general problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer - part 1

Unknown. The rubber seals and plastics that hold my windhield in place are all cracking and fading significantly faster than they should be. The windshield has started leaking due to the fact that Ford has not ensured that the peices were up protected.

Filing a complaint as the NHTSA. Gov website suggests: "if the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner . . . File an online complaint with NHTSA" it has been over 27 months and I have contacted my dealership numerous times. The local Ford dealership told me that there is no estimated resolution time from Ford, and it will probably never be addressed. I don't understand how it is acceptable for Ford to ignore this issue.

The trim on both a pillar and b pillar are coming off. When I spoke with Ford about a year ago they informed me of one recall with another coming. One of the trip pieces broke off in an automatic car wash. I was able to go back and get it, but have cut my hand on door multiple times as this is the driver's door with keypad. I have called our local Ford and they continue to say there is a recall but no parts available. This is very frustrating as now there are two more pieces of trim coming off that could fly off while driving. I want this remedied as this is to be the vehicle my son was planning to take road test in but unsure that this will even be safe. I even wrote a letter to Ford back in March and inquired on this fix and was told to contact dealership. I just spoke with dealership, again who says they can't get the parts for recall.

The dashboard cover has come unglued from the part of near the front windshield. It first bubbled up then became unglued and rolled up. There’s white material underneath that appears to have swollen up like wet cork board. Also, this part of the dashboard is no longer flush like the parts to right and left of the distressed area. Additionally, the exposed white part reflects in my line of sight causing limited visibility which is a safety concern to me. Based on my research, this issue is being reported by owners of the 2017 and 2018 Ford platinum Explorer models particularly. This issue is not something that I can repair as a diy and since others are reporting the same exact issue with the same models, I tend to believe there’s a defect.

Part came off while on my way to church at some point and was unable to locate the piece that came off.

The secret service conducted an investigation regarding online motor vehicle sales. The vehicle was listed for sale. The vehicle was retired out of service as a police interceptor. The electronical components were taken out of the vehicle. However, insignias are still on the motor vehicle labeled as "police" facilitating criminal activity such as false impersonation of a police officer and/or false pretenses. The seller has actual knowledge and can be punishable under color of law upon an agreement with a purchaser. Vehicle does have open recalls.

Vehicle contains traces of cychlorphine, labeled as "police," facilitates criminal activity impersonation of a police officer, seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon purchase agreement. Safety risk for buyer, and the general public for false police pretenses, harassment, and actual police scrutiny. Vehicle has open recall.

Vehicle equipped with operation red and blue auxiliary emergency lights, prohibited and protected by law for law enforcement use only, facilitates impersonation of a police officer, false detention, harassment, legal scrutiny for police, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purchase agreement with a buyer, and can be liable for crimes committed by another by aiding an offender under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls, mechanical/electrical/lighting issues and requires maintenance.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with the 3. 5l v6 engine due to a known internal water pump design defect. The water pump is located internally and driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant can leak directly into the engine crankcase and mix with motor oil instead of leaking externally where it would be easier to detect. This creates a serious safety hazard because the engine can suffer catastrophic damage, sudden failure, loss of power, or complete shutdown, sometimes with little or no warning. In my case, the vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with internal water pump failure, including my car overheating out of nowhere, forcing me to coast to the side of the highway in very unsafe conditions. This defect can destroy the engine and create dangerous driving conditions, especially if power loss occurs while driving with children or passengers, thankfully I didn't have any of my three children with me when this happened. This appears to affect many Ford Explorer vehicles from similar model years, and numerous owners have reported similar failures. The repair cost is extremely high because replacement often requires major engine disassembly or full engine replacement. I am currently financing this vehicle with a balance of $14,000 left to pay and have already paid close to $28,000. This is extremely unfair and the cost to repair is close to $5,000. I don't see a way for myself to afford that. I believe Ford should be required to address this issue because: the design can allow coolant contamination inside the engine without obvious external leakage. Failure can occur suddenly and create safety risks. Repair costs are excessive for what appears to be a widespread defect. Owners may not receive sufficient warning before catastrophic failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect for safety implications and determine whether a recall or broader manufacturer accountability is warranted. Thank you for your time.

I was driving on the interstate and the b pilar from my vehicle flew off, hit my passenger side window, and merely missed the vehicle traveling behind us. This incident could have caused a big accident.

The recall for the roof rails was not properly fixed. Ford is not willing to fix their mistake.

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

When driving my car, you can hear wind noise like the windows are down and it's loud enough to where I can't hear my kids most of the time when they need something from the backseats. These two recalls have been in place since may 2025 and there is still no remedy to fix this almost a year later. I have not taken it to a dealership but plan to this Friday 02/27/26.

