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

Front hood top coat issue. I bought the vehicle in Oct ‘22, and it had a pre-existing issue on the front hood.

NHTSA ODI 11500712

My husband was driving on the highway on a windy day and the Apillar Trim blew off the car. It got stuck in one of the side mirrors and was bashing against the window until my husband could pull over and get it. When I called the dealership and told them what happened, they shared that it happens frequently. I brought it into the dealership to be repaired and was told by 3 people that it happens frequently. The repair will cost $685. We are going to see if a different repair shop can fix it for less. Either way, our car should not blow apart on a windy day. -Had the part blown into traffic, it could have seriously injured a car behind them or coming toward them -In addition, it was surprising to my husband who said he nearly drove off the road because this part was banging against the car -There was no warning -The dealership has inspected it

NHTSA ODI 11500523

Driving on busy interstate at approximately 55mph there was a sudden loss of acceleration ability and check engine light came on, white smoke coming from exhaust. Car was taken to dealership and diagnosed with bank 1 broken turbocharger turbine wheel, and bank 2 turbocharger turbine wheel damaged requiring replacement of both turbocharger turbine wheels, both catalytic converter assemblies, o2 sensors, tailpipe, flex pipe, gaskets. Estimated repair cost greater than $9000. Mechanic at dealership reports this is a very common problem with this vehicle. Vehicle at 88k miles with routine maintenance and no collisions, similar recall for other years of same make and model

NHTSA ODI 11499968

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the RPM was inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and shaking while driving. The contact stated that the dealer previously performed Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27 (Powertrain Control Module Reflash). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Grieco Ford of Raynham (1651 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767) however, the dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to two independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 (Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage). The mechanics determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered by the TSB. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11499996

In March of 2022, this vehicle was repaired for a rear suspension toe link recall. On Christmas evening, December 25, 2022, the toe link failed. The car fishtailed briefly before veering uncontrollably off the road. I had no warnings that this was going to happen aside from a slight "clunk" in the rear of the car a second beforehand. Fortunately oncoming traffic immediately stopped and avoided me and I was able (with much difficulty) to move the car to safety. I was only going about 35 mph; I cannot imagine how much carnage I would have created had I been on the highway I was headed to just 3 miles away. The car was flat-bedded to the Ford dealership that has always repaired the car the very next morning, December 26. While waiting for the wrecker, I walked the area where I heard a "clunk" just before the car's steering became inoperable and found a bolt which I brought with me to the dealership. In conversations on December 27, 28 and 29, the Ford service manager stated to me that he and the shop foreman were at a loss as to why the rear suspension toe link failed, but in examining the bolts, they believe they were machined/bored just a little too small allowing it the ability to unscrew itself from the toe link assembly and fall off the car. While the car was at the dealership, I reached out to Ford Motor Company's customer escalation team with the issue. My concern was not just for my own safety, but there are 600,000 other Ford Explorers on the road that might experience the same failure. On Friday, one of the team's members called me back to say that her investigation revealed that the bolt simply unscrewed itself. When I asked "well don't you think this is a huge recall issue?" she stated that investigation/issuing safety recalls are not the job of Ford. When I asked if the bolt unscrewing itself seemed plausible, she responded "I don't know." I have not yet picked up the car though the dealer replaced both toe link assemblies. I am GRAVELY concerned.

NHTSA ODI 11499664

The side pillars on both the driver side and front passenger side became loose. There was a definite rattle sound inside the car. Thankfully I noticed it before they flew off and hit another person/car on the highway. This could have led to multiple injuries. When I brought the car back to the dealership they mentioned that this has happened to other cars. Perhaps there needs to be a recall. This only compounds the situation I had in April of 2022. While driving on a highway I suddenly had a rattle in the front window. I discovered that the moulding had rotted and the window was separating. When replaced by the dealership, they told me that they have dealt with this problem numerous times. Is it time to recall and have Ford pay back these expenses?

NHTSA ODI 11499333

I own a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with 2.3L Eco Boost. It was recently diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was told there is nothing that can be done about it other than buying a new engine. Since August 2022, this car has had the "check engine" light on and has been to several different mechanics and 2 different Ford dealers before finally being diagnosed. After researching this issuer, I have learned that Ford has known about this issue since 2010 and chosen to do nothing about it. I have been driving this vehicle around, not knowing that this problem could cause the engine to catch on fire, endangering all the lives of my family! Ford should take responsibility for this issue and replace the engine!

