2017 Explorer has 10 recalls that range from light issues like loose roof rail covers, to more serious problems with noxious odors that can cause lightheadedness while driving. Plus, three separate recalls focus on a faulty rear suspension that can lead to loss of steering control.
Key Points
- The 2017 Ford Explorer’s most frequently complained about issue is exhaust fumes making their way into the cabin, causing a burning sensation in the eyes, a runny nose, sore throat, or a feeling of sickness.
- Out of a total of 10 recalls, three of them pertain to an issue with potential fractures in rear suspension toe links, which can result in a loss of steering control.
- The 2017 Ford Explorer has one open investigation over a problem with odors in the cabin that owners report can cause lightheadedness and nausea while driving.
- Another serious recall focuses on a potential loss of power-assisted steering that increases the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds.
- Recent complaints involve the Accessory Protocol Interface Module failing, which controls everything from cruise control to the radio, air conditioning, heat, and navigation system.
2017 Explorer has had Three Separate Recalls for the Same Rear Suspension Problem Due to Potential Fractures in the Toe Links
The 2017 Ford Explorer seems to be the perfect formula for a safe, reliable SUV. It has plenty of room for cargo and seating for up to seven people, and the Ecoboost engine gets 27 mpg highway. Also, its perfect five-star NHTSA crash test rating proves it is an ideal and safe family hauler.
However, no vehicle is without issues, and the 2017 Explorer is no exception. The model year currently has 10 active NHTSA recalls. Some of the most concerning recalls include three pertaining to an issue with potential fractures in rear suspension toe links. A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
In addition to recalls over turbochargers that could leak, and front seat frames that may have sharp exposed edges, there is a concerning recall over faulty wheel hubs that has the potential to cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
Another serious recall focuses on a potential loss of power-assisted steering in which the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and it poses the risk of a crash.
Also, the 2017 Ford Explorer has one open investigation over a problem with noxious odors in the cabin that owners report can cause lightheadedness and nausea while driving.
Over 550 Consumer Complaints Include Reports of Exhaust Fumes Leaking into the Cabin, and Premature Tire Wear
According to Car Complaints, the 2017 Ford Explorer’s most frequently complained about issue is exhaust fumes making their way into the cabin, including when using the air conditioner. There are reports of the problem causing a burning sensation in the eyes, a runny nose, sore throat, a feeling of sickness.
“The vehicle drives great, but the only problem is this car is trying to kill me,” reports one Explorer owner. “I find myself with major headaches, nausea, almost always feel like vomiting. Now I have to consider a trade-in because Ford does not want to own up to this problem.”
The problem with odor in the cabin is addressed in the 2017 Ford Explorer’s single NHTSA investigation, which remains open and was launched in July 2017 after 154 Explorer owners reported experiencing exhaust odors in the cabin. The complaints cover 2011 to 2017 Explorers. Overall, the investigation has identified three crashes and a total of 41 injuries ranging from a loss of consciousness to nausea, headaches, or lightheadedness.
Premature Wearing of Factory-delivered Tires is a Prominent Complaint
The second most prominent complaint per Car Complaints is the premature wearing of factory-delivered Hankook tires. However, according to two complaints, Hankook offers a pro-rate for replacing the tires.
“My Hankook tires are at 2/32 and shredding, leaving pieces of tread as I drive,” says one 2017 Explorer owner in his NHTSA complaint. “I also saw on the Internet that Hankook was aware of their tires wearing out prematurely, and they said they would replace tires for the 2015-2017 Explorers if under 36k miles.”
Some 2017 Explorers may Suffer from Electrical Failures Leading to Loss of Navigation and Radio
Recent complaints on the NHTSA website report issues with some 2017 Ford Explorers experiencing electronic failures that could lead to vehicle speed control issues. Many complaints about the electrical failures mention that it has caused an interruption or malfunction of the cruise control, navigation, and/or radio. The source of the problem seems to be the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) that controls the majority of the digital features.
“The GPS, radio, backup camera, front-facing camera, and other items controlled by the APIM have been malfunctioning in the vehicle,” reports one Explorer owner in his NHTSA complaint.
“The GPS will freeze, phones will not answer properly, the cameras will not engage often, and the cruise control will occasionally malfunction,” he adds. “The only remedy is to replace the APIM…which controls almost all of the vehicle accessories, including heat/defrost and some lighting.”
Additionally, Repair Pal reports that some 2017 Ford Explorer owners are experiencing an electrical failure in which the AC fan constantly changes speed. This also could potentially be due to a faulty APIM.
While these issues may be few and far between, it is essential to keep them in mind when shopping for a used Ford Explorer.
2017 Ford Explorer’s Solid Reputation as a Dependable SUV Outweighs its Potential Problems
The Ford Explorer is the best-selling SUV of all time in America, reported CNBC in 2020, confirming that the 2017 Ford Explorer is, despite a few reported issues, an otherwise very capable and reliable vehicle built by an iconic automaker known for quality. The 2017 model year does have a high count of recalls, 10 in total, but only a few of them are very serious, covering issues of fractured toe links and engine stalls.
However, the Explorer’s reputation as a solid, tough, dependable sport utility vehicle outweighs its consumer complaints and recalls, making the 2017 Ford Explorer a highly recommended pre-owned vehicle.
Photos: Ford
