Home · 2017 Ford Explorer Police Intercept · Complaints

What 1,671 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,671)Crash / fire / injury (61)Body & structure (645)Engine (235)Transmission & drivetrain (122)Electrical system (91)Engine & cooling (76)Steering (74)Visibility & wipers (74)Wheels (60)Suspension (55)Fuel system (49)

Newest first · 1,671 complaints · page 21 of 67

Jan 29, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and was flapping against the windshield. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11639287

Jan 29, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver's side windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11639353

Jan 29, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger's side windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to open a case with the dealer to assist with the remedy being available for the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 99,828. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11639452

Jan 27, 2025Engine

Was driving my vehicle on the highway when it start chugging and died. Had to act Fast to get off the highway as there was no shoulder nor warning. I had the vehicle towed to my shop and they confirmed the engine was done. The water pump gave out while driving with no warning and took the engine out. It appears after doing some research Ford has 2 years of Explorers (2016 & 2017) that they did an internal water pump. So when the water pump goes out it dumps all the antifreeze into the oil pan. There are many complaints out online about this same exact thing and Ford will do nothing about it. I was stuck with a $12,500.00 bill for a vehicle that has 73,989 yes that is right not even 75K on the car. Ford is a joke and this definitely a safety concern as it just dies with no warning and takes the engine out. Something needs to be done before people get hurt as all these 2 years worth of Explorers will have this same issue. Whomever designed a waterpump on the inside of the engine should be investigated. I will upload the estimate as that is what I have on me. Be I do have the repair bill at home as we just got it back after 5 weeks

NHTSA ODI 11638743

Jan 27, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact had received recall notice NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the parts to complete the recall were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed or was unable to remedy this safety recall promptly. The contact made the manufacturer aware of the issue. The contact stated that 2 years before being mailed the recall notification, the trim on the driver's and passenger’s side A-pillars were detaching from the frame at the top of the trim. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

NHTSA ODI 11638897

Jan 24, 2025Body & structure

Ford has not had a remedy for Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available. Says it suppose to be in the later half of 2024 and now its 2025. The exterior windshield pillar has flown off the windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11638425

Jan 23, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11638023

Jan 23, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11638038

Jan 22, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the failure had occurred, and the A-pillar trim had been taped to the vehicle to prevent the piece from falling off the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11637645

Jan 22, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11637738

Jan 22, 2025Body & structure

The a-pilar cover came loose, as described in the recall, while on the highway at legal speed of 65mph. It remained attached to a rubber piece and started flapping around the windshield and passenger side door, until it completely detached and blew into traffic. This occurred in December 2023, reported to insurance but was told it's covered by recall. As of yet, no repair path is provided by Ford. Help pleasr.

NHTSA ODI 11637826

Jan 21, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 201 7 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11637277

Jan 20, 2025Engine

Car was misfiring, oil in the spark plugs. Took it to our mechanic and basically told us we need a new engine. The car in a 2017 with 143,000 miles. There was coolant in cylinder 1 of the engine. Mechanic said cylinder walls are not properly sealed causing the head gasket to fail repeatedly even after replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11637118

Jan 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

Transmission is not shifting correcting. Will be traveling down the road and loses power, loses it's acceleration. When trying to proceed after making a stop at a light, car will not go. Bucks hard when putting in reverse. I heard there was a recall on the torque converter's awhile back, but I never received any notification about it. Now that I know, the ford dealerships are telling me there are no recalls for this.

NHTSA ODI 11636279

Jan 16, 2025Electrical system

Keyless entry panel on driver's side continues to fall off while driving, hanging by wires, which then blow fuses. Lift gate ajar warning comes on and then unable to open/close rear lift gate. Indoor overhead lighting remains on due to "liftgate ajar" even though liftgate is not ajar. This is a Safety hazard, panel could fly off during driving. Took to dealer, misdiagnosed as liftgate latch malfunction. Paid to get latch replaced and one week later, keyless entry panel fell off again and liftgate ajar warning came up and unable to open or close liftgate and interior lighting remains on.

NHTSA ODI 11636365

Jan 13, 2025Airbags

The airbag light on my vehicle comes on quite often. If there is a passenger sitting in the seat, it tells me that the airbags off. Nothing has happened yet but if the airbag doesn’t go during your crash, could cause severe injury. Can be inspected but plan to see what issue is and have it fixed soon.

NHTSA ODI 11635611

Jan 13, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11635691

Jan 13, 2025Body & structure

Received letter on February 2024 regarding recall notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. The exterior pillar trim which borders the right side of the windshield flew off while driving on the interstate and could have caused a major accident. We went to our local Ford dealership several times to inquire if they could assist with getting the needed parts in also. I called the vehicle safety hotline and reported this incident (case # 11629172). We were told that someone would be in touch with us and NO ONE HAS RESPONDED TO THIS URGENT AND VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT!! We are afraid to now drive the vehicle because of the danger of the left exterior pillar trim flying off and causing a major crash critically injuring or killing someone. We do expect a response to this critical issue ASAP!!

NHTSA ODI 11635760

Jan 10, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the roof rails were inoperable. The contact stated that the roof rail on the driver's side had detached from the vehicle and the rail on the passenger's side was fractured. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,700.

NHTSA ODI 11635341

Jan 9, 2025

Delay in available parts. Both A-pillar trim parts have detached from vehicle. Passengers side 6/2024, Drivers side 12/24.

NHTSA ODI 11635059

Jan 8, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH she observed that the passenger side trim on the A Pillar was loose and was hitting the vehicle. The contact stated that the passenger in her vehicle was able to hold the trim in place until they had reached their destination. The contact stated that the passenger side trim on the A-pillar had separated from the pillar and could not be reattached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to reattach the trim to the Pillar. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11634927

Jan 7, 2025Body & structure

I have been waiting 12 months for Ford to provide my local dealer with the parts required to fix the window pillars that can come loose, as referenced in the open recall (24V031000). Several months ago, one of the recalled pillars flew off on the freeway, causing the car behind me to swerve at 70mph. Fortunately, nobody got hurt. My local dealer has tried & tried to get the parts from Ford Motor but still cannot get adequate supply to take care of my recall service. Ford is not doing what they need to do on the parts supply.

NHTSA ODI 11634621

Jan 3, 2025

Driving down the highway and the roof rail flew off almost hitting the car behind me upon pulling over i discovered the roof rail flew off. I called the dealership and they told me that vehicle is over 150k miles and the recall was voided. I don’t remember seeing that.

NHTSA ODI 11633904

Dec 30, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11633072

Dec 30, 2024

For over a year the windshield of my car had a “rattle” or wind-like noise. I figured this was due to the weather stripping around the windshield degrading and falling off. I heard about the recall and the very next day I was driving down the interstate and the plastic piece (A-Pillar) flew off and the car behind me swerved to miss the piece. A day or so after this occurred, large rains came through our area which resulted in water entering my vehicle. I took my car to the dealership a day or 2 later where they had to inspect to see if the vehicle met the recall and order the parts. This was over 3 months ago. I called Ford about 1 month after my vehicle was inspected and spoke to a representative who informed me that the parts are in stock and are being shipped out upon ordering from the dealership. The dealership placed the order the same day they inspected the car. I have not heard any communication from Ford regarding this. I am cornered about water damage in my vehicle due to prolonged issue with not only the weather stripping but also missing the plastic piece (A-Pillar). I have contacted the dealership multiple times and their hands are tied due to not having the parts needed to fix the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11633149

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ford Explorer Police Intercept verdict →