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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2017
Ford · Large SUV

2017 Ford Explorer

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
7 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 14
Complaints34 crash · 11 fire · 51 injured reported 1,712
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 22 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2017 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer FWD, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1712 complaints, most often about the structure. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer FWDGasFWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo192722$3,050
Explorer AWDGasAWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo182521$3,200
Explorer 2WD FFVGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer FWDGasFWD3.5L 6-cyl172420$3,350
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162319$3,550
Explorer AWD FFVGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl162319$3,550
Explorer AWDGasAWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 37595, 37598, 37597, 37596, 37599, 37600, 37601.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Explorer AWD, Explorer FWD6 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer AWD6 / 10LEV-II ULEVCalifornia and states following California standards—
Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer AWD FFV5 / 10Bin 5All 50 states (federal, all altitudes)—
Explorer AWD, Explorer FWD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.5 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower290 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity7 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainFWD/Front-Wheel Drive

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Electronic stability control

Optional: Adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot monitoring, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Limited, Police, XLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length198.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height69.7 in
Wheelbase113.0 in
Track, front66.9 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight4,557–4,731 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear54/46

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV AWD, 4-door SUV FWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2017 Explorer
Other years The 2027 Explorer Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2017 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

26S54
288,314 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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 Numb
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V448000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

26S08
412,774 vehicles 29% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V101000 reported Feb 20, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

25S53
492,145 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V347000 reported May 23, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

24S02
1,889,110 vehicles 21% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 reported Jan 19, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

21S32
631,176 vehicles 67% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V537000 reported Jul 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

21S22
616,967 vehicles 75% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V316000 reported May 5, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

20S62
454,941 vehicles 78% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 reported Mar 12, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Seats

19S29
311,907 vehicles 63% reported repaired built Feb 13, 2016 – Oct 25, 2017
Problem 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V651000 reported Sep 11, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

19S17
1,194,173 vehicles 64% reported repaired built May 17, 2010 – Jan 25, 2017
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 reported Jun 10, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

17S23
253 vehicles 78% reported repaired built May 7, 2017 – May 10, 2017
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V530000 reported Aug 28, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

17C10
4 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Jan 20, 2017 – Jan 20, 2017
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. The affected vehicles may be missing the two front inboard attachments for the second row seats. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating systems", and (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages." Risk Seats with missing inboard attachments may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to verify that they have the second row seat attachment studs, installing them if not, free of charge. The recall began on August 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C10.
NHTSA campaign 17V401000 reported Jun 26, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

17C08
2,204 vehicles 67% reported repaired built Dec 9, 2016 – Dec 10, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V332000 reported May 22, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

16S46
1,163 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Oct 15, 2016 – Nov 2, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V925000 reported Dec 22, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Windshield trim molding Item detachment closed

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experi

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Feb 8, 2024 · action PE23001 · the investigation’s page →

Structure:Body — Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab closed

During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxid

Opened Jul 27, 2017 · closed Jan 17, 2023 · action EA17002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2017 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2017 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2017 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Explorer →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1712complaints filed

34 involved a crash · 11 a fire · 51 injuries · 0 deaths reported

48 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 357,777 Explorer built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2016: 10 · 2017: 143 · 2018: 122 · 2019: 134 · 2020: 64 · 2021: 97 · 2022: 96 · 2023: 253 · 2024: 229 · 2025: 391 · 2026: 173

Most-cited components

Structure → 665
Unspecified 378
Engine → 319
Power Train → 127
Electrical System → 95
Visibility/Wiper 77

