10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
14 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,710 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2017 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #203

Nov 012021

Explorer

  • miles
The keyless entry door panel on the driver-??s side door is coming undone and vibrates while driving. Others have said theirs has come off the vehicle while driving. Will be contacting the dealership.

- Ruther Glen, VA, USA

problem #202

Nov 012021

Explorer

  • miles
Ford Explorer 2017 SYNC/APIM malfunction. Touch screen and controls stop responding almost right after system starts. Troubleshoots indicate to perform master reset, software update, battery replacement but no difference. Software update is risky due system becomes unresponsive as per the original issue. Safety issues include but not limited to the responsiveness of controls as -GPS becomes unavailable -Navigation stop working/updating which indicates wrong directions and enter unwanted roads ending into a safety issue -AC or Heating can't be controlled, then depending of situation, this can affect health -Radio volume can't be modified, this can cause a safety issue -USB SYNC iOS/Android can't connect as systems is unresponsive, if it gets connected, navigation is affected.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #201

Sep 232021

Explorer

  • miles
The clear trim panels by the driver side door with the electronic numbers to unlock the doors, came off while I was driving on the highway going 70mph. Which resulted in lights going off on on in the cabin of the car, as well as my back tailgate flying open while driving. The clear panel was attached to wires which was reported to me to have caused multiple fuses to be blown one of which was the tailgate door. Once I pulled over to close the door, the door had to be forced closed and the warning light tailgate ajar remained on as well as all the lights in the cabin remained on. Once I was able to park my car none of the lights would turn off once the engine was off and the car would not lock. Both of these panels on the drivers side and passenger side had to be replaced, in addition to the front pillars on the windshield due to all of them coming detached from the car. This is a huge safety concern that needs to be addressed. The owner of the car had to pay for all repairs.

- Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA

problem #200

Nov 262021

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
I have been trying to get the first repair done, now the second. (I also have another Ford vehicle that has a recall that I haven't been able to schedule. I am told parts are unavailable or the repairs can't be done for months. Calls to Ford, like today to the number on the new recall, leaves you holding for over 36 minutes. Then it turned out to be a dealership in Pennsylvania. The chat function doesn't work. If you want to send any sort of email, from my experience I had to agree to receiving ads. The other recall is for VIN [XXX]. I am concerned about continuing to allow my family to drive these vehicles. Can you advise how I can proceed? Thanks. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Burlington, MA, USA

problem #199

Nov 242021

Explorer

  • miles
I have 3 broken motor mounts in my 2017 Ford Explorer that is causing loss of power in my vehicle. I see that the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer was recalled for the same issue. My mechanic has had several ford explorers in for the same issue. This is going to cause accidents if not recalled to be fixed.

- Farragut, IA, USA

problem #198

Nov 022021

Explorer

  • miles
Smell in car when driving on freeway or using air conditioner. Burning eyes, nose running, sore throat, feeling sick.

- Jamul, CA, USA

problem #197

Oct 012021

Explorer

  • miles
the ribs that are on the roof of the car are loose

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #196

Sep 292021

Explorer

  • miles
We had a catastrophic failure of the passenger side rear toe link. Causing loss of control of the vehicle No injuries thankfully The dealership and the Ford motor declined to toe the vehicle for repair due to its age. So a new part was ordered through Ford and work was do e locally Less than 30 miles later we had the same catastrophic failure of the same part. This time my entire family including my 14 month old were in the car and we were very lucky that we were not killed but once again there were no injuries or collisions. The part is on recall and their is no remedy part available at this time for replacement. The dealership and Ford are grossly aware and have declined to assist at this time. Ford states its the dealerships responsibility and the dealership states they can do nothing without an authorization from Ford. Because we have experienced 2 catastrophic failures that nearly killed us I think that these cars should be pulled from the road for everyone's safety. I also feel that since their is no part available to remedy the situation Ford should institute something so that owners are not without vehicles and can care for their families and go to work i am very disappointed We avoided death two times due to this recall

- Bloomfield , VT, USA

problem #195

Oct 122021

Explorer

  • miles
Passenger side windshield trim flew off while at highway speeds without any warning of it being broken or in need of repair. Flew off into traffic behind me.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #194

Jul 012021

Explorer 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,300 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the engine shield fractured and detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the engine shield and the failure was remedied. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,300.

