Recalls
13campaigns
4 structure · 4 suspension · 2 engine
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
1,696filed
Owner reports, 2013–2022 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
5★overall
★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
22mpg combined
$2,969/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.3 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic
7 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (13)
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Roof Rail Covers May Detach
Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported288,314 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V448000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
- 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.
29.5% repairedof 412,774 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V101000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported59,006 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V685000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver and Passenger Door Trim May Detach
Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported492,145 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V347000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach
Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- 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.
20.8% repairedof 1,889,110 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V031000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- 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.
66.8% repairedof 631,176 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V537000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Roof Rail Covers May Detach
Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
- 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.
71% repairedof 616,967 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V316000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- 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.
77.6% repairedof 454,941 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V675000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Front Seat Frames May Have Exposed Sharp Edges
Seats
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
- 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.
62.8% repairedof 311,907 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V651000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture
Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear 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.
64.1% repairedof 1,194,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V435000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Power Assisted Steering
Steering
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
- 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.
77.9% repairedof 253 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V530000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207
Seats
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- 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.
67% repairedof 2,204 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V332000
Listed for 2017 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Oil Leak from Turbocharger
Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · turbo/supercharger
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
- 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.
87.8% repairedof 1,163 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V925000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (1,696)
1,696 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.
34involved a crash
11involved a fire
51injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 1,696 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 657 | 38.7% |
| Unknown or other | 372 | 21.9% |
| Engine | 238 | 14% |
| Power train | 123 | 7.3% |
| Electrical system | 93 | 5.5% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 77 | 4.5% |
| Steering | 76 | 4.5% |
| Wheels | 60 | 3.5% |
| Suspension | 57 | 3.4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 45 | 2.7% |
How 2017 compares with other Explorer years
Best and worst Explorer years →20132,235
20141,679
20151,797
20162,458
20171,696
2018731
2019298
20201,226
2021434
2022267
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2,235 | 11 |
| 2014 | 1,679 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1,797 | 8 |
| 2016 | 2,458 | 14 |
| 2017 | 1,696 | 13 |
| 2018 | 731 | 7 |
| 2019 | 298 | 6 |
| 2020 | 1,226 | 33 |
| 2021 | 434 | 26 |
| 2022 | 267 | 24 |
This year (2017)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.4%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2017 Ford Explorer suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
22
mpg combined
19
city
27
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,050
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 408 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 | 408 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 | 430 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 452 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 452 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 | 475 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 | 475 |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2017 Explorer for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2017 Ford Explorer FAQ
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns: 26V448000 (structure), 26V101000 (suspension), 25V685000 (engine), 25V347000 (structure), 24V031000 (structure), 21V537000 (suspension), 21V316000 (structure), 20V675000 (suspension), 19V651000 (seat), 19V435000 (suspension), 17V530000 (steering), 17V332000 (seat), 16V925000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2017 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners filed 1,696 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (657), Unknown or other (372), Engine (238) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2017 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2017 Ford Explorer get?
NHTSA rated the 2017 Ford Explorer suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.4% rollover risk).
How does the 2017 Explorer compare with other years?
Among the 2013–2021 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (298) and the 2016 the most (2,458). The 2017 drew 1,696. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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