94 of the 2,043 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer are about the electrical system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 46,500 miles.
94
Complaints
3
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle ACM shorted and caused a fire while driving. My safety was put as risk because the car quickly filled with smoke and unbearable fumes causing me to swerve and attempt to find a safe place to pull over.
NHTSA complaint #11753538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.
NHTSA complaint #11752959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, inspected, and confirmed that the driver’s side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that the electrical system on the tailgate had stopped working as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the tailgate would not open because the electrical system was disconnected, and the trim had fallen off. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the dome light remained illuminated and turned off approximately 4-5 seconds later. Additionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R) on several occasions, the dome light illuminated, and the contact was unable to see out of the rear window. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.
NHTSA complaint #11748550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was provided a report at the time of the purchase by the dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 55717. After obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 80,758. No other agency was contacted. The VIN was not provided.
NHTSA complaint #11736506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11734320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11728828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11728836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11728501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously tape the area to door which is not ordeal nor a forever fix. The b pillar is held on by wires that are slowly breaking. The wires lead to a hole that is inside my door. the opening exposes from the outside, meaning if it rains or snows, it is getting inside the hole, into my car door. If the recall piece ever came in, my door has already experienced neglect and issues. I'm concerned this will lead to corrosion, electrical complications and additional mechanical failures. Also, if it is not taped up correctly, air blows directly into the car door, into the cabin while driving onto my feet causing extreme cold exposure and physical harm and making it hard to operate the vehicle. It's very painful and also not ideal, especially when I also have a full time job and 3 kids to worry about. I currently owe 12k still on the vehicle and want to replace it with a safer vehicle. I should not have to be miserable every single day and put me and my kids in danger and also let my vehicle deteriorate while i wait for this recall piece on top of having to pay the remaining balance of this vehicle. I respectfully request that nhtsa review this complaint and investigate before anymore physical, emotional, financially harm is done.
NHTSA complaint #11712412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.
NHTSA complaint #11712264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11708192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11693822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor
NHTSA complaint #11692240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11687050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently found out about a Ford recall regarding the backup cameras malfunctioning which did not include my vehicle even though my vehicle is showing the unsafe defect. The backup camera goes fuzzy/glitchy as well as black sometimes while backing up.
NHTSA complaint #11686703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve been experiencing a buzzing sound whenever I turn the steering wheel, and the more I drive the vehicle, the louder the noise becomes. I took it to a local shop, and they advised me that the power steering rack is going bad — a very common issue in 2017–2019 Ford Explorers, especially around the 100,000-mile mark. They provided a quote of $2,652.86 to have it replaced. I was also warned that if it’s not replaced soon, the steering could lock up while driving, preventing me from turning the wheel, which poses a serious safety risk. No warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared, which makes the issue even more concerning.
NHTSA complaint #11679111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
intermittened starting problems, vechile wont start, clicks, then starts and power train light comes on. Waiting at a red light, press the gas and the car does not go, also when speeding up transmission slips.
NHTSA complaint #11677550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.`
NHTSA complaint #11671991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a constant drain on the battery and overnight the battery can go dead. I replace the battery every 6 months to a year and have been doing that ever since we purchased it. The dealership wants $250 to diagnose it. It's been a problem from day 1. Even when we took it to get serviced and they kept it overnight - the same thing happened at the dealership, but they just ignored it. That was when it was under warranty. I read on the internet that several people have this same problem. I feel this should be a recall. I have a 2017 Ford Platinum
NHTSA complaint #11665069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11653234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal beeping sound, the cabin lights illuminated unintendedly, and the message "Tailgate Ajar" was displayed. The contact decelerated and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact then became aware that the front driver's side door exterior keypad trim had detached and had fractured into two pieces, causing damage to the keypad wiring system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the keypad needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the part from the manufacturer's website, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the part was installed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger seatbelt frayed, inside electrical goes haywire when cold weather, transmission slipping was rebuilt under warranty lasted one week and is slipping again shifting hard, B panels falling off A panel was recalled but panel wasn’t?
NHTSA complaint #11647199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11636365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11611949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.