- Garfield, AR, USA

problem #193

Aug 012021

Explorer

  • miles
There seems to be an issue with exhaust entering the cabin of 2017 Ford Explorers. There is also a TSB out for this, but Ford refuses to do a recall. Exhaust should not enter the cabin of a vehicle. www.mhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/TSB-17-0044-Exhaust-Odor-in-Vehicle.pdf Below are some links that show others are having this issue. There is also a class-action lawsuit now against Ford for not fixing this issue. www.explorerexhaustsettlement.net/ https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-ford-explorer-carbon-monoxide-lawsuit-finally-has-a-settlement/ https://www.motor1.com/news/314705/ford-explorer-exhaust-fumes-issue/ https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-ford-explorer-owners-say-suvs-making-them-sick/ https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/bad-or-burnt-exhaust-smell-in-cabin-during-hard-acceleration.323597/page-117 https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-explorer-owners-carbon-monoxide-nhtsa/ https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2017/exhaust_system/exhaust_fumes_in_cabin.shtml

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #192

Jun 242021

Explorer

  • miles
A Pillar trim broke and flew off. This happened on both sides of the windshield. Passenger side hit windshield and ejected over vehicle. Drivers side slammed to drivers door window then continued on behind vehicle. If window had been open the sharp edges plastic would have hit driver. Motorcycles or convertibles behind vehicle may also be in danger.

- Menomonie , WI, USA

problem #191

Jun 162021

Explorer

  • miles
Initially the cars check engine light came on intermittently for about 3 days, then one day while driving the wrench light came on and the car immediately started decelerating - almost as if I was breaking hard, and would not accelerate over 30. After turning it on and off multiple times the light went away for days until my appointment with the mechanic, that same day it came back on. We went to a Ford dealership and they said it was the throttle body and repaired it. Two weeks later the same issue occurred. I know this was a big issue in 2016 and earlier models, I believe the problem was never fixed in 2017 models. Our car is currently in the shop and they are "emailing Ford" about what to do. The first incident I was on the interstate when I stopped abruptly and the second was on the highway. I luckily had no one behind me both times otherwise this could've easily caused an accident.

- Blue Grass, IA, USA

problem #190

May 312021

Explorer

  • miles
We have approximately 37000 miles on our 2017 Explorer. While driving on the interstate yesterday, it began making a near continuous wind vibration sound around the windshield. We stopped several times on our trip trying to determine where the sound was coming from-?"roof rack, something under hood, trim pieces, windshield support areas?-?"but we-??re never able to find cause or stop the noise. We have an appointment at a Ford dealership later this week.

- Mascot, TN, USA

problem #189

Apr 022021

Explorer

  • miles
Roof rail came off on drivers side, passenger side is rattling and I'm worried it's going to come off while I'm driving and cause an accident.

- Plant City, FL, USA

problem #188

May 182021

Explorer

  • miles
After a heavy rain water accumulated inside the car front passenger floor and under the seat. After inspecting I could not determine where the water came in. I feel this is a safety concern due to the electrical wiring under the seat

- Humble, TX, USA

problem #187

Apr 102021

Explorer

  • 46,700 miles
One week ago, my family and I took a trip in a recently purchased Explorer where we all experienced symptoms of poisoning. We are currently getting the vehicle services by the dealership. However, we are not confident that the fix will be corrected as it seems like there are more than one location where the leak can take place. I'd like to be included in the investigation for the carbon monoxide detection in the Ford Explorer. If you have anyone to point us too in regards to making this a recall on these vehicles it would be appreciated. This needs to have more attention for all cars and higher safety standards should be implemented on behalf of the consumer, in my opinion. Thank you for your time and my family looks forward to help this investigation.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #186

Jan 042021

Explorer

  • miles
When accelerating on to the highway or uphill, the inside cabin smells of fumes. I believe it is carbon monoxide. When the car is warming up in the morning, the cabin smells do fumes, I believe itnis carbon monoxide. I have purchased a carbon monoxide detector and will include it in the cabin.

- South San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #185

Jun 012017

Explorer

  • 200 miles
1st time I had my car washed through a drive through car wash the luggage racks on top of the Explorer lifted up. Took the vehicle to Ford dealership in el cajon ca (were the vehicle was purchased) and they wanted $500 to fix it. Did not give me a ticket with the problem listed on it. It was a brand new vehicle. They now lift in heavy wind or if I try to wash the top of the vehicle. Not sure of date was in 2017 right after bought the car.

- Jamul, CA, USA

problem #184

Dec 032020

Explorer

  • 46,400 miles
While driving down the highway the back seat in folded down position caught fire and burned a 12 inch hole through top and bottom of seat. To our knowledge the seat heater was not on the indicator light was not on.

- Wallingford, CT, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »