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2017 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Explorer years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 609.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

849 reports with mileage · 841 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 655 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 237 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports11 fire reports36 injury reports

Wheels complaints

60 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2021
Wheels

While driving on the freeway, I heard a clunking noise from the rear of my vehicle and immediately started to fishtail violently back and forth across all 3 lanes of the highway narrowly avoiding crashing into other cars on the highway while avoiding spinning or flipping the vehicle. I was able to gain control of the vehicle whi…

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While driving on the freeway, I heard a clunking noise from the rear of my vehicle and immediately started to fishtail violently back and forth across all 3 lanes of the highway narrowly avoiding crashing into other cars on the highway while avoiding spinning or flipping the vehicle. I was able to gain control of the vehicle while it whipsawed back and forth with all four tires screeching and smoking slowing down to navigate to the shoulder out of harms way. It was one of if not the most frightening experiences I ever had as a motor vehicle operator. On inspection, I observed the rear left wheel was loosely connected to the drive train and severly out of alignment by ~30% which was what caused the vehicle to begin to fishtail and whipsaw so violently at freeway speed which at the time of mechanical failure was approximately 70 miles per hour. The road was clear, dry and void of any debris in the road.

NHTSA ODI #11427042

55,000 miles · May 7, 2021
Wheels

WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STREET 25-35 MPH JULY 30, 2020, ON A SUNNY DAY,MY CAR RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE CAME OFF. ON A CITY STREET. CAUSING MY CAR TO HIT THE CURB. THERE WAS NO BODY DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR TIRE.

NHTSA ODI #11415603

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2021
Service BrakesWheels

REAR BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZED AND WORE BRAKE PADS ALL THE WAY DOWN. SLIGHT INTERMITTENT SOUND WAS NOTICED WHEN CAR WAS IN MOTION BUT THOUGHT IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE ROOF RACK DETACHMENT THAT WAS PENDING REPAIR. SQUEALING BECAME PERSISTENT AND STOPPED UPON BREAKING, AND STARTED AGAIN AFTER BRAKE RELEASED. UPON IDENTIFYING THIS CORR…

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REAR BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZED AND WORE BRAKE PADS ALL THE WAY DOWN. SLIGHT INTERMITTENT SOUND WAS NOTICED WHEN CAR WAS IN MOTION BUT THOUGHT IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE ROOF RACK DETACHMENT THAT WAS PENDING REPAIR. SQUEALING BECAME PERSISTENT AND STOPPED UPON BREAKING, AND STARTED AGAIN AFTER BRAKE RELEASED. UPON IDENTIFYING THIS CORRELATION TOOK THE EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THIS ISSUE IDENTIFIED WAS SEIZED CALIPERS.

NHTSA ODI #11407773

21,000 miles · Jan 3, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureWheels

LAST NIGHT ONE OF MY HANKOOK S1 NOBLE ON MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 405 FREEWAY AND REQUIRED ME TO PULL OVER AND CHANGE THE TIRE. AT 21,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE/ TIRES THE MECHANIC SHOP TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE BASICALLY BALD AND HAD RUBBER EVENLY ERODING (WHICH INDICATES NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE). THE TIRES…

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LAST NIGHT ONE OF MY HANKOOK S1 NOBLE ON MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 405 FREEWAY AND REQUIRED ME TO PULL OVER AND CHANGE THE TIRE. AT 21,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE/ TIRES THE MECHANIC SHOP TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE BASICALLY BALD AND HAD RUBBER EVENLY ERODING (WHICH INDICATES NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE). THE TIRES WERE ALSO ROTATED AND SUPPOSED TO LAST 50,000 MILES. THERE ARE ALSO MANY OTHER COMPLAINS ON THESE TIRES THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET BUT NOT RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED BY HANKOOK. THEY HAVE ADVISED THEY WILL GIVE A PRO-RATED DISCOUNT ON NEW TIRES, WHICH IS COMPLETELY UNREASONABLE AND NEGLIGENT..

NHTSA ODI #11386317

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2020
Wheels

MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER HAS 19,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WELL. IT WAS OUTFITTED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLES 255/50R20 TIRES WHEN WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN DEC 2017. THE TREAD HAS WORN DOWN TO 4/32NDS AND IS DISINTEGRATING-YOU CAN PEEL LITTLE BITS OF RUBBER OFF OF THEM. THEY ARE ALL WEARING EVENLY SO IT IS NOT AN ISSUE…

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MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER HAS 19,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WELL. IT WAS OUTFITTED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLES 255/50R20 TIRES WHEN WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN DEC 2017. THE TREAD HAS WORN DOWN TO 4/32NDS AND IS DISINTEGRATING-YOU CAN PEEL LITTLE BITS OF RUBBER OFF OF THEM. THEY ARE ALL WEARING EVENLY SO IT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH LACK OF ROTATION/ALIGNMENT THERE ARE MOVIES ON YOUTUBE AND OTHER REVIEWS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. HANKOOK IS ALSO AWARE THIS IS AN ISSUE AND IS DOING A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM WHERE THEY WILL GIVE YOU A PRORATED DEAL ON NEW HANKOOK TIRES. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE FULLY RECALLED AND HANKOOK NEEDS TO BE FORCED TO GIVE PEOPLE A PRORATED REFUND TO PURCHASE OTHER BRANDS OF TIRES NOT NEW VERSIONS OF THEIR PIECE OF CRAP PRODUCT. WE ARE NEEDING TO SPEND $1000 ON NEW TIRES FOR THIS OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11309438

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2019
Wheels

TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR TIRE PROBLEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEED ALL TIRES REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS 27000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 50000 MILES. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR. SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT AT ALL. THE TIRES SPIN IN WET CONDITIONS DUE TO THE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE TIRES. SHE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT T…

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TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR TIRE PROBLEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEED ALL TIRES REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS 27000 MILES ON IT. THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 50000 MILES. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR. SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT AT ALL. THE TIRES SPIN IN WET CONDITIONS DUE TO THE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE TIRES. SHE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR SLIDE WHILE TRYING TO STOP. SHE SAID SHE WAS WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING THE CAR INFRONT OF HER. THESE ARE THE HANKOOK NOBLE 2 TIRES. HANKOOK SAID THEY WOULD PRO RATE THE COST OF NEW TIRES. HANKOOK KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND LET FORD KNOW THIS IS WHAT THEY WOULD DO. FORD HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MY LEASE IS DUE IN 7 MONTHS. THE TIRES SHOULD AT LEAST LAST 3 YEARS. I AM AT THE POINT OF TELLING MY WIFE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE A DIFFERENT CAR. SAFETY IS A BIG FACTOR WITH THIS ISSUE. WHY IS NOBODY WORRIED ABOUT THE ISSUE THAT THESE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED WHEN THE ISSUE WAS FOUND. I ANYONE IN MY FAMILY DOES NOT FEEL SAFE, WE WILL NOT DRIVE IT WITH WINTER COMING. SAD THAT NEITHER COMPANY WANTS TO TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY. NOT GOING TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM FORD OR WITH HANKKOK TIRES AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11287448

24,500 miles · Dec 3, 2019
Wheels

I RECENTLY FAILED NY STATE INSPECTION DUE TO PREMATURE TIRE WEAR ON MY FORD EXPLORER 2017 WITH 24,500 MILES. THE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE HAVE A SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PREMATURE WEAR, HOWEVER NO FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL SERVICE MY VEHICLE EVEN AFTER CONTACTING HANKOOK AND PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE SERVI…

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I RECENTLY FAILED NY STATE INSPECTION DUE TO PREMATURE TIRE WEAR ON MY FORD EXPLORER 2017 WITH 24,500 MILES. THE HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE HAVE A SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PREMATURE WEAR, HOWEVER NO FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL SERVICE MY VEHICLE EVEN AFTER CONTACTING HANKOOK AND PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT. WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW KNOWN POORLY MANUFACTURED TIRES ON OUR ROADS.

NHTSA ODI #11286670

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2019
Wheels

2017 FORD EXPLORER: ALL 4 ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (HANKOOK 255/50 R20 105H VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2) EXPERIENCED ACCELERATED TREAD WEAR. TREAD DEPTH IS DOWN TO 4/32 AT 30,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11270403

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2019
Unknown Or OtherWheels

PURCHASED 2017 FORD EXPLORER DECEMBER 2017 WITH ORIGINAL HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 255/50R20 105H TIRES. HAVE 17,000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN ROTATED AT EACH OIL CHANGE; BEEN HAVING EXTREME TREADWEAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT ITHE TIRES ARE BAD AND NEED REPLACED. DEALER SUGGESTED TO CONTACT HANKOOK DIRECTLY BECAUSE OT…

