The 2017 Ford Explorer shows serious structural and assembly defects across multiple body systems. Paint on aluminum hoods peels off in sheets, exposing bare metal to corrosion—a known issue Ford addressed in TSB 17-0062 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, but owners report these programs have expired while the problem persists.
Exterior trim clips on the A-pillar and B-pillar (the vertical strips around the windshield and doors) fail and detach at highway speeds of 40+ mph. Owners report 6+ replacements in one year; both OEM and aftermarket parts fail identically. Once detached, water floods in through the exposed seams—pooling in floorboards, running down support frames, and soaking into carpet. This causes cascading electrical failures: fuses short-circuit, doors won't lock, trunk gates jam, interior lights stay on, horns quit, and heated seats fail.
Two major recalls address A-pillar (24V031000, 21V316000) and B-pillar (25V347000) trim detachment, but parts remain backordered for 1+ years. Dealers duct-tape and glue trims as temporary fixes. The roof rack cover flies off repeatedly (some dealers handle 8 service calls daily for this issue), and sunroofs leak water directly into the cabin's electrical area even when never opened. Owners cite water damage severe enough that vehicles sit unused for months while awaiting parts that aren't available. Dealership repair costs for trim replacement alone reach $1000+; many owners had to pay out of pocket before recall awareness.
Failure modes owners describe
Hood paint peeling and delamination (aluminum panels)
Paint on hood peels in sheets, exposing bare aluminum to corrosion, starting at front edge and spreading across the panel. Defective paint adhesion on aluminum body panels.
When: Various mileages; issues noted on 2013-2018 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Paint peeling off in sheets; Bare metal exposure; Corrosion risk; Loose/chipped paint detaching while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Ford TSB 17-0062 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 addressed this issue; however, owners report program has expired despite defect continuing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 17-0062; Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 (expired per owners); Ford dealers acknowledge issue but cite program expiration.
Sunroof water leak into cabin
Sunroof leaks water into the overhead light assembly and down windshield support frames, eventually dripping into carpet and rear panels. Water enters electrical components, creating fire risk.
When: No specific mileage reported; occurs during rain or wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping from overhead lights; Water accumulation in carpet under rubber mats; Water behind plastic panels along support frames; Electric sunroof components fail from water damage; Sunroof becomes partially stuck open
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service representatives mentioned clogged drain channels as common cause if sunroof not regularly cleaned/checked; cost to repair unknown at complaint time.
Carbon monoxide intrusion into cabin
Carbon monoxide detected in passenger cabin during highway driving, particularly when towing or at high RPMs. CO levels reached 31-103 PPM inside vehicle within 15-20 minutes of driving.
When: Occurs during highway driving, especially with trailer towing or mountain inclines
Symptoms owners cite: CO detector alarms inside cabin; Headaches and drowsiness; CO levels 31-103 PPM detected; Symptoms persist regardless of HVAC mode (recirculate, outside air, rear HVAC off)
Repairs/costs cited: Service manager suggested HVAC recirculate mode; owner tried multiple HVAC modes with no resolution. Vehicle taken to dealership for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claimed issue only affects law enforcement vehicles with body perforations from aftermarket equipment (owner disputes this claim).
Driver's seat base failure during rear-end collision
Driver's seat base fails upon rear-end impact, causing seatback to fall backward onto second-row passenger. Headrest bent and partially detached.
When: Upon rear-end collision impact at low speed (vehicle was stopped)
Symptoms owners cite: Seat base structural failure; Seatback collapses backward; Headrest bends and detaches; Second-row child struck by falling seatback
Repairs/costs cited: Second-row passenger (4-year-old) suffered contusions to legs, concussion, and laceration above right eye requiring 9 external sutures plus internal stitches. Driver suffered laceration to crown requiring 9 staples.
Liftgate motor binding and failure to close
Liftgate motor binds, preventing electronic or manual closure. Vehicle can only be driven with liftgate wide open, creating safety hazard.
When: Intermittent; one instance on 10/31/17 during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate makes whirring sounds but will not close electronically; Manual closure attempts unsuccessful; Liftgate stuck at maximum height or partially open; Motor binding issue
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replaced; dealership reported motor binding as cause. Owner asked about manual override; dealership confirmed no manual override exists.
A-pillar exterior trim detachment
Exterior A-pillar trim (windshield pillar molding) detaches and flies off vehicle at highway speeds. Occurs on both driver and passenger sides. Trim clips fail to remain properly attached.
When: Starting after 1 year of ownership; occurs repeatedly on same vehicle; mileages 35K-109K reported
Symptoms owners cite: Trim flies off at 40+ mph; Noisy separation with distraction to driver; Loose trim flapping against windshield; Water leaks through exposed seams after detachment; Exposed windshield edges increase water intrusion; Electrical failures when trim containing wires detaches; Wind noise from gaps after detachment
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 24V031000, NHTSA 21V316000
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacements required (some owners report 6+ replacements in 1 year). Both OEM and aftermarket parts fail with same results. Owner replacement costs cited up to $1000 at dealership. Some owners had to pay out of pocket. Recall parts remain unavailable; many dealers unable to perform repairs due to parts backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 24V031000 issued for A-pillar trim detachment; NHTSA Recall 21V316000 previously issued. Parts backordered/unavailable for extended periods (1+ years reported). Ford has not provided temporary fixes, loaner vehicles, or reimbursement in timely manner. Dealers instructed to duct-tape trims as temporary measure.
