2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Paint peels or body rusts
- 30owner reports
- 55,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
657 of the 1,693 complaints on this car are about the structure. 30 of those describe paint.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Paint on other Explorer years
No other Explorer model year has enough reports of paint for a sheet of its own. See every Explorer year.
What this problem usually is
Paint complaints come in two shapes: clear coat or color peeling off the roof and hood, and rust breaking through the body. About a third of the complaints here mention the roof or hood and about a third mention rust or corrosion, and a good share of them are about who pays for the fix.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the panel (23 reports) and the repaint (14 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the structure cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
All 14 recalls on the 2017 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the structure on the Explorer
Underbody shields detachment. Closed apr 9, 2026.
Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.
Rear liftgate glass hatch failure. Closed oct 24, 2008.
Rear liftgate glass assembly. Closed sep 28, 2004, led to recall 04V-442.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed oct 20, 2000.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed apr 14, 2000.
Liftgate support bracket failure. Open, led to recall 99V-310.
Heavy lateral vibration. Closed feb 4, 1998.
Sunroof shattering and separation. Closed jan 20, 1998, led to recall 97V-235.
Sunroof (air roof) shatter. Closed may 23, 1997.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 43,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
What owners wrote
“I went to open my hatch and the bolts have completely rusted through to the point of detaching the rear hatch/trunk on the left side due to rust corrosion. Car is in a shop but I am told this might be a ford defect. I have had multiple people tell me of huge rust issues from the rack into the rear trunk/hatch door.”
Filed Jan 17, 2026
“There's an open recall, I am not sure this is part of it. This part is falling off LH Door Entry Keypad Pillar and the RH Door Entry fell off while driving and I had to get it replaced. The paint of the hood is also bubbling up and chipping. I thought it was just wear. My step father has a 2016 version and he hardly dives it and it is happening to his too.”
Filed Jul 29, 2024
“The hood on the vehicle has decay/bubbling. It is most prevalent along the front edge of the hood. I am not sure if this affects the structural integrity, safety worthiness, or latching aspects of the hood. If so, this is a major concern for all owners of this vehicle. I was made aware by another owner of same make and model that this is common occurrence.”
Filed Aug 30, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 418 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 285 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 125 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 76 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 65 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 61 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 59 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 57 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 51 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 50 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 40 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 39 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 34 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 34 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports