There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorerin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
Vehicle experienced white exhaust smoke due to oil entering the exhaust system, caused by turbocharger failure. This led to contamination and failure of all O2 sensors, requiring full replacement, along with replacement of both turbochargers. The radiator also failed and had to be replaced. This appears to be a cascading mechanical failure affecting multiple major systems, including the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical components, rather than normal wear and tear. The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable, leaving me without transportation during a period of financial hardship. The severity and extent of repairs raise concern about a potential broader defect. This also created a safety concern due to excessive exhaust smoke and reduced vehicle reliability while in operation.
I spoke to the service manager at Hub City Ford located at [XXX] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue however once they left I notice that they only fixed to left and right side and did not fix the top and bottom of window so I called the manager back. The manager insisted that this was the only parts they were going to fix and if we wanted the rest fixed we would have to pay out of pocket which would’ve cost around $800. This is very concerning to me because why would they only fix half of the problem with no explanation on why the rest would not be fixed. Since then I have called to complain about the loud whistling that is still there and now water is leaking inside of vehicle. Since the leak started we have has problems with the electrical system and windshield wipers coming on with no rain. I really need help because this is the only vehicle I have to drive to my doctors appointments as an elderly [XXX] ), wheelchair bound female. If the vehicle electrical system were to fail I would be stranded wherever it breaks down because my vehicle carries my wheelchair on a lift. I am also considered fully disabled and so I only receive Social Security as my primary income. I can not afford the $800 cost of fixing a problem that is a clear malfunction of the vehicle versus wear and tear problem. I have not where else to turn and since I live in [XXX] now my means of getting around f consist of my daughter using my vehicle to take me to appointments because I no longer have a driver’s license. I am dependent of my vehicle and the rain in BEH is getting worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.
In January of 2025 the rear windshield suddenly blew a hole in it after starting the vehicle with the remote start. I was advised that due to the cold temperatures and then the heat from the rear defrost caused this to occur. On Wednesday 12/31/25, the same exact thing happened. My vehicle was parked at my home in the garage when I remote started it. A few minutes later, my daughter and I got in, started it, then proceeded to back up when we heard a loud boom. Same thing happened as the first issue in January of 2025. No reason, no damage and it blows a hole it in near the rear wiper. This is causing glass shards to explode into the interior.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while having an Emission test performed on the vehicle to have the vehicle registered, the test discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. Upon purchase of the vehicle, the contact was provided a Carfax report that stated that the mileage was 103,000. The vehicle was a dealer sale purchased on November 23, 2025. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 103,000 and it was later discovered that the mileage was 243,402.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 58,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with a local independent mechanic, that the mileage had been altered; however, unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that at start up, the contact became aware that the ON/OFF ignition switch was fractured, and a half of the ignition switch was missing. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor
Constant fail of O2 sensor and ABS causing check engine and ABS lights to come on. After diagnosis, did research and it is a common problem on Ford Explorers
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
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.`
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the keyless entry failed to function as intended. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while seated in the parked vehicle, the rear passenger’s side head restraint became unhinged. The contact stated that the exterior front driver’s side pin paddle had failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the railings on the rear passenger’s side seats were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,208.
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. just one online example there are many videos and how to repair post and complaints: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Driving on the highway heard large rattling noise coming from engine loss of power engine light came on battery light came on no acceleration cause to slow down on highway fortunately I was able to get to shoulder had it towed to service shop had p0012 code tensioner may have broken off on timing belt causing low oil pressure and causing engine rattling noise and engine shut down but service garage don’t do that type of work
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Liftgate Ajar" message was displayed. The contact's husband pulled over and inspected the trunk, and the trunk was properly closed. The contact's husband then became aware that while opening the front driver's side door, the keyless entry keypad had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang, and the "Door Ajar" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and noticed that the front driver's side keyless entry keypad had detached, exposing the wires from the door. The contact drove to her destination, but the rear liftgate failed to open as needed and the interior lights failed to turn off. The contact purchased and replaced the 10-amp fuse under the steering wheel, which resolved the failure with the rear liftgate and the interior lights; however, the front driver's side keyless entry keypad was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026