NHTSA ODI 11499407

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11499409

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11498992

On 11/21/22, my car ‘lost’ it’s transmission at 72,704 miles. This is when a wrench light came on the dashboard, and the car went into limp mode-putting myself and my 2 children at risk while driving. I was luckily able to pull off the road. When I restarted the car, the light went off and allowed me to slowly drive back to my house. We had it towed to a Ford Dealership for further investigation. Prior to this incident, the car had been having intermittent issues with shifting gears on hills, and an occasionally clunking noise that paired with it. We had taken it to the dealership and asked them to investigate. They told us there were no issues, that the transmission was fine, which meant no codes. We had just had some powertrain issues resolved, due to other lights associated with the terrain management system. The issues continued, intermittently, but we were unable to get into another appointment prior to its failure. Once in, we were informed that it was ‘rare’ and that while they hadn’t fully investigated the issue the prior time-there had been no computer codes to indicate this would happen. So, now we have no car and an $8200 bill to fix it, as quoted by our Ford Dealership

NHTSA ODI 11498912

I WAS DRIVING ON I95 ON FRIDAY AND THE DRIVER LEFT SIDE WINSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FLEW OFF IN THE WIND VERY HARD. ON SATURDAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD OUTER PILLAR OUTER TRIM MOLDING FEW OFF I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE I DONT KNOW IF HIT THE WINDSHILED OF THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. NOW BOTH ARE GONE.

NHTSA ODI 11498368

I purchased 2 2017 ford explorers and they both developed the same problem . The plastic windshield pillar facia trim breaks off at highway speed. Not only is this a dangerous distraction to the driver, the part flying off at 65 mph becomes a projectile that is a hazard to vehicles following behind. Based on forums, you tube videos, and the availability of aftermarket replacement trim, this would appear to be a wide scale problem.

NHTSA ODI 11497927

While driving on the highway the driver side windshield flew off the car into the roadway.

NHTSA ODI 11497490

- The weather stripping around my front windshield failed and caused the molding around the windshield to also fail. - This failure occurred while driving at highway speeds. The flying debris alarmed me and could have obstructed my view. It could also have hit another vehicle and caused an accident. - There are instances online of this happening to Ford Explorers. Unknown if it has been inspected by dealers. - My vehicle has not yet been inspected for this defect. - There were no warning lamps or messages/symptoms before this failure. It first appeared on 12/1/2022. My vehicle is a 2017 and at 56000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11497214

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that carbon monoxide was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle after driving short distances. The contact stated that he felt lightheaded while driving the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496791

I bought the car from modern Corp s in Fort Myers Florida and the brakes are bad the catalytic converters are melted the steering makes noise sounds like it's just going to break in half we have a warranty and they will not honor any of it after they said they would we had to put it in the shop not even a week of having it because of the AC and the only thing the warranty covered was the sway bars ball joints and a couple other things I drive this car every single day I just feel like this car is not going to make it nobody wants to honor the word about anything and I see there is a recall for the roof rack one side of it is missing if anybody can help me that would be great because I would love to get my vehicle repaired the right way

NHTSA ODI 11496699

I was driving in the highway and one of the roof racks went off flying and almost hit the car behind me. After I stopped I checked the other rack and it is also lose and coming off.

NHTSA ODI 11496653

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front and rear passenger's side doors failed to open from the outside whenever the door was locked. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496645

Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.

NHTSA ODI 11496266

IN JANUARY 2021 I had a recall for the roof rails on my 2017 Ford Explorer - it took them a year to get the parts due to covid but they finally fixed the roof rails. About one month ago the roof rails started to pop back up - I made appointment at local Ford Dealership in Fuquay Varina, NC. The told me the recall was closed and they were not responsible for them coming up again as they repaired them for the recall. Once recall is closed out that is it .. nothing can be done. Is this correct? They finally agreed to cover 60 percent and I would have to pay 40 percent. Is this correct. Why should I have to pay out of pocked when the repair did not fix the problem. I contacted Ford at [XXX],[XXX] and they told me the same thing and said I only had until December 21 to make a decision. How can this be fair. Please help. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11495755

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side window molding was peeling off. The contact then stated that the driver's side molding was coming apart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side window molding needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to cover only a portion of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495486

After purchasing a 2017 Ford Explorer Eco Boost (65K miles) it was only 6 -7 months (yes months) later that I would find myself in a devastating car situation. At exactly 72,000 miles, I discovered my engine would need to be completely replaced. I discovered this after having my vehicle diagnosed at the Ford dealership. Coolant in the #2 and #3 cylinders. The dealership said it would cost $9500 for a new motor. I just bought the car! After searching the internet, I am finding more and more people are having the same problems, and some are prone to engine fire! I have children! There is already law suite against the Ford Company, But I try to do the right thing, I called Ford Motor Company to report my problem. Case No. CAS-39543003-F9S9T0 CRM:040000805. They said they would look into it. My hopes were up. I received a call, They know it is a default in the motor but it has not been recalled yet! Really! So I’m supposed to wait until there is a recall! I was so upset! She did say that they would pay for $4500, but I only have 30 days to let them know if I will take their offer. I told her I don’t have $5 - $6000 sitting around. Ford motors is aware of this issue and has refused to offer assistance in the whole cost. It should be a recall...

NHTSA ODI 11493931

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message to "See Owner’s Manual" and the coolant level overheating warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was made aware that there was a coolant leak and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11493690

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed that the spark plugs were crossed in the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the spark plugs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11493064

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly shift gears while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11492090