2017 Ford Explorer fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 236,000 miles has an ongoing EVAP/fuel vapor system problem that causes the vehicle to hesitate, stumble, and attempt to stall. The problem occurs most frequently after refueling and also when the fuel level is low. The check-engine light comes on repeatedly, and despite numerous repair attempts, the issue has not been corrected. Repairs and parts replaced have included the purge valve, EVAP-related sensor(s), charcoal canister(s), and associated tubing. Significant money has been spent diagnosing and repairing this condition, but the symptoms continue. After filling the fuel tank, the engine may run rough, hesitate, lose power, and attempt to stall. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power or stall while driving, entering traffic, slowing for intersections, or operating in other traffic situations. The condition has persisted despite replacement of multiple EVAP system components. Based on the repeated failures and inability to permanently correct the issue, I believe this may indicate a defect affecting other vehicles of the same model year. I am requesting that this issue be investigated due to the potential safety risk associated with engine hesitation, loss of power, and stalling.

NHTSA complaint #11744673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION 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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 WATERPUMP FAILED AND LEAKED WATER INTO MY OIL AND BLEW MY ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND I COULD NOT DRIVE. I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WATERPUMP IS NOT A RECALL BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL . THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. 2. PILLAR/TRIM RECALL IS NOT FIXED AND WATER IS GETTING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND SHORTING OUT MY PLUGS AND WIRES AND STAHLING MY CAR WHEN IT RAINS. NO WARNING SIGNS OR LIGHTS FOR EITHER PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE RECAL . I WAS JUST TOLD FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED A REPAIR SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. THIS RECAL IS FROM 1/19/2024

NHTSA complaint #11730171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

It is known that for the specific year make and model that the water pump goes out around 100,000 miles. This water pump was built as an internal water pump, which is not typical for most cars. in order to fix this part, the engine has to be taken out and lots of parts have to be disassembled Just to get to it. The part Itself is fairly cheap, but the labor cost thousands of dollars due to where it is located. Ford knowingly built this car and put that pump where it is at and therefore should be reliable to pay the cost when it is so common that this part goes out around 100,000 miles. if it is a known issue that occurs on these models frequently then it should become a recall because a failing water pump can cause significant issues within the engine and make the vehicle in operable.

NHTSA complaint #11688865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and vibrated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to partially coast to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,084.

NHTSA complaint #11673372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance and an oil and filter change, it was discovered that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 88,762.

NHTSA complaint #11665314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring turbocharger issue in my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ). In April 2024, I was forced to replace the turbocharger system at a cost of approximately $2,500. Despite the repair, my vehicle continues to have serious performance issues. Most recently, the check engine light returned, and a diagnostic scan from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed error code P219A – Bank 1 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance. This code indicates that the engine is still not functioning correctly—pointing to a likely underlying or unresolved defect. During the initial failure, oil leaked extensively into the engine bay and burned off in thick white smoke while I was driving. It was a serious safety concern, and the cause was consistent with Ford’s existing recall for this engine (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000), which was limited to the Police Interceptor Utility model despite the civilian Sport version using the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and components. It is extremely concerning that my vehicle—outside of the official recall range—suffered the same turbo failure and now continues to show problems even after a costly repair. Either the mechanic’s initial repair was incomplete, or the core design flaw that caused the issue in the first place is still at play, meaning this problem may continue to repeat itself. I respectfully request that: 1.Ford expand the recall to include vehicles with the same components and failures, regardless of their designation. 2.NHTSA investigate the scope of this issue across the broader 2017 Explorer Sport lineup. 3.Ford provide reimbursement or support for the costly repair, which has not resolved the issue. 4.Ford issue a technical service bulletin or revised part guidance if this is an ongoing engineering issue. I am happy to provide full documentation, photos, and service records if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11663525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Water pump failure, causing over heating in vehicle , not even 100,000miles. Causing to leave us stranded on the road. Apparently there's a lot of complains for this pump causing issues. Please look into this and start a recall process.

NHTSA complaint #11657431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION 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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL TANK LEAK. Heavy odor of gasoline when tank full. Independent mechanic checked for cause and observed residue around the tank where gasoline had escaped from top of tank. Ford Dealership did a diagnosis and subsequent repair, finding that gasket, on top of the tank at the sending unit/fuel pump had cracked, allowing gasoline and fumes to escape. The position is in immediate proximity of the vehicle exhaust pipes. - Repaired by Ford Dealership as an absolute necessity for safety, to avoid a potential fire from gasoline dripping on exhaust pipes either while in motion or parked.

