2017 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 808 federal NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
40 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield Trim Detachment
586complaintsSafety riskOtherWindshield trim panels detached at high speeds, posing a risk of debris hitting other vehicles.
- 3
Recall Non-Compliance
37complaintsMedium severityOtherVehicle recalls for structural issues are not timely addressed, leaving vehicles unsafe and prone to component detachment.
- 4
Water Pump Failure
37complaintsMedium severityOtherThe water pump failed, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating.
$400–$1,400est. water pump replacement · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
A-pillar trim detachment leading to safety risks
36complaintsSafety riskOtherA-pillar trim detaches from the windshield, posing a risk of injury or collision.
- 6
Transmission Issues
32complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctioned, causing loss of power and stalling during acceleration and deceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Recall repairs not available
20complaintsMedium severityOtherParts for NHTSA recall repairs are not available, leading to delays in necessary repairs.
- 10
B-Pillar Trim Failure
16complaintsHigh severityOtherThe B-pillar trim on both sides of the vehicle detaches while driving, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control.
- 11
Engine Overheating
15complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine starts overheating, potentially leading to internal damage and engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 16V925000, 25V685000
- 12
Engine Stall and Misfire
12complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfired and stalled, especially at startup, without warning lights.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 16V925000, 25V685000
- 14
Windshield Gasket Failure
9complaintsMedium severityOtherWindshield gaskets cracked and detached, leading to water ingress and structural damage.
- 15
Battery Drain Issues
8complaintsLow severityOtherThe vehicle experiences a constant drain on the battery, requiring frequent replacements.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Backup Camera Issues
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe backup camera image is distorted, and the backup assist lines are not present, potentially causing backing collisions or fatalities.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 18
Electrical system failures and recalls not being addressed
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalRecall issues related to electrical system components remain unresolved, leading to potential electrical failures.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 19
Electrical System Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple electrical components fail, including wipers, turn signals, and climate control systems.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 20
Passenger Side A-Pillar Trim Detachment
5complaintsHigh severityOtherThe passenger side A-pillar trim has detached from the vehicle while driving at various speeds.
- 21
Structural Defects
5complaintsMedium severityOtherVarious structural components detach or fail while driving, posing safety risks.
- 22
Transmission Failure
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission issues cause gear skipping and slipping, leading to vehicle instability and potential accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Windshield exterior B-pillar trim separation
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe exterior B-pillar trim on the windshield has separated, potentially affecting structural integrity.
- 24
Check Engine Light Issues
4complaintsMedium severityEngineCheck engine lights illuminate for various reasons, often indicating underlying mechanical issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 16V925000, 25V685000
- 25
Driver Side B-Pillar Trim Detachment
4complaintsHigh severityOtherThe driver side B-pillar trim has detached from the vehicle while driving at various speeds.
- 26
Engine Overheating and Loss of Power
4complaintsHigh severityOtherThe engine overheats and loses power, leading to potential loss of control and breakdowns.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Recall Non-Resolution
4complaintsHigh severityOtherMultiple unresolved recalls exist, leaving the vehicle with significant safety concerns and no available parts for repair.
- 28
Door Lock Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe door locks malfunction, preventing proper locking and unlocking of doors.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 29
Transmission failure and torque converter issues
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions and torque converter failures leading to vehicle stalling and shifting issues.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Windshield Seal Failure
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rubber seal around the windshield cracked and detached, allowing moisture to enter the vehicle.
- 31
Air Bag System Failures
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalAir bags fail to deploy during collisions, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 32
Airbag system malfunction
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe airbag light frequently comes on, indicating potential issues with the airbag system.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 33
Back Over Prevention System Failures
2complaintsMedium severityOtherBack over prevention systems fail to display rearview images, compromising safety during reversing maneuvers.
- 34
Engine Coolant Intrusion
2complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant intrusion into the engine causes misfires and overheating, potentially leading to engine failure.
Related recalls: 16V925000, 25V685000
- 35
Engine misfire and coolant leakage
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and coolant leaks, potentially leading to engine damage.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 16V925000, 25V685000
- 36
Steering Column Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system failed, causing the steering wheel to become firm and difficult to operate.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V530000
- 37
Sunroof Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe sunroof gets stuck in the open position, preventing proper closure and creating an unsafe condition during rain.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 38
Suspension Bushing Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension bushings split, causing the vehicle to sway and rattle, affecting ride quality and safety.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V435000, 21V537000, 20V675000, 26V101000
- 39
Suspension Component Failures
2complaintsLow severitySuspensionSuspension components, such as toe links and roof rails, have detached or separated, leading to vehicle instability.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V435000, 21V537000, 20V675000, 26V101000
- 40
Windshield wiper malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield wipers activate automatically, even when it is not raining, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.