The passenger side silver cover came off the top rail of my 2017 Ford Explorer. This sould be covered by Ford safety recall 21s22. I was told by my local Ford dealer my mileage was over the mileage limit of 152,000. My current mileage is 152,197. 7; I can send a picture. Any item(s) flying off a vehicle should be a safety concern and covered by any recalls. Does Ford and/or NHTSA want to limit the age and/or mileage for safety recall? I was told by my local Ford dealership, this was a 'customer satisfaction' issue and only addressed if the problem was evident at the time of inspection. I've had my vehicle in for routine maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc) on a very regular basis. Normally I leave with instructions to fix any recalls on the vehicle. This was not addressed on previous maintenance instances because the broken top rail was not showing signs of distress. (my terms based on the conversation with the local dealership service personnel. ) are you kidding me??? I would expect these types of issues to be addressed/fixed prior to failure. Once failure occurs, the potential for roadway damage has happened. I'm having problems uploading my files on your system.

There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe.

Since Ford issued the first recall notice for recall 24s02, I have been contacting my local Ford dealerships every few months to check whether the replacement parts were available. Each time, I am told the parts are still not in stock. As of today, multiple pieces of my vehicle have flown off while I was driving. This has become a serious safety hazard. Most recently, while driving on the freeway, a part detached from my car and the vehicles behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting it. I am increasingly concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. At this point, my vehicle does not feel safe to drive, but I have no alternative transportation. This appears to be a straightforward part for Ford to manufacture and replace, yet the delay has been unreasonable. Something needs to be done— I cannot continue driving a vehicle where pieces are literally coming off while in motion.

The windshield outer trim pillar molding has flown off my vehicle twice while driving on the highway. This last time it almost hit someone on a motorcycle. What is Ford going to do to fix this?.

I have a 2017 Ford Explorer, that has a recall of a pillar trim piece, which I have been trying to get replaced since 2024. To date the dealership is telling me they don’t have the part. This part on the driver side has come off and I am concerned the passenger side will. I can only hope it does not come off and cause damage to other vehicles. Ford has issued a recall and is not provided the necessary part. This is a safety concern and I wish to file a complaint.

It is known that for the specific year make and model that the water pump goes out around 100,000 miles. This water pump was built as an internal water pump, which is not typical for most cars. In order to fix this part, the engine has to be taken out and lots of parts have to be disassembled just to get to it. The part itself is fairly cheap, but the labor cost thousands of dollars due to where it is located. Ford knowingly built this car and put that pump where it is at and therefore should be reliable to pay the cost when it is so common that this part goes out around 100,000 miles. If it is a known issue that occurs on these models frequently then it should become a recall because a failing water pump can cause significant issues within the engine and make the vehicle in operable.

Exterior windshield a-pillar flew off on the highway and Ford said the repair was suppose to be ready on the latter half of 2024. This repair is not being dealt with in a timely manor. Manufacturer recall number 24s0. Nhtsa recall number24v031.

A buzzing started coming from my front dash. My mechanic pointed out the molding/trim on the windshield is basically disintegrating because of cheap quality materials.

Unknown. The rubber seal for the windshield wiper cowl is completely deteriorating. This is a known common problem as the Ford dealership parts department stated. With this rubber seal deteriorating its possible for wind to get under the cowling and blow it off while driving down the road causing a hazard for surrounding drivers.

I am unable to renew my registration due to not being able to complete / repair the recalls. Dealer does not have the parts for the repair therefore my vehicle will not pass inspection for the renewal. This has caused many troubles and issues, I am being pulled over by police and constantly worried they might tow my vehicle for expired registration.

In reference to NHTSA recall 25v347 & manufacturer recall no:25s53. According to Ford my VIN does not apply due to the dates within the recall. Both of my b pillar outside trim have been separated from the vehicle, just like it states in the recall. I replaced the passenger side last year, now my drivers side is blown off. Due to the sticky tape holding them on. When I asked Ford they said the recall is only for vehicles manufactured from chicago from 6/25/15 thru 4/5/17. Mine was manufactured on 28 may 2017. So my vehicle does not apply. However, I find it odd that both mine have failed just like it says in the recall but yet my vehicle does not apply. Seems fishy. I think the dates of this defect should be expanded and thus allowing my vehicle to be covered under the recall and Ford pay for the repairs.

While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the vehicle, stay illuminated for 10 mins after exiting. When entering the vehicle and turning it on to drive, the dome lights will not turn off until a speed of 5-10 mph is reached. I have noticed abnormal car battery drainage because of these events. Additionally, the rear lift-gate no longer functions since the b-pillar detachment. Unable to open rear lift-gate at all. Unable to use the electronic keypad. Spoke to the dealership at least 10 times now and the same reason is given: “we have not received the parts. ” they have stated that the parts were ordered for my vehicle in November of 2025. It is now the end of April 2026. Notice of this recall was 5-23-2025.

