2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels
- 76owner reports
- 20,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 10, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
76 of the 1,683 complaints on this car describe wheels. Only windshield is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 76 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the tires (71 reports) and the wheel (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the wheels covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
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.
NHTSA investigations into the wheels on the Explorer
Tire valve cracking. Closed apr 9, 2009.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 13,100 and 25,000 miles, from the 63 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Rear suspension toe links have failed after prior recall repair in Canada in May of 2022. The vehicle is now registered in the US and the recall repair has failed causing driving, suspension, and extreme tire wearing.”
Filed Jun 10, 2026
“Rear toe links, rear alignment is off. Dealership said they canât fix it. My tires are wearing incredibly fast.”
Filed Nov 26, 2024
“Tow links from my vehicle is going bad. Vehicle fish tails a little on the highway when traveling on uneven surface. Knuckles have been replaced and Link-Stabilizer on both side by my mechanic. Ford STATED they replaced in May 2022 (never did) I had the original parts that came with vehicle. Ford refuses to reimburse. I'm concern now that the tow links are going bad and vehicle will soon be unsafe to drive.”
Filed Apr 20, 2023
“Need a new transmission when I need to press the gas it wonât go it like Iâm just pushing the gas in park”
Filed Mar 13, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 76 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.
Other problems on this car
- Windshield cracks or distorts 285 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 56 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 38 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
- Paint peels or body rusts 30 reports