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 23 of 67

Nov 11, 2024Body & structure

I have a recall for my vehicle that was issued February 2024. Ford dealership has not fixed it due to the company saying the parts are not available. It is poor business on ford corporate not to furnish the parts and dangerous since it is broken. I am not happy with your business and ready to report this to someone higher up to get it repaired. The dealership can’t help their customers due to the poor service from corporate.

NHTSA ODI 11624589

Nov 7, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging while changing gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624024

Nov 6, 2024Body & 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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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 and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11623789

Nov 6, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an excessive amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The driver pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the two turbo chargers had previously been replaced 16,000 miles prior to the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11623895

Nov 5, 2024Body & 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 contacted. 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 11623720

Nov 2, 2024Suspension

Brought vehicle in for a recalled issue concerning the rear toe. After the repair, had accelerated tire wear in a month. Replaced the tires 3x in 2 years and the issue is still there. Currently tires are needed again for 4th time in 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11623258

Nov 2, 2024Body & structure

The drivers side Pilar applique which house the keyless entry came off while driving. It appears it is held on with double sided tape. If it were to fly off it would have posed a problem for other motorists and pedestrians. When looking up for other insidents online found this is a regular occurrence in this vehicle. I was able to double sided tape it again to fix temporary. However it occurs from time to time still. No warning prior to occurance.

NHTSA ODI 11623256

Nov 1, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side front windshield trim had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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. The dealer added the contact to the waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150); who informed the contact that parts were not 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 issue. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11623141

Oct 31, 2024Body & 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 contact stated that the driver’s side door trim near the keypad had detached. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and the trim was replaced. The contact stated that approximately 3 years later while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the same trim piece detached from the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11622884

Oct 31, 2024Suspension

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear toe link fractured. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle swerved to the left. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver's side rear suspension was on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured driver's side rear toe link. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the ABS and the wheel bearing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The contact had received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); however, the contact was advised that the ABS and the wheel bearing needed to be replaced prior to the recall repair being performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.

NHTSA ODI 11622988

Oct 30, 2024Body & 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 11622764

Oct 29, 2024SteeringBody & structureAirbags

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side the A-pillar applique trim had a split in the middle causing rainwater and dirt to enter the vehicle. As a result of the failure, the sunroof motor was damaged and then failed to operate. The local dealer was called, and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. On another occasion, while driving at various speeds, while making a left or right turn there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened when turning to the right. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar applique trim was not likely the reason for the failure of the sunroof motor and that a 2-hour diagnostic test needed to be completed to determine the cause of the failure; however, the repair would be paid out of pocket. The contact was reminded that the A- Pillar applique trim part was still not available. The contact was informed that the clock spring had failed and needed to be immediately replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11622602

Oct 28, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened and the contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,685.

NHTSA ODI 11622236

Oct 23, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was leaking from the case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621597

Oct 22, 2024Body & 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 contacted. 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 11621234

Oct 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission jerked, and the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621367

Oct 18, 2024Body & 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. No further information was provided. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11620594

Oct 16, 2024Body & structure

I was driving in the Columbia Gorge on highway and the Drivers Keyless entry trim Blew off, and broke in half, the top half hit the car behind me dented his hood and put a nick in his window. I'm very thankful the piece that broke did not cause an accident or kill anyone. The lower half (with the keypad) was flapping in the wind being held on by electrical wires. The keypad blew a fuse, sending me signals that the lift gate was open and I had 4 dogs in the back. Luckily the lift gate did not open, tossing my dogs or belongings on the highway, causing more road hazards.

NHTSA ODI 11620111

Oct 15, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side door's exterior B-pillar trims had detached. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the passenger's side and driver's side door's exterior B-pillar trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11619791

Oct 14, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Powertrain fail while driving on the highway

NHTSA ODI 11619760

Oct 9, 2024Visibility & wipers

Safety Recall Notice 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Explorer was done in January 2024 and I received the letter in February 2024. The parts still aren't available after 9 months which is unacceptable. I am now having to use long strips of duct tape on my windshield to hold these loose parts in place which affects my vision to drive and my windshield wipers to work correctly. I wasn't in any accident but concerned about what may happen. This has been going on since July 2024 when I went to the beach and we were going down interstate the piece came loose. We have been using duct tape since that has to be replaced weekly Nothing should take this long and replacements parts need to be made available to repair as soon as possible.

NHTSA ODI 11618864

Oct 9, 2024Body & 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11618914

Oct 9, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC code: P219C was retrieved. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be taken apart for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,820.

NHTSA ODI 11618881

Oct 8, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11618713

Oct 4, 2024Engine

In 2022 I had the water pump replaced on my 2017 Ford Explorer as it was leaking and i was getting fluids into the oil tank. The mechanic advised that it could destroy the entire engine and cause massive safety issues when driving. Had repairs done at Forder Dealership. On September 26, 2024, I took my 2017 Ford Explorer into the Ford Dealership for another issue and found out that my water pump was cracked again, leaking antifreeze, and that it needed to be replaced. Again, if not replaced massive safety issue could occur when driving. Earlier in September when driving the vehicle on the highway the entire vehicle shut down, lost the power steering, and the vehicle literally died in the parking lot of a tire shop. Replaced the alternator but still had issues with the engine after the replacement which now I learned could have been from the antifreeze leaking out of the water pump. Ford will not cover the replacement of the water pump because it 9 months past the warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11618116

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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 →