general problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer - part 2

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.

Water pump has gone out, and is a known issue with the Explorers, plus they have made these very difficult to to replace and require partial engine tear down.

Engine block timing plate cover has a defect crack in it causing an oil leak and fire hazard.

The windshield trim on my 2017 Ford exploer which is the actual recall on this vehicle blew off while traveling on a major highway slamming into my windshield and into the next lane just missing another vehicle causing them to swerve violently to avoid being hit by the windshield trim! I have been communicating with the dealership where I had purchase my vehicle from the time I first received my recall notice, what possibly 5-6 months. Now I am concerned that the other one may do the same and fly off and the resolt being worse!.

In my 2017 Ford Explorer, that backup camera is experiencing issues that sound related to the current recall on 2021-2024 Ford Explorers. The image is all distorted, the backup assist lines are not present, the screen will go black or grey with distortion.

Vehicle was inspected for 24s02 a-pillar recall in October. Nothing is updated or addressed if the a-pillars pass inspection. That closed the recall. Now, the a-pillars have become loose as stated in Ford's letter to the owner "may become detached" and Ford is saying that the recall no longer will cover this because it passed the initial inspection 4 months ago.

I received recall 24v031 in Feb '24, a pillar defect. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealer and had it inspected in Aug of '24. It was satisfactory at that time. Eight months later, it started rattling and flew off my car as I drove on the interstate. I called the dealer and was told that it was repaired in Aug '24. I explained that it was not repaired, only inspected and given the ok to drive it. I'm still waiting for it to be replaced. I now have an issue with the b pillar notice 25s53. It is loose at the top and will probably detach as I drive down the road. This is a safety hazard to anyone driving behind me. The dealer refuses to remedy either one of these issues.

My parking pawl failed. Other 2017 Explorers have the recall but mine doesn’t? dealership says mines not effected but it broke? hardly seams fair. I was able to jump back in and stop it before it rolled out of the driveway and almost hit my neighbors.

The sunroof gets stuck in the tilted open position and sunshades will not close. This creates an unsafe condition if it starts to rain. Cannot secure the vehicle. This problem is very common and there are many complaints and how to fix videos on the internet. I contacted Ford at first they were cooperative and offered to help with the repair. Then suddenly they refused to help with the repair. This left me with a 1200. 00 bill at the dealer. It is a common failure, it was occurring on the previous model year and was not addressed, it requires proprietary tools to fix. There is low incentive to Ford to fix if they can make a profit from the failure. . Read more...

Manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available.

The roof trim piece flew off while driving and almost hit the car behind me. The other side looks loose as while. I know the a pillars have an open recall on them as while but they said those parts arent available. I already talked with the dealer but they said no recall is available for this roof trim and I think there should be.

Engine coolant leak. Come to find out it is the internal water pump, which several mechanics stated is a "common motor design flaw" with these vehicles. The repair for this is $3500! not a small amount for a average person with low income. If Ford is aware of this common issue, why is nothing being done to protect their customers like me. I'd like to hear from someone in regards to this, as I have always been a loyal Ford consumer, but this will change after this.

The a pillar trim has detached from the windshield while I was driving on the highway, it almost hit the car behind me. There was no warning before it became detached. When calling to see if parts were available I was told that they had been on back order for a year and they had no idea when parts would be available.

The rear toe link arm is not adjustable, so I can't get it aligned. It has caused a clunking noise when I turn and everytime I align my front end, it does not last.

Display screen/navigation screen is flashing continuously. This is affecting the use of the back up camera which could potentially cause damage to vehicles or persons. This also is affecting thr use of hands free operation.

The transmission has gone out for a second time 3 years ago the transmission was replaced as part of Fords customer satisfaction and after 3 years of driving the car started acting weird stalling or not wanting to go- now it will not start after taking to the Ford dealership they informed me it was the same problem they had previously fixed, and it was no longer under warranty I would have to pay for a whole new transmission- to be honest I still owe money on this car and could not afford a repair of over 7000 -it was already fixed just 3 years ago how is the transmisson faulty for a second time? there needs to be recall on this part/.

Driving down the highway and the roof rail flew off almost hitting the car behind me upon pulling over I discovered the roof rail flew off. I called the dealership and they told me that vehicle is over 150k miles and the recall was voided. I don’t remember seeing that.

Keyless entry panel on driver's side continues to fall off while driving, hanging by wires, which then blow fuses. Lift gate ajar warning comes on and then unable to open/close rear lift gate. Indoor overhead lighting remains on due to "liftgate ajar" even though liftgate is not ajar. This is a safety hazard, panel could fly off during driving. Took to dealer, misdiagnosed as liftgate latch malfunction. Paid to get latch replaced and one week later, keyless entry panel fell off again and liftgate ajar warning came up and unable to open or close liftgate and interior lighting remains on.

Was making loud buzzing noises and cracking noise while driving. The whole bottom is now gone. This been going on about 1-2 years now, when this all started. Need all the pillars replaced immediately. I drive to work in this vehicle and it's a 40-minute commute one way.

The a-pillar appliqué trim bordering my windshield on both sides has become loose and has been detaching and flying into the road unexpectedly while I’m driving. I have been waiting over 18 months now for parts to become available for this repair as the hazard continues to become worse. The recall details indicate “ Ford motor company is working closely with its suppliers to produce parts for this repair. When parts become available, Ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge parts and labor. Parts are anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. ” but I have yet to be contacted to have this repair completed. I am filing this complaint because Ford has failed to address this repair in a timely manner.

Rear toe links, rear alignment is off. Dealership said they can’t fix it. My tires are wearing incredibly fast.

Front window trim/ a pillar detached while driving on October 18,2024. Contacted dealership for replacement at the end of October 2024, and each month following, they brought vehicle in for inspection but have never replaced the trim piece. It has now been 9 months, I have called the dealer every month to follow up and have been told every time they still do not have the part to fix it. I am concerned that the trim on the other side of the car could fly off and cause damage to my vehicle or others.

I experienced both trim panels on my Explorer ripping off as I was driving on the freeway possibly causing them to hit another vehicle. I brought my vehicle in to the Ford dealer in las vegas to get the recall item repaired. They inspected it and determined that my damage was covered by the recall. This incident happened over one year ago. I received as recently as November 2025 a letter from Ford informing me again of the recall. I contacted my dealer several times about the recall and their response was that Ford did not have the repair parts available. They also said that I would be notified when the repair parts would be available. It is now approaching two years since the incident occurred. How long does it take Ford to get the repair parts and correct the damange to my vehicle?.

Hello there’s. Since I got the recall letter I keep going and calling to the central Ford dealership to replace the windshield molding, they keep saying that the moldings aren’t available but I know that they have been replaced them. My left moldings is very loose, I’m afraid that it will fall causing an accident. Could you do something about it? I just went a week ago. They said that they will call me when they get them. They been saying that since the first time thank you.

For over a year the windshield of my car had a “rattle” or wind-like noise. I figured this was due to the weather stripping around the windshield degrading and falling off. I heard about the recall and the very next day I was driving down the interstate and the plastic piece (a-pillar) flew off and the car behind me swerved to miss the piece. A day or so after this occurred, large rains came through our area which resulted in water entering my vehicle. I took my car to the dealership a day or 2 later where they had to inspect to see if the vehicle met the recall and order the parts. This was over 3 months ago. I called Ford about 1 month after my vehicle was inspected and spoke to a representative who informed me that the parts are in stock and are being shipped out upon ordering from the dealership. The dealership placed the order the same day they inspected the car. I have not heard any communication from Ford regarding this. I am cornered about water damage in my vehicle due to prolonged issue with not only the weather stripping but also missing the plastic piece (a-pillar). I have contacted the dealership multiple times and their hands are tied due to not having the parts needed to fix the recall.

I have been trying to get my vehicle fixed for safety recall 24s02 for months and the dealer keeps telling me they do not have the parts. I cannot use my car to go on trip or on freeways because of the windshield noise and I am afraid of something coming off and causing a wreck.

In addition to the details involving NHTSA safety recall 24v031, any trim at the top of the windshield has either deteriorated or fallen completely off, while the material below the windshield is rotting away. This all makes me worry that the windshield could potentially shatter or come off on the road. I am not sure when the problem occurred or started to occur and I just became aware of it.

The exterior "door entry keypad pillar molding trim" became detached from the vehicle and sent debris into the roadway while traveling on the highway. This component is the door access keypad found on the drivers side door of many Ford vehicles.