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2017 Ford Explorer Body Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are body problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

658 owners have reported body problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer, 39% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 52,000–100,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.

658 complaints 39% of all 2017 complaints 76,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Body 262
Roof and pillars 12
Door 7
Trunk lid 1
Hood 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (312 of 658). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Body complaints by the year the problem happened.

Body complaints by Explorer year

2008 Explorer 1
2009 Explorer 2
2010 Explorer 1
2017 Explorer 658
2020 Explorer 45
2021 Explorer 24
2022 Explorer 11
2023 Explorer 10
2025 Explorer 7
2026 Explorer 2

Related recalls

Body

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.

Recall 26V448000 · Jul 2026

Body

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.

Recall 25V347000 · May 2025

Roof and pillars

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.

Recall 24V031000 · Jan 2024

Loose roof rail covers can detach

Crash risk

The retention pins holding the roof rail covers can loosen, letting the covers come off the vehicle. A detached cover can become a road hazard and raise the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will install new push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips or roof rail covers, free of charge.

Recall 21V316000 · May 2021
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Other 2017 Ford Explorer problems

Common questions

What are common 2017 Ford Explorer body problems?

Complaints most often name the body, roof and pillars and door.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Explorer body problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 52,000–100,000 miles. The middle value is about 76,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Explorer body problems?

Yes: 26V448000, 25V347000, 24V031000, 21V316000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Explorer year has the most body complaints?

The 2017 Explorer, with 658 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.