2017 Ford Explorer · recalls
2017 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recalls that include the 2017 Ford Explorer. The newest, 26V-448, was filed Jul 14, 2026 for the structure. 4 of them are on the structure.
- 14recalls
- 7systems
- 1,691owner complaints
Newest recall or investigation Jul 14, 2026 · checked Sep 22, 2026
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN, and a finished repair drops it off the list. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Every recall, newest first
Structure:Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: 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.
656 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the structure, 260 of them the same part of it (Structure:Body). Symptom sheets that include this system: Windshield cracks or distorts (285) · Water leaks into the cabin (61) · Paint peels or body rusts (30).
What owners wrote about body
“Driving on Interstate 95 at 70mph, windshield pillar on left side broke away and hit a gentleman on a motorcycle behind me in the face shield of his helmet. I pulled over to apologize profusely. Right side is loose aswell and plastic abs wiper Cowl is dry rotted and flapping making noisy whistling. Under 65K miles. It started at 45K. This is terrifying and now a eyesore. Please investigate this.”
Filed Feb 19, 2022 · 65,000 miles
“All of the plastic trim around my car including the both my passenger and driver side windshield trim molding pieces on the exterior of the car are coming very loose. I'm worried it may become dangerous if they fly off while driving.”
Filed Sep 19, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Suspension:Rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk: 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.
57 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the suspension system, 2 of them the same part of it (Suspension:Rear). Symptom sheets that include this system: Suspension noise, struts or alignment (57).
What owners wrote about rear
“Was driving 35mph and rear left toe link snapped causing the car to swerve into another car. There is a recall on it from Ford but I do not have any outstanding recalls.”
Filed Aug 8, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater
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.
Risk: 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.
3 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the equipment. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine overheats or leaks coolant (125) · Water leaks into the cabin (61) · Check engine light or misfire (59) · Engine stalls or loses power while driving (51).
Structure:Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Risk: 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.
656 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the structure, 260 of them the same part of it (Structure:Body). Symptom sheets that include this system: Windshield cracks or distorts (285) · Water leaks into the cabin (61) · Paint peels or body rusts (30).
What owners wrote about body
“Driving on Interstate 95 at 70mph, windshield pillar on left side broke away and hit a gentleman on a motorcycle behind me in the face shield of his helmet. I pulled over to apologize profusely. Right side is loose aswell and plastic abs wiper Cowl is dry rotted and flapping making noisy whistling. Under 65K miles. It started at 45K. This is terrifying and now a eyesore. Please investigate this.”
Filed Feb 19, 2022 · 65,000 miles
“All of the plastic trim around my car including the both my passenger and driver side windshield trim molding pieces on the exterior of the car are coming very loose. I'm worried it may become dangerous if they fly off while driving.”
Filed Sep 19, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
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.
Risk: 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.
656 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the structure, 271 of them the same part of it (Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars). Symptom sheets that include this system: Windshield cracks or distorts (285) · Water leaks into the cabin (61) · Paint peels or body rusts (30).
What owners wrote about roof and pillars
“Driving on Interstate 95 at 70mph, windshield pillar on left side broke away and hit a gentleman on a motorcycle behind me in the face shield of his helmet. I pulled over to apologize profusely. Right side is loose aswell and plastic abs wiper Cowl is dry rotted and flapping making noisy whistling. Under 65K miles. It started at 45K. This is terrifying and now a eyesore. Please investigate this.”
Filed Feb 19, 2022 · 65,000 miles
“A Pillar trim broke and flew off. This happened on both sides of the windshield. Passenger side hit windshield and ejected over vehicle. Drivers side slammed to drivers door window then continued on behind vehicle. If window had been open the sharp edges plastic would have hit driver. Motorcycles or convertibles behind vehicle may also be in danger.”
Filed Jul 11, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Suspension:Rear
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.
Risk: 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.
57 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the suspension system, 2 of them the same part of it (Suspension:Rear). Symptom sheets that include this system: Suspension noise, struts or alignment (57).
What owners wrote about rear
“Was driving 35mph and rear left toe link snapped causing the car to swerve into another car. There is a recall on it from Ford but I do not have any outstanding recalls.”
Filed Aug 8, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Structure:Body
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.
Risk: 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.
656 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the structure, 260 of them the same part of it (Structure:Body). Symptom sheets that include this system: Windshield cracks or distorts (285) · Water leaks into the cabin (61) · Paint peels or body rusts (30).
What owners wrote about body
“Driving on Interstate 95 at 70mph, windshield pillar on left side broke away and hit a gentleman on a motorcycle behind me in the face shield of his helmet. I pulled over to apologize profusely. Right side is loose aswell and plastic abs wiper Cowl is dry rotted and flapping making noisy whistling. Under 65K miles. It started at 45K. This is terrifying and now a eyesore. Please investigate this.”
Filed Feb 19, 2022 · 65,000 miles
“All of the plastic trim around my car including the both my passenger and driver side windshield trim molding pieces on the exterior of the car are coming very loose. I'm worried it may become dangerous if they fly off while driving.”
Filed Sep 19, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Suspension:Rear
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.
Risk: 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.
57 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the suspension system, 2 of them the same part of it (Suspension:Rear). Symptom sheets that include this system: Suspension noise, struts or alignment (57).
What owners wrote about rear
“Was driving 35mph and rear left toe link snapped causing the car to swerve into another car. There is a recall on it from Ford but I do not have any outstanding recalls.”
Filed Aug 8, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Seats
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Risk: 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.
16 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the seats. Symptom sheets that include this system: Seat belt or seat problems (39).
Suspension:Rear
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.
Risk: 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.
57 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the suspension system, 2 of them the same part of it (Suspension:Rear). Symptom sheets that include this system: Suspension noise, struts or alignment (57).
What owners wrote about rear
“Was driving 35mph and rear left toe link snapped causing the car to swerve into another car. There is a recall on it from Ford but I do not have any outstanding recalls.”
Filed Aug 8, 2021
A complaint on the same system is not proof of the recalled defect.
Wheels:Hub
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
60 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the wheels. Symptom sheets that include this system: Wheel bearing, tires or wheels (76).
Steering
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.
Risk: 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.
76 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the steering system. Symptom sheets that include this system: Power steering cuts out or goes heavy (30).
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
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."
Risk: 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.
16 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the seats. Symptom sheets that include this system: Seat belt or seat problems (39).
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger
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.
Risk: 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.
77 of the 1,691 owner complaints on this car cite the engine and engine cooling. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine overheats or leaks coolant (125) · Check engine light or misfire (59) · Engine stalls or loses power while driving (51) · Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (40).
Complaints with no recall behind them
The systems owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer complain about most that none of these recalls covers, as of Sep 22, 2026. A problem can be widespread without being a safety defect NHTSA can order fixed.
- Engine: 237 complaints, no recalloverheating · misfire
- Transmission and drivetrain: 123 complaints, no recallstalling · transmission shudder
- Electrical: 93 complaints, no recallwater leak · misfire
- Fuel and propulsion: 44 complaints, no recallmisfire · stalling
- Windshield and wipers: 44 complaints, no recallwindshield · water leak
NHTSA investigations
Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.
NHTSA summary
Exhaust odor in passenger cab. Closed jan 17, 2023.
NHTSA summary
More on the 2017 Ford Explorer
Problems by mileage on the 2017 Ford Explorer · Ford Explorer years to avoid