2017 Ford Explorer other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2017 Ford Explorer is subject to Ford Safety Recall 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for exterior A-pillar trim that may detach from the vehicle. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer, and the dealer confirmed that my vehicle is covered by the recall. However, the dealer informed me that the required Ford recall replacement part is unavailable and that they have not received these parts for an extended period of time. The A-pillar molding on my vehicle has actually detached and flown off the vehicle while driving on TWO separate occasions. Replacement aftermarket molding has not provided a reliable solution. This is therefore not a hypothetical or cosmetic concern. The failure described in Ford's safety recall has occurred twice on my vehicle. Ford's recall identifies detached A-pillar trim as a potential road hazard that can increase the risk of a crash. Despite the known safety defect and the repeated occurrence on my vehicle, I cannot obtain the Ford recall repair because the authorized dealer cannot obtain the required Ford replacement part. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's inability to provide a timely recall remedy for Recall 24S02, including the continuing unavailability of the required replacement parts. My vehicle currently remains subject to an acknowledged safety recall for a failure that has already occurred twice.

NHTSA complaint #11756043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I EXPERIENCED BOTH TRIM PANELS ON MY EXPLORER RIPPING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY POSSIBLY CAUSING THEM TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THE FORD DEALER IN LAS VEGAS TO GET THE RECALL ITEM REPAIRED. THEY INSPECTED IT AND DETERMINED THAT MY DAMAGE WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED OVER ONE YEAR AGO. I RECEIVED AS RECENTLY AS NOVEMBER 2025 A LETTER FROM FORD INFORMING ME AGAIN OF THE RECALL. I CONTACTED MY DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT FORD DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE REPAIR PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT IS NOW APPROACHING TWO YEARS SINCE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FORD TO GET THE REPAIR PARTS AND CORRECT THE DAMANGE TO MY VEHICLE?

NHTSA complaint #11754207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This concern is related to the widespread failure of exterior paint / clear coat with Ford vehicles. What is known as "crows feet" - that is, the cracking of the clear coat - is becoming increasingly apparent on my black 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, which has been carefully maintained and garage kept for at least 50% of its life. The cracks look like sharp edges in the shape of a crow's foot left indentations in the paint. The appearance of the cracking on a metallic paint is difficult to capture with photos, but very apparent to the naked eye. The crows feet started showing-up approximately four years ago, and it was only recently that I learned what it was and that it is a "known" problem with Ford's paint. This problem is endemic of an issue with the paint, primer or hardener used by Ford during the manufacturing process. In other words, the issue is the result of poor materials and workmanship. Furthermore, the issue is widespread and known to have affected countless owners across multiple models and year models.

NHTSA complaint #11749810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

seal around front driver door and passenger doors are coming off and can cause a hazard. there is a recall issued for this from may 2025 but no remedy has been provided from ford for over a year now. this is not what i consider a remedy in a timely fashion as it could come off and possibly cause me to get into a crash.

NHTSA complaint #11748696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Regarding Safety Recall Notice 25S53 / NHTSA Recall 25V347, I received the recall literature June 2025. This past week, a trim piece in this recall came off the vehicle while in motion. This is a safety hazard and can cause accidents. Upon reaching out to Ford, NO remedy is available and might have something (might) November 2026. That is too long to wait for other pieces to fall off and possibly create accidents. I can't understand why it has taken over a year now to come up with a remedy. Obviously they are aware of the seriousness of this failure, and this should be addressed ASAP!

NHTSA complaint #11746093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The A-pillar appliqué trim bordering my windshield on both sides has become loose and has been detaching and flying into the road unexpectedly while I’m driving. I have been waiting over 18 months now for parts to become available for this repair as the hazard continues to become worse. The recall details indicate “ FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH ITS SUPPLIERS TO PRODUCE PARTS FOR THIS REPAIR. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOTIFY YOU VIA MAIL TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DEALER FOR REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE PARTS AND LABOR. PARTS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE AVAILABLE TOWARD THE LATTER HALF OF 2024.” but I have yet to be contacted to have this repair completed. I am filing this complaint because Ford has failed to address this repair in a timely manner.

NHTSA complaint #11740600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN. The rubber seals and plastics that hold my windhield in place are all cracking and fading significantly faster than they should be. The windshield has started leaking due to the fact that ford has not ensured that the peices were up protected

NHTSA complaint #11736112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a 2017 Ford Explorer, that has a recall of A pillar trim piece, which I have been trying to get replaced since 2024. To date the dealership is telling me they don’t have the part. This part on the driver side has come off and I am concerned the passenger side will. I can only hope it does not come off and cause damage to other vehicles. Ford has issued a recall and is not provided the necessary part. This is a safety concern and I wish to file a complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11735701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with the 3.5L V6 engine due to a known internal water pump design defect. The water pump is located internally and driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant can leak directly into the engine crankcase and mix with motor oil instead of leaking externally where it would be easier to detect. This creates a serious safety hazard because the engine can suffer catastrophic damage, sudden failure, loss of power, or complete shutdown, sometimes with little or no warning. In my case, the vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with internal water pump failure, including my car overheating out of nowhere, forcing me to coast to the side of the highway in very unsafe conditions. This defect can destroy the engine and create dangerous driving conditions, especially if power loss occurs while driving with children or passengers, thankfully I didn't have any of my three children with me when this happened. This appears to affect many Ford Explorer vehicles from similar model years, and numerous owners have reported similar failures. The repair cost is extremely high because replacement often requires major engine disassembly or full engine replacement. I am currently financing this vehicle with a balance of $14,000 left to pay and have already paid close to $28,000. This is extremely unfair and the cost to repair is close to $5,000. I don't see a way for myself to afford that. I believe Ford should be required to address this issue because: The design can allow coolant contamination inside the engine without obvious external leakage. Failure can occur suddenly and create safety risks. Repair costs are excessive for what appears to be a widespread defect. Owners may not receive sufficient warning before catastrophic failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect for safety implications and determine whether a recall or broader manufacturer accountability is warranted. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA complaint #11735362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard cover has come unglued from the part of near the front windshield. It first bubbled up then became unglued and rolled up. There’s white material underneath that appears to have swollen up like wet cork board. Also, this part of the dashboard is no longer flush like the parts to right and left of the distressed area. Additionally, the exposed white part reflects in my line of sight causing limited visibility which is a safety concern to me. Based on my research, this issue is being reported by owners of the 2017 and 2018 Ford Platinum Explorer models particularly. This issue is not something that I can repair as a DIY and since others are reporting the same exact issue with the same models, I tend to believe there’s a defect.