NHTSA complaint #11591514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed a full tank; however, the Distance To Empty indicator was incorrect. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump monitor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.

NHTSA complaint #11578963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Apparently Ford is aware that there is a know issue with the Ford Explorer Water Pump failure which is causing water pump leakage inside engine mixing coolant and oil. This has been reported by thousands of consumers who are faced with an average cost of about $3000 to get this resolved. This should be considered a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11555800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The water pump went bad which cost me 1500 dollars and the shop whom done it had replaced 15 water pumps on the exact make and model car as mine this year!

NHTSA complaint #11534879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WATER PUMP LEAKING

NHTSA complaint #11532646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fuel vapor purge valve keeps going out or sticking causing RPMS to rev up, vehicle has shut off while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11531584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Both turbos failed and so did the water pump. Less than 90,000 miles. When the turbos failed, there was smoke from the tailpipes. Then there was noise under the hood. When the water pump failed, there was water leaking under the vehicle. Yes, the problem was diagnosed and fixed by the Ford dealership. One of the turbos was fixed last year. The water pump was fixed in December. The other turbo is waiting to be fixed because Ford changed the part due to manufacturing issues and we are currently going on 3 months without a vehicle. The turbos or water pump failure would have been a catastrophic engine failure at some point. Apparently this is a known issue with the 3.5L EcoBoost engines, but Ford has not issued a recall. Fortunately I have a Blue Oval Certified warranty on my Explorer, so the repair is covered. There were no lamps or warning lights during the part failures. I did not let the car overheat when the water pump was failing.

NHTSA complaint #11513029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I bought the car from modern Corp s in Fort Myers Florida and the brakes are bad the catalytic converters are melted the steering makes noise sounds like it's just going to break in half we have a warranty and they will not honor any of it after they said they would we had to put it in the shop not even a week of having it because of the AC and the only thing the warranty covered was the sway bars ball joints and a couple other things I drive this car every single day I just feel like this car is not going to make it nobody wants to honor the word about anything and I see there is a recall for the roof rack one side of it is missing if anybody can help me that would be great because I would love to get my vehicle repaired the right way

NHTSA complaint #11496699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.

NHTSA complaint #11496266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Carbon monoxide leaking into my car—tailgate area and through the front hvac. Weird sound from engine that sounds and smells like electrical burning or something overheating.

NHTSA complaint #11479915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH

NHTSA complaint #11445173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have been experiencing the smell of gas/exhaust leaking into the cabin. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am concern with the health issues that this smell could put my family and I in. Specially if theirs a possibility that carbon monoxide could be leaking into the cabin. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I had the vehicle inspected by Ford but they advise that they couldn’t reproduce the smell. They also advice that their were a two drain plugs missing in the lift gate which would resolve the issue if replaced. I have replaced the two missing plugs and continue to experience the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?no

NHTSA complaint #11420665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR OFF. WHEN FILLING TANK, WHEN IT'S FULL AND THE PUMP CLICKS OFF THAT YOUR TANK IS FULL AND YOU PULL THE GAS PUMP OUT THE CAR IT SPILLS OUT FUEL THERE'S NO SAFETY OR STOP EVERY TIME I FILL MY GAS TANK GAS COMES OUT DOWN THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE NEW.

NHTSA complaint #11388945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2017 FORD EXPLORER BASE MODEL WE HAD OUR VEHICLE "FIXED" FOR THE CARBON MONOXIDE DEFECT ON JUNE 24, 2020. IT IS NOW 7/9/2020 AND OUR CO ALARM IN THE VEHICLE IS STILL PICKING UP AT LEAST 11PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AFTER TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THESE OCCURRENCES ARE SPORADIC, NOT CONSISTENT WITH EACH USE OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11338623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STRONG SULPHUR SMELL ENTERS CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING. NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT.

