How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 123 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year, making up 7% of all 1,691 complaints filed for the 2017 Explorer.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2017 Explorer.

At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Explorer is 55,425 miles.

Did the 2017 Explorer's transmission issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area lists 4 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

How does 2017 compare to other Explorer years for this issue?

The 2017 Explorer's 7% share of complaints in this area is lower than 2016 (9%), 2020 (40%), and 2021 (28%), based on NHTSA's model-year breakdown.

2017 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 123 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer, 7% of its 1,691 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 55,425. No related recall is on file for this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 123; 7% of 1,691
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 55,425 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the transmission slamming or lurching abruptly into gear after a pause, sometimes producing a loud thump and a delay before the vehicle moves.
Some report the vehicle rolling or moving unintentionally while in park, with no warning chime or sensor alert.
Several describe a whining noise from the transmission along with a feeling of disengaging and then abruptly re-engaging during turns or takeoff.
Owners report the vehicle surging or lurching forward for the first 20 to 50 feet after starting, even with light gas pedal pressure.
A few describe transmission slipping while accelerating, sometimes paired with intermittent starting problems or a powertrain warning light.

When 2017 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 1, 2017, latest Jul 27, 2026.

123 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (11).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Explorer model year

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

201028 (25%)
201164 (5%)
201255 (7%)
2013119 (5%)
201479 (5%)
201586 (5%)
2016214 (9%)
2017123 (7%)
201850 (7%)
201935 (12%)
2020487 (40%)
2021121 (28%)
202261 (23%)
202312 (11%)
20241 (5%)
202515 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA lists 123 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year, making up 7% of all 1,691 complaints filed for the 2017 Explorer.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2017 Explorer.
At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Explorer is 55,425 miles.
Did the 2017 Explorer's transmission issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area lists 4 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
How does 2017 compare to other Explorer years for this issue?: The 2017 Explorer's 7% share of complaints in this area is lower than 2016 (9%), 2020 (40%), and 2021 (28%), based on NHTSA's model-year breakdown.