2017 Ford Explorer Problems

The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle. 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. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture. 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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537.

The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. 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.

The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving. 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. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach. 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.

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. 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.

The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle. 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 outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture. 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 seat frames may have sharp edges. 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 rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension. 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.

These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end. A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application.

The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach. 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.

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." 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.

5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components. 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.