In depth: body and structure problems → · engine problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems → · steering problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The passenger side a pillar cover and driver's side b pillar cover are coming off
Structure at 50,146 miles Apr 13, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11195981
The headlights are far too bright,even in daylight conditions. As an unintended consequence of an effort to increase the visibility of the vehicle,they are quite capable of momentarily blinding oncoming drivers.
Exterior Lighting Jul 21, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11006692
I was driving on the new jersey turnpike at 4:00 PM . I was traveling in the second travel lane at approx 68 MPH surrounded by lots of traffic and many large semi trailer trucks.
Engine at 18,600 miles Jul 20, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11006644
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact was involved in a front end collision with a wall due to brake failure. The contact struck the steering column because the seat belt failed to properly restrain her.
Service Brakes at 3,694 miles Jul 7, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11003582
When driving car lost all electrical functions, power steering, radio, lights, etc. I had it towed to service and they said nothing came up in diagnostics or error codes. I picked the car up and within a couple weeks it started happening again. Before it was only happening when I sat idle for a period of time and then started moving.
Electrical System at 7,900 miles Jun 14, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10995127
Last nights as I drove my new 2017 Explorer off the lot with only 11 miles on it, I drove on surface streets and then onto the highway. After I got up to 65 MPH the Explorer started to lose acceleration on the highway.
Fuel/Propulsion System Mar 21, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10967562

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 193 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 239 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 54 per 100,000 built. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 52k

miles, typically

Half the 827 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 19,000 and 90,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 130
10k–20k 80
20k–30k 69
30k–40k 53
40k–50k 64
50k–60k 53
60k–70k 68
70k–80k 48
80k–90k 58
90k–100k 48
100k–150k 122
150k + 34

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Structure31775,0001.97×
Engine17654,1860.93×
Unspecified1358,900—
Power Train6759,0001.48×
Electrical System4346,5001.33×
Steering4343,8331.46×
Wheels3920,0001.05×
Visibility/Wiper2960,0002.0×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2017-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: structure (1.97×), visibility/wiper (2.0×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 247
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-30
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 243 service bulletins, 3 others, 1 emissions

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Power Train, Structure.

  • 25E10-S1 Other
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • 25E10-S1 Owner letter
  • 25E10-S1 Emissions
    2026-07-02 · Unknown Or Other
  • NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
  • 25B51 Other
    2026-05-09 · Engine
  • Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
  • 25N17 Other
    2026-03-25 · Back Over Prevention — Rearview System Braking
  • Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
  • SSM 54601 Service bulletin
    2026-02-24 · Electrical System
  • Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). Th
  • TSB 25-2570 Service bulletin
    2025-11-26 · Electrical System
  • This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present
  • SSM 54366 Service bulletin
    2025-11-12 · Power Train
  • Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
  • TSB 25-2005 Service bulletin
    2025-01-24 · Unknown Or Other
  • "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0012
P0012 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0011
P0011 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train8 bulletins
P0014
P0014 on Ford →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Power Train8 bulletins
P0015
P0015 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0016
P0016 on Ford →		The crankshaft and camshaft are not where they should be relative to each other — timing, chain or phaser.Power Train8 bulletins
P0017
P0017 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0018
P0018 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0019
P0019 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0021
P0021 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 2 is more advanced than commanded.Power Train8 bulletins
P0022
P0022 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0024
P0024 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins
P0025
P0025 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train8 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2017 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 3.6% of first inspections — close to the 3.7% for every 2017 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.3% (every 2017 vehicle: 2.1%).

New York inspections 3.6%

failed emissions

7,059 initial inspections of 6,876 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2017 ExplorerEvery 2017 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check3.6%3.7%7,026
Failed the safety inspection2.3%2.1%7,059
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.47%0.25%7,059
Miles driven a year11,15910,048odometer at inspection
Average odometer103,45993,238odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2017 vehicle” is every 2017 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 F 7 737 22 mpg2017 this page F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2017 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 14 recall campaigns for the 2017 Ford Explorer, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V685000, covering Equipment. 5 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, January 2027, November 2026. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2017 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (35/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Across the 7 EPA-rated configurations of the 2017 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 22 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Transport Canada measured it at 198.4 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 69.7 in tall, on a 113.0 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,557–4,731 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 1712 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer, most often about structure, unspecified, engine. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 51 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2017 Ford Explorer?

The EPA smog rating for the 2017 Ford Explorer runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 5, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, LEV-II ULEV — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2017 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 247 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford Explorer, most often covering electrical system, equipment, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-30. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2017 Ford Explorer do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2017 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 3.6% of first inspections — close to the 3.7% for every 2017 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.3% (every 2017 vehicle: 2.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations7 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates7 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls14NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints1712NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins247NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA11 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Explorer The Explorer model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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