The 2017 Ford Explorer has consistent complaints centered on engine design defects. The most common failure is the internally mounted water pump that leaks coolant directly into the engine oil pan, contaminating the oil and leading to catastrophic engine seizure—often at highway speeds with no advance warning. Owners report this happening as early as 65,000 miles. A related issue is coolant intrusion into individual cylinders (typically #2, #3, or #4) via head gasket or internal leaks, causing misfiring, rough running, and progressive engine damage.
The exhaust system allows carbon monoxide and exhaust odor to enter the cabin during acceleration, causing dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and in extreme cases, hospitalization for suspected CO poisoning. Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and customer service programs (17N03), but owners report repairs consistently fail to resolve the issue.
Turbochargers fail and leak oil into the catalytic converter, producing thick white smoke. Engine mounts break, causing violent shaking that damages the transmission. One owner's transmission required replacement after 6–7 months of ownership due to engine vibration. A few owners report complete engine stalling with loss of power steering and brakes while driving, sometimes triggered by radio operation.
Repair costs for water pump alone run $3,425–$4,200 in labor plus parts; engine replacement averages $9,500–$12,500. Ford's coverage denial citing "not officially recalled" has been a recurring complaint, though some owners eventually secured partial assistance after escalation.
Failure modes owners describe
Internal Water Pump Failure with Coolant Intrusion into Crankcase
The 2017 Explorer's internally mounted water pump fails, dumping coolant into the engine oil pan where it contaminates the oil. This mixing of coolant and oil leads to catastrophic engine failure, seizure, and complete engine shutdown without warning. Owners report the engine dies suddenly while driving, sometimes at highway speeds.
When: Typically 65,000–100,000 miles, sometimes earlier; one owner at 73,989 miles, another at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning displayed on dashboard; Low coolant level or coolant disappearing; Coolant leaking onto ground beneath vehicle; Engine seizure or sudden shutdown while driving; No warning lights until failure is imminent; Rough idle or sluggish acceleration before failure
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), Engine Coolant Over Temperature message
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement requires 10–14 hours labor due to internal mounting. Labor costs $3,425–$4,200+; parts ~$400–$600. Many owners report $4,000–$12,500 total repair bills. Some owners had engine replaced instead (~$9,500–$12,500). Ford sometimes covers repair under extended powertrain warranty or customer satisfaction programs; coverage is inconsistent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2287 acknowledging internal water pump issues. Some owners received partial coverage under customer satisfaction programs or extended warranties; others were denied because it was not officially recalled. No full recall on all affected VINs.
Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders via Head Gasket or Internal Leaks
Coolant leaks into individual cylinders (commonly #2, #3, or #4), mixing with cylinder oil. This causes misfiring, rough running, and eventual engine damage. The cylinder walls deteriorate as oil and coolant mix, leading to progressive engine failure.
When: Typically 52,000–90,000 miles; one case at 72,000 miles (6–7 months of ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; rough idle at startup; Check engine light with misfire code (P0303); Coolant in the oil or visible on spark plugs after removal; Engine sluggish, won't accelerate smoothly; Overheating while driving; Loss of coolant without visible external leak
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repairs involve spark plug and ignition coil replacement; coolant leak confirmed via pressure test and borescope inspection. Head gasket replacement or engine replacement needed ($4,500–$9,500). Multiple visits required when initial repairs fail to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged this as a known defect for certain EcoBoost engines (1.6L, 2.0L versions). Extended powertrain warranty offered to some customers under customer satisfaction programs; 2.3L EcoBoost owners often denied coverage. No official recall for 3.5L or 2.3L variants.
Exhaust Odor and Carbon Monoxide Intrusion into Cabin
Exhaust gases and carbon monoxide enter the vehicle cabin during acceleration or normal driving. Owners smell rotten egg, sulfur, or exhaust odors. Multiple TSBs and corrective measures have been applied, but the problem persists for many owners. Health effects include dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, CO poisoning symptoms.
When: Can occur as early as first road trip or build up over months; one owner experienced symptoms on 11/23/2017 (first road trip) and had three hospitalizations before diagnosis in 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Strong exhaust or rotten-egg sulfur smell in cabin; Smell intensifies during acceleration or on highway; Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, tingling in extremities; Excessive drowsiness while driving; Difficulty swallowing, ear ringing; Carbon monoxide levels detected in vehicle (one test showed level of 11); Visible film/residue on windows and surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: Ford Service Program 17N03 and multiple TSBs applied (TSB 17NO3 mentioned). Repairs include air intake/vent adjustments, reprogramming air handling to increase fresh air circulation, and exhaust system rework. One owner's repair involved body filler and electrical tape. Many owners report repairs fail to resolve issue. Window downs recommended by dealers as temporary workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Service Program 17N03 issued for exhaust-related issues. Multiple revisions to TSB 17NO3 released (as of 2011 model year complaints continuing). NHTSA open investigation concluded Ford issued multiple TSBs with repeated revisions but no fundamental design change. No complete recall; issue ongoing since 2011 model year.
