2017 Ford Explorer Problems: All 6 Known Failures | Milo
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2017 Ford Explorer problems: every known failure

All 6 documented failure points for this exact year — what goes wrong, when, what it costs, and how to spot it on a test drive. Free, from Milo's research on this model.

6known failure points
1685NHTSA owner complaints
14safety recalls
$4,500worst-case single repair

A capable, comfortable family hauler undermined by a genuinely bad reliability generation — especially if it's got the 2.3L EcoBoost.

Every documented failure, earliest first

Ordered by the mileage the problem typically appears. VERY HIGH confidence means it's tied to a documented NHTSA recall, and 2 of these are rated Critical.

0k–30k mi● Critical$0–$600VERY HIGH
Rear suspension toe link fracture (subject of multiple NHTSA recalls 17S07/20S62) causing alignment/tire wear or loss of control
How to catch it: Confirm the VIN has had BOTH generations of the toe-link recall completed (some early fixes were themselves recalled) before buying.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
20k–60k mi● Watch$0–$300VERY HIGH
A-pillar and B-pillar exterior trim detaching at highway speed (NHTSA campaign 24V031/24S02)
How to catch it: Have the dealer confirm the updated retention-clip recall repair has actually been performed, not just the earlier ineffective one.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
25k–60k mi● Plan$400–$2,000VERY HIGH
2.3L EcoBoost turbo underboost/oil consumption and carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection with no port injection assist)
How to catch it: Run top-tier gasoline, do an intake valve cleaning around 50-60k proactively, and watch for boost/power loss codes.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
40k–70k mi● Critical$1,500–$4,500MODERATE
Coolant intrusion into cylinders on the 3.5L NA V6 (cracked plastic intake manifold/coolant crossover leaking into cylinders, fouling spark plugs) — this is the notorious 'exhaust smell in cabin / coolant in oil' complaint pattern seen in NHTSA data.
How to catch it: Get a coolant/oil cross-contamination test at every oil change starting at 30k and address any sweet exhaust smell or white smoke immediately.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
60k–100k mi● Plan$300–$700VERY HIGH
Wheel bearing/hub noise and front strut mount wear from the heavy unibody chassis
How to catch it: Listen for humming that changes with steering input on a test drive — cheap to catch early, expensive if a bearing seizes.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
70k–120k mi● Plan$300–$4,000MODERATE
Transmission (6F55/6F50) harsh shifting or torque converter shudder
How to catch it: Have transmission fluid changed proactively at 60k even though Ford lists it as 'lifetime fluid' — this is widely disputed by owners.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)

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Findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with patterns synthesized from owner communities. Confidence is labeled on every item; an inference is never presented as documented fact. Always inspect the specific vehicle and verify open recalls by VIN before buying.

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