2017 Ford Explorer Problems: Body / frame (1,685 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer is Body / frame (36% of 1,685 owner reports). There are 14 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Body / frame — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-15 1,685 complaints · 14 recalls

What problems show up on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

606 of 1,685 filings named Body / frame (36% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (231 reports).

There are 14 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Engine, Suspension, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2016 has 2,450 reports on file; this year has 1,685. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2017 Ford Explorer

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 14 campaigns on file below.
  2. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Body / frame. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Body / frame 606 complaints · 36.0% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 34
  • Fires 11
  • Injuries 51
  • Deaths 0
Compare with 2016 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Body / frame (STRUCTURE) appears in 606 of 1,685 owner complaints (36.0%) in this vehicle snapshot. Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 606 complaints, 36.0% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 606 · 36.0% Engine (ENGINE): 231 complaints, 13.7% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 crash reports 2 fire reports 231 · 13.7% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 97 complaints, 5.8% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 3 crash reports 97 · 5.8% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 70 complaints, 4.2% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 70 · 4.2% Steering (STEERING): 54 complaints, 3.2% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 54 · 3.2% Wheels (WHEELS): 50 complaints, 3.0% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 1 crash reports 50 · 3.0% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 49 complaints, 2.9% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 4 crash reports 49 · 2.9% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 48 complaints, 2.9% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 4 fire reports 48 · 2.9% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 30 complaints, 1.8% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 30 · 1.8% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 703 complaints, 41.7% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 11 crash reports 5 fire reports 703 · 41.7% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 606 36.0% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 231 13.7% 2 crashes · 2 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 97 5.8% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 70 4.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 54 3.2% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 50 3.0% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 49 2.9% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 48 2.9% 1 crashes · 4 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 30 1.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 703 41.7% 11 crashes · 5 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jul 2016; the first recall shown was reported in Dec 2016. 2016-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2017-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2017-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2017-Q3: 67 owner reports 67 2017-Q4: 42 owner reports 42 2018-Q1: 35 owner reports 35 2018-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2018-Q3: 36 owner reports 36 2018-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2019-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 2019-Q2: 27 owner reports 27 2019-Q3: 36 owner reports 36 2019-Q4: 30 owner reports 30 2020-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 2020-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2020-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2020-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2021-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2021-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2021-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2021-Q4: 19 owner reports 19 2022-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2022-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2022-Q3: 27 owner reports 27 2022-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 2023-Q1: 69 owner reports 69 2023-Q2: 66 owner reports 66 2023-Q3: 68 owner reports 68 2023-Q4: 49 owner reports 49 2024-Q1: 57 owner reports 57 2024-Q2: 59 owner reports 59 2024-Q3: 58 owner reports 58 2024-Q4: 55 owner reports 55 2025-Q1: 87 owner reports 87 2025-Q2: 119 owner reports 119 2025-Q3: 112 owner reports 112 2025-Q4: 73 owner reports 73 2026-Q1: 63 owner reports 63 2026-Q2: 57 owner reports 57 2026-Q3: 44 owner reports 44 2026-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 Owner reports Jul 2016 Oct 2026 Recall campaign 16V925000 ◆ Recall campaign 16V925000 Recall campaign 17V332000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V332000 Recall campaign 17E048000 ◆ Recall campaign 17E048000 Recall campaign 17V530000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V530000 Recall campaign 19V435000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V435000 Recall campaign 19V651000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V651000 Recall campaign 20V675000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V675000 Recall campaign 21V316000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V316000 Recall campaign 21V537000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V537000 Recall campaign 24V031000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V031000 Recall campaign 25V347000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V347000 Recall campaign 25V685000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V685000 Recall campaign 26V101000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V101000 Recall campaign 26V448000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V448000 Investigation EA17002 ● Investigation EA17002 Investigation PE23001 ● Investigation PE23001
  • Campaign 16V925000 was reported 66 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 19V435000 was reported 489 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V675000 was reported 1,130 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V316000 was reported 1,641 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V537000 was reported 1,255 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V031000 was reported 2,630 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V347000 was reported 3,120 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V685000 was reported 3,314 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V101000 was reported 2,936 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V448000 was reported 3,537 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2016-Q3 Owner reports 2
2016-Q4 Owner reports 7
2017-Q1 Owner reports 13
2017-Q2 Owner reports 16
2017-Q3 Owner reports 67
2017-Q4 Owner reports 42
2018-Q1 Owner reports 35
2018-Q2 Owner reports 24
2018-Q3 Owner reports 36
2018-Q4 Owner reports 24
2019-Q1 Owner reports 33
2019-Q2 Owner reports 27
2019-Q3 Owner reports 36
2019-Q4 Owner reports 30
2020-Q1 Owner reports 19
2020-Q2 Owner reports 14
2020-Q3 Owner reports 14
2020-Q4 Owner reports 16
2021-Q1 Owner reports 22
2021-Q2 Owner reports 26
2021-Q3 Owner reports 28
2021-Q4 Owner reports 19
2022-Q1 Owner reports 20
2022-Q2 Owner reports 17
2022-Q3 Owner reports 27
2022-Q4 Owner reports 32
2023-Q1 Owner reports 69
2023-Q2 Owner reports 66
2023-Q3 Owner reports 68
2023-Q4 Owner reports 49
2024-Q1 Owner reports 57
2024-Q2 Owner reports 59
2024-Q3 Owner reports 58
2024-Q4 Owner reports 55
2025-Q1 Owner reports 87
2025-Q2 Owner reports 119
2025-Q3 Owner reports 112
2025-Q4 Owner reports 73
2026-Q1 Owner reports 63
2026-Q2 Owner reports 57
2026-Q3 Owner reports 44
2026-Q4 Owner reports 3
Recall campaign 1 16V925000
Recall campaign 1 17V332000
Recall campaign 1 17E048000
Recall campaign 1 17V530000
Recall campaign 1 19V435000
Recall campaign 1 19V651000
Recall campaign 1 20V675000
Recall campaign 1 21V316000
Recall campaign 1 21V537000
Recall campaign 1 24V031000
Recall campaign 1 25V347000
Recall campaign 1 25V685000
Recall campaign 1 26V101000
Recall campaign 1 26V448000
Defect investigation 1 EA17002
Defect investigation 1 PE23001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Safety Recalls (14)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Engine, Suspension, and Body / frame.

