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 25 of 67

Aug 15, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11608753

Aug 14, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, a message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was cracked. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a Ford certified mechanic diagnosed the vehicle. The mechanic made the same assessment and determined that the head gasket and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11608435

Aug 14, 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 stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like air rushing into the driver's side of the vehicle from the A Pillar. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was raised up by the vehicle slip stream and was blown backwards away from the vehicle. The contact stated that later the passenger’s side trim on the A-pillar trim had started to become loosened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11608518

Aug 10, 2024Electrical systemFire

We notice we were getting a warning about our battery about a year ago, so we took it to Ford and they said they couldn’t find any issues. We found a mechanic in town who looked at it with a volt meter an instantly noticed that the red power cable coming from the battery had burst through the casing that once held it. Now we have an exposed power cable that could potentially catch on fire if fluids from the engine were exposed to it. We first knew something was wrong when the doors would not unlock properly. And while driving we would get a battery warning. Ford told us during our warranty period that they didn’t find anything wrong when this should have been noticed instantly. This is a serious fire hazard. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer but a lack of knowledge by their mechanics has led to us filling this report.

NHTSA ODI 11607695

Aug 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim retention clip detached striking the front passenger side tire, causing the tire to go flat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11607618

Aug 7, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim was peeling and cracking. 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 informed the contact that there was a limited amount of parts being received per week. 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 failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11607104

Aug 6, 2024Suspension

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle ran over a pothole and the contact attempted to turn and the tires slid. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V537000 (Suspension), but the failure persisted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a tire shop to get the tires replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred which over time caused the tires to wear out and need to be replaced. Due to the failure consistently occurring, the contact replaced the tires on the vehicle nine times since the vehicle was first purchased the vehicle at the end of 2022. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had a slotted tire adjustment. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11606762

Aug 5, 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 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 issue. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11606540

Aug 1, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rail cover detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605978

Jul 29, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed dry rot and cracks in the rubber seal around the perimeter of the windshield. Additionally, there were big chunks of the seal missing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605098

Jul 29, 2024Body & structure

There's an open recall, I am not sure this is part of it. This part is falling off LH Door Entry Keypad Pillar and the RH Door Entry fell off while driving and I had to get it replaced. The paint of the hood is also bubbling up and chipping. I thought it was just wear. My step father has a 2016 version and he hardly dives it and it is happening to his too.

NHTSA ODI 11605032

Jul 29, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack gear module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605166

Jul 26, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. 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 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604672

Jul 24, 2024BrakesEngine

While going up a steep hill or mountain the car starts to over heat when you stop pressing the gas the car will start to go back down in to cooler numbers and you can start driving again with no issues until you hit another hill.. car breaks wear out excessively also the car jerks when going into gear to shift

NHTSA ODI 11604366

Jul 24, 2024Body & structure

The winshield side moulding is coming off. I got a letter and went to the dealer. They said they couldn’t do anything about it. The left side molding is almost coming off.

NHTSA ODI 11604389

Jul 23, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys, where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the piston rings and cylinder #3. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 and on the spark plugs. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604070

Jul 23, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the electrical components failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering column control module. The contact was informed that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604067

Jul 22, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the keypad and trim detached while driving at approximately 70 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V44000 (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 failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11603830

Jul 21, 2024Body & structure

The illuminated B Pillar molding strip is coming off on the driver’s side. It’s half out. The B Pillar molding on the passenger side has started to come loose. These strips could detach on the highway and cause an accident. They should be included in recall 21532 and NHTSA RECALL 21V537

NHTSA ODI 11603626

Jul 19, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger’s side A-Pillar trim detached and flew onto the roadway. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11603369

Jul 19, 2024Engine

2017 Ford Explorer 2.3L Ecoboost with 77,000 miles. Check engine light came on and I scanned the car for a cylinder 3 misfire. Changed all spark plugs and coil packs. Cleared the code and Cylinder 3 misfire is showing again. Overheating while idle. Car appears to be gulping down coolant with no sign of leaks.

NHTSA ODI 11603417

Jul 18, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter and oil leak in the timing cover. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27 and 20N07 (Possibility for the transmission torque converter to overheat in certain driving conditions). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603094

Jul 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11603241

Jul 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

With 39,221 miles only, last week start to leaking coolant ,, take to Dealer , found that the WATER PUMP LEAK, THEY say the heater core are leaking to.. WANT CHARGE MY OVER $7000. The water pump are power train , but they not want to fixed under any warranty.. call Ford corporate, They not want do nothing. CAR START to smoke and bad smell . Not think are fair for new car with this big issue and not want to fixed.. Need to be a RECALL. EVERYONE COMPLAINT EVERWHERE ABOVE THIS PROBLEM. WATER PUMP. 11 HOURS JOB.

NHTSA ODI 11602769

Jul 15, 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 while driving 10 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. 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 89,679. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11602277

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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 →