B-pillar exterior trim detachment
Exterior B-pillar trim detaches and flies off vehicle, exposing electrical components and wires. Keyless entry pad often mounted on B-pillar detaches with trim.
When: At highway speeds (50-70 mph); mileages 80K-133K reported
Symptoms owners cite: Trim detaches while driving; Clicking sound from door before detachment; Exposed wires and electrical components; Keyless entry pad detaches; Water intrusion from exposed seams; Electrical fuse failures (turn signal, trunk gate, etc.); Abnormal battery drainage; Liftgate failure to open; Door ajar light illumination; Interior lights remain on
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 25V347000
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple fuses short-circuited and required replacement; turn signal and trunk gate fuses failed. Some owners duct-taped trim as temporary measure. Dealership attempted repairs but parts unavailable. Wires left exposed creating electrical hazards.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V347000 issued for B-pillar trim; parts unavailable. Manufacturer stated parts would be available by August 2026 (as of complaint date). Dealership instructed owners to use glue or duct tape as temporary fix.
Windshield rubber gasket/cowl cracking and detachment
Rubber gasket lining windshield cracks and pieces detach and fly off vehicle. Windshield cowl deteriorates. Exposed windshield edges and seal deterioration create water intrusion pathway.
When: Over multiple years of ownership; pieces fly off at highway speeds (45-72 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Rubber gasket cracks; Pieces fly off at various speeds including standard speeds; Buzzing/bee sound from dash (windshield cowl issue); Seal and clip deterioration; Water leaking into cabin through exposed windshield edges; Mold growth inside vehicle from water damage
Repairs/costs cited: High dealership replacement costs noted ($1000+). Some owners unable to afford repairs. One owner reported complete deterioration of seal and broken clips.
Roof rack cover loose and flying off
Roof rack cover (approximately 5 feet long) becomes loose and detaches from roof, flying off vehicle at highway speeds. Recurring issue requiring multiple dealer services.
When: Recurring; one instance of complete detachment on interstate; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Cover becomes loose multiple times; Complete detachment and becomes airborne; Following vehicles must take evasive maneuvers; Loud whistling noise from missing/loose cover starting at 50 mph, worsening above 60 mph; Distraction to driver; unsafe for interstate driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer serviced 12 times for same issue. Recall parts ordered but backordered for weeks. Dealership averages 8 service calls per day for roof rack cover issue; several per week are complete detachments. Some dealers have 4+ Explorers in service bay simultaneously for roof rack issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall for roof rack cover defect. Parts remain backordered. Ford offered buy-back program but did not provide offer in committed timeframe.
Exterior door trim clips failing to remain attached
A-pillar and B-pillar exterior trim clips fail to maintain proper engagement, causing trim detachment during normal vehicle operation. Poor clip design and adhesive failure.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; multiple occurrences on same vehicle; mileages 35K-109K reported
Symptoms owners cite: Trim clips not properly engaged at assembly; Trim detaches during driving; Repeated detachments on same vehicle; Parts coming off at 40+ mph highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Improper assembly identified as root cause. Replacement parts fail with same result. Some owners attempted DIY repairs with silicone or glue without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued (24V031000 and 25V347000); however, parts remain unavailable for extended periods (1+ years per complaints). No reimbursement offered for previous out-of-pocket repairs before recall awareness.
Interior electrical failures from water intrusion via detached trim
Water enters vehicle interior through gaps left by detached exterior trim components, causing electrical system failures including door panels, steering wheel controls, heated seats, horn, speedometer, fuses, and liftgate.
When: After A-pillar or B-pillar trim detachment; occurs during rainy/wet weather
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking through detached trim areas; Front driver/passenger side floorboard water accumulation; Electrical components short-circuiting; Multiple fuse failures (turn signal, trunk gate, heated seat circuits); Horn failure; Speedometer failure; Steering wheel control button failure; Door panel electrical failure; Radio remaining on after ignition off; Interior lights remaining on; Door ajar lights illuminating; Liftgate unable to open; Water damage visible inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical component replacement and fuse replacement required. Multiple electrical failures cascaded from single water intrusion event.
Water infiltration from defective seals and gaps
Water enters vehicle interior through multiple pathways: defective windshield A-pillar seals, sunroof drain channel clogs, and windshield cowl deterioration. Results in mold growth and electrical damage.
When: During wet/rainy conditions; sunroof issues occur even if sunroof not actively used
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping into overhead area; Water running down support frames; Water accumulation in carpet and under rubber mats; Mold growth inside vehicle; Water on front floorboards; Musty odors from mold; Electrical component exposure to moisture
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified water entry points at A-pillar seams and cowl area. One dealer recommended regular sunroof channel cleaning but acknowledged vehicle should not leak when rain occurs regardless of sunroof maintenance.
Synthesized from 618 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.