About 4 years ago it was a recall to the roof rail trim disconnection, which mine was totally fine but since it was a recall I took it to the dealer to be replace. Now while I was driving on the highway I saw the right trim flight away. I called the dealer that replaced to see what they can do since I feel this is a continue problem a defective part. I even show them the left side is coming off but their answer was that it was a recall part and the part was already replaced it and is nothing they can do now. I really feel they should be responsible to replaced it again since it is a recurring problem. I didn't have any issue with the original one and the one they replaced both are defective.

While driving a certain speed I hear noise in main windshield area.

Windshield cowl grille damage (along with a-pillar molding trim damage) causing loose parts and wind with rattling sound. Cowl should also be included and replaced as part of recall.

The following is a letter I sent to Ford. I've yet to hear back from them. This is a picture of what happened in my 2017 Explorer on Thursday, June 5, 2025. As I unlocked and got into my car, I realized the seat was moving forward. I tried to get out of the seat, but it was difficult because the space was closing in. I managed to squeeze out of the space before it totally closed me in and pinned me between the seat and steering wheel. As you can see from the picture, the seat is as close to the steering wheel and console as possible. The steering wheel was 7 inches from the seatback and 7 inches from the seat bottom. The seat was 2 inches from the console. This is extremely dangerous. This is not the first time this has happened. This has occurred at least ten times. Sometimes it is when I get in the vehicle as happened June 5. One time I was pinned between the steering wheel and seat and my legs were jammed into the console. Fortunately, I was able to extricate myself with only a few scrapes and bruises. While it is happening, I try the side buttons that control the seat and other ways to stop it, but nothing I do stops the movement once it begins. The only way to avoid being pinned in is to get out while the seat is moving. Other times it has happened when I am not in the car. I unlock and open the door to get in and the seat has moved itself and is as far up to the steering wheel as physically possible. The first time this happened; I told the service desk at the dealer when I was having work done on the SUV. They checked and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. `.

Recall on exterior a-pillar trim. Been to dealer star Ford, glendale, CA multiple times they are claiming Ford has not sent any parts to them. Almost seven months has passed, no parts from recall notice. What's going on? NHTSA recall 24v031 [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint with Ford. I request immediate assistance regarding multiple open recalls on my 2017 Ford Explorer platinum. Despite multiple attempts to have these recalls addressed by my local Ford dealership and others, they have refused to perform all the necessary repairs. When I asked if they could at least order the required parts, I was informed that they would not, due to the parts being on back order with no timeline of when they would be available. This situation has become increasingly concerning, as one of the un repaired recalls has now led to water intrusion inside my vehicle, causing additional damage. Along with other recalls that are further causing damage. I depend on my vehicle daily, and the ongoing delays and lack of action from the dealership have only worsened the condition of my vehicle. At this point, I am requesting further help. I believe this situation warrants urgent attention, as it involves manufacturer-issued safety recalls that remain unresolved through no fault of my own, after various attempts to get these recalls fixed. I would appreciate a prompt response confirming that this case has been escalated to the appropriate department.

Back up camera fails to operate at times when vehicle is in reverse. Potential for backing collision or fatality.

This pertains to the b-pillar trim recall. It should be noted that not only does the trim fall off but if it is the trim with the entry keypad, that can cause a short circuit that effects other parts of the car operation. Recently this happened to this vehicle and a fuse blew under the drivers side dash fuse 11 5 amp fuse. This fuse blows and the rear hatch will no longer open. We called about this in June when this happened and the dealer said it was unrelated to the trim that fell off and they would charge us $600 to look at it. After finding the same issue on youtube and the fix posted we purchased the part and installed ourself for $50. This complaint is stating that the recall needs to have the liftgate included as a symptom.

Faulty front grill.

Over memorial day weekend 2025, the a-pillar exterior trim on my 2017 Ford Explorer detached and flew off while I was driving. This matches the Ford recall (NHTSA recall no. 25v347, Ford recall no. 25s53) covering a-pillar trim detachment. Since then, I have been waiting for the replacement part. My dealership confirmed my Explorer is covered under the recall but said they do not know when repair parts will be available. As of late August 2025 (over three months later), no repair has been offered and no estimated timeline has been provided. Safety/function concerns: the missing a-pillar trim causes a loud whistling noise while driving, which is distracting and could impact driver focus. Detached trim is a road hazard to other drivers and pedestrians if it flies off while in motion. The vehicle now appears defective and unfinished, raising concerns about quality and value. Attempts to resolve: contacted my Ford dealership immediately after the trim fell off. They confirmed the recall but stated no parts are available. I drove over an hour round trip for them to look it over and then send me home and that's all that has happend. Have followed up several times since memorial day and am always told “no eta” for the part. Complaint: I believe waiting months for a critical recall repair is unreasonable. Ford should be required to provide either a timely repair, a safe temporary solution, or other accommodations until permanent replacement parts are available.