Of the 214 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Ford Explorer,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
1 (33.3%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
1 (33.3%)
75-100k
1 (33.3%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 19 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Owners have filed 214 engine complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 214 complaints per campaign.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
What owners are reporting
4 most recent
engine
· filed 12/29/2022
I own a 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with 2.3L Eco Boost. It was recently diagnosed with coolant leaking into the cylinder. I was told there is nothing that can be done about it other than buying a new engine. Since August 2022, this car has had the "check engine" light on and has been to several different mechanics and 2 different Ford dealers before finally being diagnosed. After researching this…
engine · 96,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
engine · 2,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was a strong odor coming from inside the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The failure caused the contact to sustain a headache, dizziness, eyes watered, lips dried and had chest pain that required no medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the lasco Ford dealer located at 2525 owen…
engine · 56,000 mi
· filed 12/27/2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 214 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 126 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 20,000 and 98,403 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 98,403. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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.