2017 Ford EXPLORER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2017 Ford EXPLORER has 2007 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.0x the segment average of 1024. The most common issue is body/structure problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: very strong exhaust smell in cabin after hard acceleration. the ac was on and in the recirculation position. the smell is strong and the cabin must be vented by rolling the windows down to evacuate the smell.. ⚠️ 12 fire reports filed.
2007
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
2.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
BODY/STRUCTURE
637 complaints- • VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.
- • WHEN DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE TURNPIKE (70 MPH) THE MOLDING ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURNING HOME I NOTICED THAT THE SAME PIECE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE MOLDING OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THIS HAPPENED MIDDAY ON SUNDAY, MAY 14, 20
- • AFTER HARD TAKE OFF EXHAUST GETS IN CABEN CAUSING HEADACHES UNLESS YOU ROLL WINDOW DOWN DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING
“VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ford EXPLORER
Based on 1,001 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 45K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
OTHER
WHEELS
FUEL SYSTEM
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
TIRES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2017 Ford EXPLORER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ford EXPLORER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Ford EXPLORER Service Intervals
IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2017 EXPLORER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2017 Ford EXPLORER
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 2007 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION. THE AC WAS ON AND IN THE RECIRCULATION POSITION. THE SMELL IS STRONG AND THE CABIN MUST BE VENTED BY ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN TO EVACUATE THE SMELL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I HAVE A 2017 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS A EXHAUST LEAK THAT I SMELL WHEN I ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I ALSO SMELL THIS ODOR WHEN I TOW MY WAVE RUNNER. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT MY SON VOMITED WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK MY 2017 FORD EXPLORER TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: AFTER A STOP, THE CAR WAS AT STATIONARY, WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR BY PUSHING THE START BUTTON, GAVE ME ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE". TRIED TO TURN IT OFF, AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING, WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR, IT HAS 606 MI ON IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: UPON PARKING OUR BRAND NEW EXPLORER IN OUR DRIVEWAY (IT HAS A 10 DEGREE SLANT), WE TURNED OFF THE KEYLESS/PUSH BUTTON IGNITION, BUT MY HUSBAND ACCIDENTALLY HAD IT IN DRIVE. OUR SMALL CHILDREN WERE UNCLIPPING THEIR SEATBELTS AND STARTING TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MY HUSBAND TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Ford EXPLORER — Year Comparison
How does 2017 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 2007
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 12
- Crash reports
- 28
- Injury reports
- 37
- Segment avg
- 1024
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2017 Ford EXPLORER