What 1,665 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Explorer

B pillar trim flew off while going down highway. Almost hit vehicle behind me.

NHTSA ODI 11748440

Received recall 25V347 in June of 2025. They still say the parts are not available. The driver side B-pillar trim came loose a few months ago. The dealer (lithia ford, Boise, ID) said I would have to pay over $600 to have them repair it and the money would not be refunded when the recall parts are available. Not having the parts available for over a year is unreasonable.

NHTSA ODI 11746201

Regarding Safety Recall Notice 25S53 / NHTSA Recall 25V347, I received the recall literature June 2025. This past week, a trim piece in this recall came off the vehicle while in motion. This is a safety hazard and can cause accidents. Upon reaching out to Ford, NO remedy is available and might have something (might) November 2026. That is too long to wait for other pieces to fall off and possibly create accidents. I can't understand why it has taken over a year now to come up with a remedy. Obviously they are aware of the seriousness of this failure, and this should be addressed ASAP!

NHTSA ODI 11746093

The contact was the manager at a used auto dealer, and the inventory included a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim had detached and fell off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair was unavailable. 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 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744409

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. 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 A-pillar trim had detached, and the passenger's side A-pillar trim was loose and lifting. Additionally, the rear passenger's side door trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744444

I am writing regarding recall 24s02, a pillar trim piece coming off. They did come of about a year ago. Woodland Ford ordered the recalled parts in January 2025. I am very frustrated at this point as is the dealership. We paid a lot of money for this vehicle and the car looks like something from a shady used car lot. Not a good look! This problem has gone on for way too long. I don’t want to hear excuses like supply chain issues or needing millions of these parts made to complete the job. These excuses are ridiculous. Ford should not be allowed to make any new Explorers and no new ones can’t be sold until this recall is resolved. They must have the parts mentioned to put on new Explorers as they are being built. I would like a pair of those for my vehicle. Also I would like Ford heavily fined and each customer paid $10k for their trouble. Our car was 60k so I think this request is reasonable. Don’t tell me to take it to dealer for temporary repairs. Those are not satisfactory and any mechanic will say the repair is unsatisfactory.

NHTSA ODI 11744036

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (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 the front driver's and passenger's-side B-pillar trims had detached. The failure prevented the windows from rolling down and rendered the trunk inoperable due to an electrical short. 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 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743302

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure. 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 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743038

The silver roof rack cover on both sides of vehicle completely came off of vehicle while driving. The clips broke off just like the problems listed in another recall for the same year Explorer. There is a recall for all models of the same year and make, however the Limited is excluded from the recall. If someone was behind me it could've resulted in a crash. This recall for this part needs to be for all models.

NHTSA ODI 11742587

. The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the B- Pillar trim to eject from the vehicle and the fused was blown. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739563

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 ( STRUCTURE); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that while driving approximately mph unknown, the A-pillar trim on the driver's side of the windshield detached, hitting the vehicle behind them. The contact stated that after speaking to the other vehicle's driver, there was no damage found. The contact continued to drive. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall for the A-pillar trim. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739239

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55-60 MPH the front windshield trim on the passenger side had detached and almost hit another vehicle. The other side was also loose. The contact received the recall notification letters for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who ordered the parts 2.5 months ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the parts being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed the status of the parts. Additionally, a case was opened and closed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11735607

While driving on the freeway the exterior a-pillar detached from the vehicle, causing it to strike the ground at an unsafe speed. Unsure if another vehicle was struck because of this molding failure. Spoke to the dealership at least 10 times now and the same reason is given: “we have not received the parts.” They have stated that the parts were ordered for my vehicle in November of 2025. It is now the end of April 2026. Notice of this recall was 1-19-2024.

NHTSA ODI 11734316

While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the vehicle, stay illuminated for 10 mins after exiting. When entering the vehicle and turning it on to drive, the dome lights will not turn off until a speed of 5-10 MPH is reached. I have noticed abnormal car battery drainage because of these events. Additionally, the rear lift-gate no longer functions since the b-pillar detachment. Unable to open rear lift-gate at all. Unable to use the electronic keypad. Spoke to the dealership at least 10 times now and the same reason is given: “we have not received the parts.” They have stated that the parts were ordered for my vehicle in November of 2025. It is now the end of April 2026. Notice of this recall was 5-23-2025

NHTSA ODI 11734320

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not available. The contact was informed that parts had been used to repair other vehicles after the contact had scheduled an appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734141

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V347000 (Structure) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 sent a technician to duct tape the front windshield and front driver’s and passenger’s side door trims. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim, front driver's and passenger's side door trims, and duct tape had detached. The contact stated that the failure resulted in electrical system failures for the front driver's side door panel, steering wheel control buttons, heated seats, horn, and speedometer. The radio remained in operation after the vehicle was turned off. The second dealer, Fritts Ford (8000 Auto Dr, Riverside, CA 92504); was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11733291

A and b trim pillar pieces are loose and I just lost one going down the interstate. It is also causing my car to leak when it rains. Recall was issued over a year ago and still no parts available to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11732926

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trims and trims surrounding the windshield were fractured and partially detached. The dealer was contacted and informed that the recall remedy was not yet available. 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 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732968

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the clips for the B-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were fractured, and the B-pillar trims were hanging off the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure; however, the contact was reminded that parts were still unavailable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732322

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was detaching from the windshield on the passenger’s and driver's side. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that there were no repairs available. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and placed tape around the A-pillar trim. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer informed the contact that the A-pillar trims were on back order. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731540

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of multiple additional problems (three separate issues) affecting the vehicle. In addition, the check engine light remains on continuously, even after attempted repairs, indicating unresolved underlying problems. I have also previously attempted to have a recall repair completed, but was told that the necessary part was unavailable and that I would be contacted when it became available. Months later, I have still not been contacted, and the recall issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience and publicly documented issues, this appears consistent with known defects associated with this model, including reported water pump failures leading to engine overheating, rear suspension issues affecting control, and concerns regarding exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This is not normal wear and tear, but a potential safety-related defect. It is a serious concern that known recalls and defects cannot be repaired due to lack of available parts, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. I am also concerned about the risk of continuing to operate this vehicle and potentially causing an accident that could injure myself, my family, or others on the road. This risk is heightened by the lack of timely communication and resolution regarding known defects and recalls. I am requesting investigation into these issues to prevent harm to drivers and passengers

NHTSA ODI 11731347

We were driving on the highway and the b pillar trim flew off. It did hit another vehicle but didn’t cause any damage. I cannot use my keyless entry and current am driving with duct tape. This happened in August 2025 and I have spoken to local dealership and ford customer service.

NHTSA ODI 11730259

In regards to recall 24V031 and 25V347, both of my A Pilars have flown off my car while driving. Luckily no damage was caused but the replacement parts are still not available. The recall is from 2024 and 2025. Does it really take over a year for replacement parts?

NHTSA ODI 11729608

Vehicle contains traces of cychlorphine, labeled as "POLICE," facilitates criminal activity impersonation of a police officer, seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon purchase agreement. Safety risk for buyer, and the general public for false police pretenses, harassment, and actual police scrutiny. Vehicle has open recall.

NHTSA ODI 11728828

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the A-pilar trim had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer confirmed 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 111,819.

NHTSA ODI 11727906