  1. Recall campaign 16V925000

    Engine

    Report date
    Component:
    Engine (ENGINE)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 17E048000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 17V332000

    Safety recall 17V332000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 17V530000

    Safety recall 17V530000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 19V435000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 19V651000

    Safety recall 19V651000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 20V675000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 21V316000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 21V537000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 24V031000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 25V347000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 25V685000

    Safety recall 25V685000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 26V101000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 26V448000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-14
Safety incident filters
Showing 9 of 1,685 complaints · page 1 of 68
2026-10-05Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11768953
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Sudden catastrophic engine failure due to coolant mixing. This resulted in a safety issue due to time and location of the event. From online consumer reports this event happens just after 100,000 miles to the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV's and is a KNOWN event that Ford has NOT disclosed. Regular maintenance can NOT prevent this event and stopping the use of the vehicle only helps if it is immediate and the problem known. That Ford hasn't disclosed this possibility of failure nor suggested preventative measures is a safety concern.
2026-10-04Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11768825
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Engine hesitated, kept hesitating/slowing down until 2017 Ford Explorer just stopped. Towed SUV to Koons Ford Service Center. Charged $200 for diagnostic assessment. Informed that oil/coolant mix due to water pump failure. Diagnose: replace Engine Long Block and Hardware and thermostat. Costing $11,195.04 for job. Never mentioned what happened to cause this. At another dealership, mechanic told us of the NHTSA Recall 25V685000 regarding this malfunction. Note: Koons Ford has had a "history" with this SUV, only working on recalls when we push the issue. Also, requiring a $200 diagnostic charge each time the vehicle is seen. This location is where we bought the vehicle.
2026-10-03Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11768736
CrashFireInjuryDeath
1. Rubber is falling off the windshield and hood. This is a ford issue and they refuse to repair this. It appears to be heat related and the car was sold in an area with high summer temperatures. It is cracked and peeling at the bottom of the windshield causing rain and leaves to seep into the engine area. This could start a fire hazard if it's not repaired. Quoted me 12k to fix (more than the cost of getting another car that is less dangerous). 2. Inside auto same issue is happening with the ford installed dashcover. It is peeling back and in order to repair, they must take EVERYTHING out of the inside to repair and yes $$$$ close to 20k. Again this is a ford issue not a user issue. The dash cover is black and underneath it is white. Driver is unable to fix on own. Both of these are Ford defects that Ford should step up and repair.
2026-09-30Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11768108
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The back up camera is cloudy with very limited visibility at night. My safety is at risk backing the car up. Yes available for inspection. I have told the dealer. I am unsure if they actually looked at it at night. This issue has been happening for a few years and now it is much worse. I learned of this sight to report it to. There are no lights or warning lamps.
2026-09-29Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11767832
CrashFireInjuryDeath
B-pillar is coming off, not allowing keypad to lock/unlock. Remedy has not come available in over a year.
2026-09-29Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11767739
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Ford Safety Recall 24S02 was previously recorded as completed on my 2017 Explorer after this dealership inspected the A-pillar moldings. The recalled A-pillar molding subsequently became severely loose and detached while I was driving on the highway. I am concerned that the recall inspection/remedy may not have been properly performed before the recall was reported completed. The dealership initially attempted to charge me for replacement and is now submitting the matter to Ford for review. I am requesting review of the dealership’s original recall documentation and the circumstances under which the recall was closed.
2026-09-16Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
NHTSA ODI 11764718
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side B-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The contact used tape and hot glue to reattach the B-pillar trims to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
2026-09-15Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11764479
CrashFireInjuryDeath
See attached document for complaint.
2026-09-11Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11763586
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the engine light illuminated and the vehicle stopped in the middle lane. The contact was able to maneuver and coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The instrument panel was illuminated afterwards. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Action Number: DP26008 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed by Firestone and then towed to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and two letters were sent, three emails were sent to the CEO, and two phone calls were made to Ford Customer Service, who opened a case, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Ford Explorer Complaints by Year

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Owners named Body / frame most often — 606 of 1,685 reports (36%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 14 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Engine, Suspension, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2017 Ford Explorer?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-14. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources