Some 2017 Explorer, Taurus, Police Interceptor vehicles built on 19-May-2017 and through 30-May-2017 equipped with a fixed brake pedal assembly may exhibit a brake drag concern or residual pressure in the brake system with the brake pedal fully released. This may be due to an interference condition between the brake pedal arm stop lamp switch bracket and the booster push rod clevis pin bracket. Inspect for a touch condition between the brake pedal arm stop lamp switch bracket and the brake booster push rod clevis pin bracket. If a touch condition exists, replace the brake pedal assembly. For claiming, use causal part 2C434 and applicable labor operations in section 2 of the service labor tim
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Explorer brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Explorer | 27 |
| 2014 Explorer | 14 |
| 2015 Explorer | 16 |
| 2016 Explorer | 7 |
| 2017 Explorer (this page) | 11 |
| 2018 Explorer | 6 |
| 2019 Explorer | 3 |
| 2020 Explorer | 42 |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 |
3crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
These 11 complaints paint a picture of systemic brake trouble across different failure modes. Most concerning are the complete brake failures: two owners reported total loss of stopping power at speed, one on a freeway causing a multi-car collision, another while backing out of a driveway. Neither incident triggered warning lights or ABS engagement. A third experienced ABS brake lockup on ice in a parking lot, rendering the brakes inoperative.
Wear and sensitivity issues are also prevalent. One owner documented rapid rear brake pad loss (66% in 9,260 miles) that a dealer inspection couldn't explain. Another reports extreme brake pedal sensitivity—light pressure causes full stops at 60 mph—which a Ford service manager acknowledged as a known issue without a fix. A third documents brake pedal travel that expands from 2 inches cold to 4-5 inches warm, then returns to normal when cooled.
Additional failures include rear brake squeaking requiring caliper replacement, dragging rear brakes, brake line corrosion following a battery explosion, and generalized loss of braking response requiring maximum pedal pressure.
One narrative involved a battery explosion that corroded brake components, though this appears vehicle-specific rather than a brake design defect. Most complaints show no prior warning lamps or messages before failure.
Same Ford Explorer brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Rapid Rear Brake Pad Wear
Inside rear brake pads wore from 6mm to 2mm in 9,260 miles of normal driving (66% loss), while outside pads retained 5mm. Dealer inspection found all components in working order but could not identify cause of accelerated wear.
When: 9,260 miles between services (53,446 to 62,706 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive wear on inside rear brake pads
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads replaced; dealer performed inspection but found no root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated no problem found and classified as normal wear; declined assistance
Complete Brake Failure After Battery Corrosion
Battery spontaneously exploded, corroding brake lines and related components under the hood. Vehicle failed to stop at 35 mph, resulting in loss of braking function. Insurance declared vehicle total loss.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle would not stop when brake pedal depressed; No braking response
Repairs/costs cited: Battery acid corrosion damaged brake lines; vehicle not repaired, declared total loss by insurance
Squeaking Brakes and Rear Caliper Failure
Brake pedal depression caused squeaking without warning. Independent mechanic diagnosed rear brake calipers requiring replacement. Manufacturer declined warranty coverage.
When: 33,038 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking upon brake pedal depression
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake calipers replaced at independent shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer warranty claim denied; vehicle was repaired at owner expense
Complete Brake Failure in Reverse
While backing out of driveway, vehicle accelerated and brakes failed completely. Repeated brake pumping had no effect. Vehicle required transmission shift to park to stop, and continued moving afterward.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerated while backing; Brakes did not respond to pedal depression; Multiple brake pump attempts unsuccessful
Rear Brake Dragging Sound
Rear brakes sound like dragging and not working properly during braking. No warning lamps or messages. Issue has not been confirmed by dealer or independent shop, and manufacturer has not inspected.
When: First appeared June 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Dragging sound from rear brakes during braking
Complete Brake Failure on Freeway with ABS/Auto Braking Malfunction
Vehicle did not stop or slow down when brake pedal depressed at highway speed, resulting in multi-car rear-end collision. Auto braking and ABS features failed to engage. No warning lamps or prior symptoms.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes unresponsive at highway speed; ABS did not engage; Auto braking feature did not activate
Overly Sensitive Brake Pedal
Brake pedal exhibits extreme sensitivity to foot pressure; depressing pedal results in full stop even at 60 mph. Local Ford service manager acknowledged awareness of the sensitivity issue but stated no fix is available.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive sensitivity to brake pedal pressure; Minimal pedal movement causes full stop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford service manager acknowledged issue; no fix available at this time
Brake Pedal Travel Variation with Engine Temperature
When engine is cold, brake pedal requires 2 inches of travel. After approximately 10 miles of driving, pedal travel increases to 4-5 inches. Pedal returns to 2 inches once vehicle cools. Ford dealer unable to identify cause.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travel increases from 2 inches to 4-5 inches as engine warms; Pedal travel returns to normal when vehicle cools
Anti-Lock Brake System Lockup on Slippery Surface
While driving slowly through icy parking lot, ABS brakes locked in downward position. Brakes became non-functional, resulting in low-impact accident. No prior warning.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: ABS brakes locked in downward position; Brakes became non-functional on icy surface
Insufficient Brake Stopping Power Without Maximum Pedal Pressure
Vehicle would not stop or slow down unless maximum pressure applied to brake pedal. No prior warning lights or sounds about brake problems.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Insufficient stopping power with normal pedal pressure; Requires full pedal pressure to achieve stopping
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 36,519 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.