Turbocharger Failure with Oil Leakage
Turbochargers fail, leak oil into the catalytic converter and exhaust system, and produce white or gray smoke from the exhaust. One owner's turbo failed twice; oil leaks from turbo oil supply tubes.
When: 91,000–155,000 miles; one turbo failure recurred 16,000 miles after previous replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Thick white or gray smoke from exhaust; Check engine light illuminated; Rotten egg or sulfur odor; Oil trail leaking from vehicle; Oil on rear windows and under vehicle
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not always recorded)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger, catalytic converter, O2 sensors, and turbo oil supply tubes replacement needed ($2,000–$4,000+). One owner had turbo replaced at 75,000 miles and again failed at 91,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) covers some turbocharger failures on 2017 Explorers, but many owners' VINs are not included in the recall scope. Manufacturer often refers owners to NHTSA Hotline without providing direct assistance.
Engine Mounts and Severe Engine Shaking
Engine mounts fail, causing aggressive shaking and vibration. Shaking can damage transmission and other drivetrain components. Internal engine problems often accompany broken mounts.
When: Reported at 77,000 miles and earlier in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Violent or aggressive engine shaking at idle or during stops; Abnormal vibration throughout vehicle; Front engine mount collapsed; Transmission then develops problems after shaking
Repairs/costs cited: Engine mount repair cost ~$200; however, subsequent damage to transmission required full replacement (~$4,600). Service Bulletin 22-2287 issued; Ford initially declined coverage (diagnostic fee $80–$213.76), then demanded $4,200. After months of fighting, local transmission shop completed multiple repairs and transmission replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Service Bulletin 22-2287 exists but is not officially recalled. Dealers initially claim it is not covered; after customer escalation, some partial assistance may be offered. Extended warranty may cover if within coverage window.
Excessive Oil Consumption and Internal Leakage
Engine consumes oil excessively. Oil intrudes into spark plugs, piston rings, and cylinders. One complaint mentions oxygen intake not exchanging enough oxygen, causing oil to push into spark plugs.
When: Variable; one at 103,000 miles with low oil at 35 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dipstick ejected from engine; Low oil pressure warning; Excessive oil on ground beneath vehicle; Burning smell while driving; Oil on spark plugs and ignition coils; Oil leaking onto hot engine components (fire hazard potential)
Codes mentioned: Low Oil Pressure message
Repairs/costs cited: Oil leaks from turbo supply tubes; recurring oil leak repaired multiple times at dealership (2+ weeks cumulative service time) without permanent fix. Engine replacement may be needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership GM admitted may be recurring issue; independent mechanic indicated Ford is aware but has not issued recall.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving
Engine suddenly dies while driving at highway speeds or in traffic. Vehicle loses all electrical power, power steering, and power brakes. No warning lights or inadequate warning. Transmission can exhibit loss of function.
When: Varies; one at 68 MPH on turnpike with heavy traffic; one at 60–70 MPH attempting to overtake; another at 55 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard message 'Transmission Not in Park' before shutdown; Engine dies abruptly with no power; Loss of power steering and power brakes; No turn signal available to warn others; Dashboard goes black; Restart succeeds but problem recurs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner lost serpentine belt; another had vehicle towed. Multiple owners report the issue occurs when operating radio controls. No repairs documented for the core cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No direct response documented. Tow truck driver reported hearing this complaint frequently from Ford Explorer drivers.
Radiator Failure and Catastrophic Engine Seizure
Radiator ruptures or fails internally, dumping coolant. No warning lights until engine locks up. Engine seizes within miles, leaving driver stranded.
When: One day after returning from vacation; no prior issues detected during fluid checks before trip
Symptoms owners cite: Strange noise in engine described as 'system blowing up'; Bubbling sound from engine; Temperature gauge slow to respond (half to 3/4 way up, not fully hot); No check engine light despite imminent failure; Engine suddenly locks; vehicle won't move; Radiator blown internally
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement needed (~$10,000). Owner had just vacationed (Ohio to Michigan, ~300 miles); happened one day after return. 3-week wait for replacement engine due to high volume of similar failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated many 2017 Explorers experiencing same failure, causing supply chain delays for replacement engines.
Timing Chain and Water Pump Cascading Failures
Water pump fails first; if not caught early, it leads to timing chain damage and catastrophic engine damage. Metal shards from worn timing chain enter oil and circulate through engine, causing progressive failure.
When: One at 90,000 miles; another around 70,000–80,000 miles for initial onset of symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idling; Engine misfire or sluggish acceleration; Check engine light with misfire code; Engine dies at idle; Temperature warning; Clogged oil filters from metal shards; Inconsistent sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement attempted, but timing chain already damaged. Engine requires complete replacement because metal shards have circulated throughout. One mechanic shop had vehicle 5+ weeks for diagnosis and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented; issue noted as recurring design flaw.
Synthesized from 216 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.