related recalls are listed, and 6 injuries were reported, with a median mileage at failure of 22,175.

Fuel System complaints
49
3% of 1,691
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
22,175 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Owners report fuel leaking onto the ground when filling the tank on a nearly new vehicle.
  • Drivers describe exhaust or rotten-egg odor filling the cabin during acceleration or highway driving, sometimes causing dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
  • Some owners say the vehicle lost acceleration power on the highway, dropping speed until it nearly stalled.
  • One owner reported a coolant leak into the heater box that pushed fumes into the cabin for an extended period.
  • Multiple reports mention suspected carbon monoxide entering the cabin, prompting dealer inspections and repeated repair attempts.

When 2017 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 12, 2016, latest Jun 17, 2026.

2017 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2016Feb 2018Oct 2018Apr 2020Dec 2021Jul 2023Apr 2025Apr 2026
49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2016 to Jun 2026; peak Aug 2018 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by Explorer model year

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

  1. 200566 (13%)
  2. 200627 (4%)
  3. 20074 (2%)
  4. 20082 (1%)
  5. 20092 (6%)
  6. 20109 (8%)
  7. 201140 (3%)
  8. 201234 (4%)
  9. 2013153 (7%)
  10. 201471 (4%)
  11. 201594 (5%)
  12. 2016112 (5%)
  13. 201749 (3%)
  14. 201823 (3%)
  15. 201917 (6%)
  16. 202042 (3%)
  17. 202126 (6%)
  18. 202236 (13%)
  19. 20233 (3%)
  20. 20240 (0%)
  21. 20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 49 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Explorer, which is 3% of the 1,691 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer fuel system?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this fuel system complaint category on the 2017 Explorer.
What mileage do fuel system problems show up at on the 2017 Explorer?
The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 22,175 miles.
Were there any injuries linked to fuel system complaints on the 2017 Explorer?
NHTSA records 6 injuries associated with Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Explorer, with no reported crashes or fires.
How does the 2017 Explorer compare to other years for fuel system complaints?
The 2017 Explorer's 3% share is lower than years like 2013 (7%) and 2016 (5%), but similar to 2018 and 2020, both at 3%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.