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PURCHASED 2017 FORD EXPLORER DECEMBER 2017 WITH ORIGINAL HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 255/50R20 105H TIRES. HAVE 17,000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN ROTATED AT EACH OIL CHANGE; BEEN HAVING EXTREME TREADWEAR AND WAS TOLD BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT ITHE TIRES ARE BAD AND NEED REPLACED. DEALER SUGGESTED TO CONTACT HANKOOK DIRECTLY BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES. I CONTACTED HANKOOK CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES ARE BAD BUT THEY HAVE TO BE 4/32 TO GET A PRO RATED DISCOUNT, AT THIS TIME I HAVE 1-3/32, 2- 4/32 AND 1- 5/32, THE FORD DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE NEW CAR WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAID IT ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE AND HANKOOK NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT. MEANWHILE, NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE BAD TIRES AT ONLY 17000 MILES, EVEN THOUGH THE EXPLORER IS RATED ON TOP FOR ROLLOVERS WITH A BLOWOUT... THIS IS ANOTHER DANGEROUS ISSUE SIMILAR TO THE FIRESTONE DISASTER. ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT UNTIL THERE ARE DEATHS BEFORE THEY START REPLACING THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES?

NHTSA ODI #11267139

20,000 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Wheels

I PURCHASED A 2017 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED SUV AT THE WINNIPEG,CANADA FORD 4S (MID-TOWN FORD SALES LIMITED ) IN JULY 2017. TIRE MODEL: 255/50R20 105H VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FOUR TIRES ABRASION MORE SERIOUS THAN OTHER VEHICLES UNDER NORMAL USE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FOUR TIRES OF THE CAR HAD DIFFERENT PEELING…

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I PURCHASED A 2017 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED SUV AT THE WINNIPEG,CANADA FORD 4S (MID-TOWN FORD SALES LIMITED ) IN JULY 2017. TIRE MODEL: 255/50R20 105H VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FOUR TIRES ABRASION MORE SERIOUS THAN OTHER VEHICLES UNDER NORMAL USE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FOUR TIRES OF THE CAR HAD DIFFERENT PEELING SKIN PHENOMENA, AND THE TIRES HAD A SLOW LEAKING AIR PHENOMENON IN JULY 2019. AFTER THAT, I NEED TO REPLENISH THE AIR OF TIRES 2-3 DAYS REGULARLY IN ORDER TO KEEP THE TIRE PRESSURE. I CONTACTED THE MID-TOWN FORD SALES WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR AFTER DISCOVERING THIS PROBLEM, UNFORTUNATELY, THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRE, AND LET ME CONTACT HANKOOK TIRE MANUFACTURERS TO FEEDBACK THE PROBLEM BY MYSELF. I HAVE TRIED TO CALL THE HANKOOK CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FROM JULY, BUT THERE IS NOBODY ANSWERS. I ASKED THE LOCAL HANKOOK DEALERS IN WINNIPEG, THEY TOLD ME THAT I CAN ONLY GET FEEDBACK WITH HANKOOK HEADQUARTERS. NOW I FEEL THAT THE SKIN PEELING OF TIRES ARE GETTING MORE AND MORE SERIOUS WHEN DRIVING EVERY DAY. I AM WORRIED THAT THE TIRE WOULD BE BURST EVERY TIME WHEN I AM DRIVING. I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET THAT THE TIRE HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR A LONG TIME. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10127409 SSM: 46905. I DON'T KNOW WHY I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD. WHEN I WENT TO FORD 4S(MID TOWN FOR SALES), THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY CLUE, THEY DID NOT ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND ASK ME TO I CONTACT HANKOOK, BUT THEY DID NOT GIVE ME ANY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE HANKOOK. THERE IS NO CLEAR CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE ON HANKOOK OFFICIAL WEBSITE. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11257254

Official recalls

13

26V448000 · Structure:body

Jul 14, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

26V101000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 20, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

25V685000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Oct 10, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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 September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

25V347000 · Structure:body

May 23, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

24V031000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Jan 19, 2024

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V537000 · Suspension:rear

Jul 15, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

21V316000 · Structure:body

May 5, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

20V675000 · Suspension:rear

Mar 12, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V651000 · Seats

Sep 11, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

19V435000 · Suspension:rear

Jun 10, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

17V530000 · Steering

Aug 28, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V332000 · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner

May 22, 2017

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

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."

Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Seats

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."

Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

16V925000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Dec 22, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

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 experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab

Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body

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 monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

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 monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve

Structure:body

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 monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve

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