NHTSA complaint #11735411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Recall on exterior a-Pillar trim. Been to dealer Star Ford, Glendale, CA multiple times they are claiming Ford has not sent any parts to them. Almost seven months has passed, no parts from recall notice. What's going on? NHTSA Recall 24V031 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11734352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Filing a complaint as the nhtsa.gov website suggests: "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner ... file an online complaint with NHTSA" It has been over 27 months and I have contacted my dealership numerous times. The local Ford dealership told me that there is no estimated resolution time from Ford, and it will probably never be addressed. I don't understand how it is acceptable for Ford to ignore this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11732674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The trim on both A pillar and B pillar are coming off. When I spoke with Ford about a year ago they informed me of one recall with another coming. One of the trip pieces broke off in an automatic car wash. I was able to go back and get it, but have cut my hand on door multiple times as this is the driver's door with keypad. I have called our local ford and they continue to say there is a recall but no parts available. THIS is very frustrating as now there are two more pieces of trim coming off that could fly off while driving. I want this remedied as this is to be the vehicle my son was planning to take road test in but unsure that this will even be safe. I even wrote a letter to Ford back in March and inquired on this fix and was told to contact dealership. I just spoke with dealership, again who says they can't get the parts for recall.

NHTSA complaint #11732507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear toe link arm is not adjustable, so I can't get it aligned. It has caused a clunking noise when I turn and everytime I align my front end, it does not last.

NHTSA complaint #11730451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Part came off while on my way to church at some point and was unable to locate the piece that came off

NHTSA complaint #11729263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Secret Service conducted an investigation regarding online motor vehicle sales. The vehicle was listed for sale. The vehicle was retired out of service as a police interceptor. The electronical components were taken out of the vehicle. However, insignias are still on the motor vehicle labeled as "POLICE" facilitating criminal activity such as false impersonation of a police officer and/or false pretenses. The seller has actual knowledge and can be punishable under color of law upon an agreement with a purchaser. Vehicle does have open recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11728810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving on the interstate and the B pilar from my vehicle flew off, hit my passenger side window, and merely missed the vehicle traveling behind us. This incident could have caused a big accident.

NHTSA complaint #11725958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The recall for the roof rails was not properly fixed. Ford is not willing to fix their mistake.

NHTSA complaint #11725004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received recall 24V031 in Feb '24, A pillar defect. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealer and had it inspected in Aug of '24. It was satisfactory at that time. Eight months later, it started rattling and flew off my car as I drove on the interstate. I called the dealer and was told that it was repaired in Aug '24. I explained that it was not repaired, only inspected and given the OK to drive it. I'm still waiting for it to be replaced. I now have an issue with the B pillar notice 25S53. It is loose at the top and will probably detach as I drive down the road. This is a safety hazard to anyone driving behind me. The dealer refuses to remedy either one of these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11722223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Recall was published 1/19/24 Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 It's been over two years and Ford is saying the replacement parts are still not available. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint #11720711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When driving my car, you can hear wind noise like the windows are down and it's loud enough to where I can't hear my kids most of the time when they need something from the backseats. These two recalls have been in place since May 2025 and there is still no remedy to fix this almost a year later. I have not taken it to a dealership but plan to this Friday 02/27/26.

NHTSA complaint #11720097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

NHTSA complaint #11717169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The passenger side silver cover came off the top rail of my 2017 Ford Explorer. This SOULD be covered by Ford Safety Recall 21S22. I was told by my local Ford dealer my mileage was over the mileage limit of 152,000. My current mileage is 152,197.7; I can send a picture. Any item(s) flying off a vehicle should be a safety concern and covered by ANY recalls. Does Ford and/or NHTSA want to limit the age and/or mileage for safety recall? I was told by my local Ford dealership, this was a 'customer satisfaction' issue and only addressed if the problem was evident at the time of inspection. I've had my vehicle in for routine maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc) on a very regular basis. Normally I leave with instructions to fix any recalls on the vehicle. This was not addressed on previous maintenance instances because the broken top rail was not showing signs of distress. (My terms based on the conversation with the local dealership service personnel.) Are you kidding me??? I would expect these types of issues to be addressed/fixed prior to failure. Once failure occurs, the potential for roadway damage has happened. I'm having problems uploading my files on your system.

NHTSA complaint #11709585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Safety Recall Notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031 - Exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments may not be properly engaged due to improper assembly. Two-step solution is required: Ford dealer has to check to see if the clips are properly engaged or not, then, if not, must order the correct parts from Ford. I have been trying to correct this issue for over two years, but dealer says the parts are still on back order from Ford and repairs cannot be made.

NHTSA complaint #11704865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.