NHTSA complaint #11330876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN GEAR IT DOESN'T ENGAGE! IT FEELS LIKE IT IS ALWAYS IN NEUTRAL AND IT HAS A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES TO ME. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND NOW THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED

NHTSA complaint #11321669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RE: 2017 FORD EXPLORER. CAR DYING OUT ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. A SCARY THING HAPPENED ON RT #619 TODAY IN HARTVILLE. THAT IS, THE CAR DIED OUT HALFWAY OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY, IT PAUSES FOR SOME SECONDS WHERE THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOTHING. THEN IT PICKS UP BY ITSELF. THE THROTTLE DOES NOTHING. NONE OF THESE ACTIONS ARE DESIRABLE. THESE BEHAVIORS PUT US IN GREAT DANGER. SO LET'S SEE, THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE MORNING I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP (MONDAY 01-06-2020). AND, IT HAPPENED ONCE THE 2ND DAY BACK TO ME ON FRIDAY 01-31-2019. BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN FOR YOU IN THE 4 WEEKS YOU HAD IT TO TEST. AMAZING ISN'T IT? WELL, I THINK I'M GOING TO GO ALONG WITH THE MANY OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE THAT REPORT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM THAT I EXPERIENCE. IN MY CAR, IT'S BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE NEW. I DO BELIEVE FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO BELIEVE THEY'RE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT UNTIL THEY'RE MADE TO. WHEN I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER, HE SAID TO ME: "FORD TOLD US NOT TO DO ANYTHING UNLESS YOU CAN VERIFY IT." SO, YOU JUST DON'T VERIFY IT. IN "FORD THINK" THIS MUST MEAN THE PROBLEM DOESN'T EXIST. THIS PUTS ME IN MIND OF SOME YEARS BACK WHEN CARS WERE TAKING OFF BY THEMSELVES. PINNING, INJURING, AND EVEN KILLING SOME OWNERS. IT'S ODD, BUT IT WAS THE SAME THING BACK THEN. IT'S THE DRIVERS, THEY'RE DOING SOMETHING WRONG. IT'S NOT OUR CARS, AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I'M BEING TOLD NOW. IT'S MY DRIVING HABITS. THE SAME HABITS THAT DON'T EFFECT MY OTHER 5 CARS. I DID NOT BELIEVE IT THEN, NOR DO I BELIEVE IT NOW. FORD SEEMS TO HAVE AN ODD MINDSET. TO FIND SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO BE LOOKING FOR IT. AND, I ALSO REPORTED TO YOU THAT THE SYNC SYSTEM WAS GOING CRAZY, MAKING ADJUSTMENTS THAT WEREN'T NEEDED OR CALLED FOR. IT HAS TO BE CONTINUALLY READJUSTED. DID IT NOT DO THAT EITHER? IT DID IT FOR ME THE MINUTE I STARTED IT UP. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11306450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TAKATA RECALL AFTER PURCHASING 2017 EXPLORER NOTICED SEVERE HEADACHES, DIGESTION PROBLEMS, DROWSINESS, DIFFICULTY FOCUSING DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERING THE CABIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL BUT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THAT THEY SOLVED THE ISSUE. ALSO NOTICED A RUMBLING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING LEFT UNDER ACCELERATION, FEELING LIKE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WOULD NEVER EXPECT SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO OCCUR ON A $47K CAR WITH ONLY 30K MILES.

NHTSA complaint #11243167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO WORK, I NOTICED I WAS VERY TIRED AND WAS FIGHTING TO KEEP MY EYES OPEN. I DOZED OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALMOST HIT SOMEONE HEAD ON. THIS HAPPENED FOR MONTHS. I THEN NOTICED I STARTED HAVING HEADACHES AND COULD NOT FOCUS ON MY COMPUTER AT WORK. I INSTALLED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN MY VEHICLE AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE "POTENTIAL" ISSUE, AS THE DEALERSHIP CALLED IT. THE DETECTOR REGISTERED 12-16 PPM'S MOST DAYS. I'M HORRIFIED TO THINK ABOUT THE EXPOSURE I'VE HAD FOR THE LAST 2.5 YEARS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO FORD TO CORRECT THE "POTENTIAL" ISSUE. A FEW DAYS AFTER PICKING IT UP, THE DETECTOR WENT OFF AGAIN, REGISTERING 10 PPM'S. I WAS ON A 2.5 HOUR TRIP HOME AND HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN 6 TIMES BECAUSE THE DETECTOR KEPT GOING OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11204417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES GAVE THE CONTACT HEADACHES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA complaint #11196569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.