Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer have filed 112 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 61,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
112
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Explorer | 95 |
| 2014 Explorer | 69 |
| 2015 Explorer | 65 |
| 2016 Explorer | 197 |
| 2017 Explorer (this page) | 112 |
| 2018 Explorer | 43 |
| 2019 Explorer | 32 |
| 2020 Explorer | 440 |
| 2021 Explorer | 104 |
4crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 112 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission Powertrain Control Module Reprogram Submitting Owner Letters
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission - Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage Updated Owner Letters: 20N07/20B27 S1
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine and 6F35 transmission; Powertrain Control Module reprogram. Supplement: Program terms will be in effect through August 31, 2023 This program is now eligible for mobile repairs
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Ford Explorer powertrain complaints center on transmission and torque converter failure as the dominant issue across dozens of cases. Owners describe violent shuddering, chattering, and jerking when the vehicle is in drive or reverse, especially at stops or during light acceleration. Many report sudden loss of power, hesitation, lurching, and hard shifting—often without any warning light. The wrench symbol occasionally appears, and some vehicles enter limp mode, limiting speed to 25 mph.
Owners cite a pattern: these failures occur as early as 20,600 miles and as late as 145,000 miles, with clustering around 50k–100k miles. A recurring theme is that dealers can find no fault codes initially, then later diagnose torque converter degradation or complete transmission failure requiring replacement at $6,000–$8,200.
Multiple owners reference Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs 20B27 and 20N07 (issued October 2020), which allegedly covered powertrain and torque converter issues for 2016–2019 Explorers from Louisville and Chicago plants. However, owners report that Ford is no longer honoring these programs or refusing to apply them retroactively. The programs have expiration dates, leaving owners who developed symptoms after those deadlines facing full out-of-pocket repairs.
Secondary failures include water pump leaks (internal, requiring 12+ hours labor), timing chain stretch, cam phaser wear, engine coolant intrusion, and transmission fluid leaks from broken engine mounts. One owner reported transmission mount failure at 800 miles. A handful cite hard starting, unintended acceleration surges, and one unverified report of the transmission disengaging when the ignition was turned off while in gear, causing the vehicle to roll downhill.
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Failure – Shuddering, Chattering, Loss of Power
Torque converter degrades, causing the transmission to shudder, chatter, and jerk when in drive or reverse, especially at stops and during acceleration. Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate, sometimes entering limp mode. Owners report violent vibration, hard shifting, and unpredictable drivability. May occur without warning lights initially; wrench symbol sometimes appears later.
When: 20,600 to 145,000 miles; clustering 50k–100k. Some failures occur within powertrain warranty (60k miles, 5 years); others occur just after warranty expiration.
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and chattering in drive or reverse at stops; Hesitation or refusal to accelerate; Jerking and hard shifting between gears; RPM surges and drops without driver input; Violent lurching forward and backward; Vehicle enters limp mode, speed limited to 25 mph; Occasional wrench light or check engine light; Whining or grinding noise during gear changes
Codes mentioned: Wrench symbol (powertrain fault), Check engine light (intermittent or absent), No fault codes detected (in early stages)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required at $6,000–$8,200 per quotes; remanufactured units cited at $2,600–$3,000 plus $1,000+ labor. Some dealers quote 3–8 hours labor. Temporary fixes (transmission fluid additives like Lubeguard friction modifier) only worked for short periods before permanent failure. One owner cited motor mount replacement and front engine seal replacement at ~$4,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 (issued October 2020) and 20N07 covered automatic transmission torque converter extended warranty for 12 months from PCM reflash date; programs applied to 2016–2019 Explorers built at Louisville and Chicago plants (build dates Sept. 29, 2014 through March 3, 2019). However, programs expired by November 30, 2021. Ford is reportedly no longer honoring these programs for claims filed after expiration or for vehicles where owners developed symptoms after the cutoff date. Ford has also declined warranty coverage when failures occur outside the standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. No recalls issued despite widespread reports.
Hard Starting and Starting Hesitation
Engine difficult to start from new, requiring 3–4 cranking attempts or 30–40 seconds of cranking before engine runs. No diagnostic trouble codes present. Strong gasoline odor after startup, suggesting possible fuel flooding.
When: From new; under 5,000 miles on the reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not start immediately; Requires multiple start attempts (3–4 times); Starting delay of 30–40 seconds; Strong gasoline odor after startup (flooding-like condition); Occurs regardless of engine run time or fuel level; Occurs with remote start and push-button start
Codes mentioned: No DTCs logged despite repeated failures
Repairs/costs cited: None documented. Owners reported video evidence sent to Ford; dealer advised 'unable to fix if not broken' and refused service until complete failure occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused service, citing no codes present and requirement for the issue to 'get worse' before diagnosis or repair would be attempted. Owner reported this stance as dismissive.
Transmission Disengagement When Ignition Shut Off
Transmission disengages from park when ignition is turned off while vehicle is in gear on an incline, causing uncontrolled rolling. Reported only once, but owner describes vehicle rolling rapidly downhill after turning off push-button start while in drive on a 10-degree driveway slope.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (brand new, 800 miles reported in same incident cluster)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remains in gear when ignition is shut off; Vehicle rolls backward or forward rapidly down slope when ignition is off; No power to brakes or steering once engine is off
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission mount failure occurring simultaneously, which caused transmission to fall off mount and break axle. That repair was completed, but vibration and swerving recurred shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer tested a second 2017 Explorer from lot and confirmed it also rolls in gear with ignition off. Dealership response was to advise owner to ensure vehicle is in park before turning off ignition. No recall or design change mentioned. Ford.com was notified but no action reported.
Transmission Mount Failure
Transmission mount fails, causing transmission to separate from engine and strike axle or drive components, causing immediate drivability loss and structural damage.
When: Very early (800 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging noise under vehicle; Banging noise escalates over short distance (occurred within 1 mile); Hard steering; Vehicle feels like it is falling apart; Transmission visibly separated from mount
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and axle replacement performed. After repair, vehicle exhibited vibration and swerving during braking, requiring further shop time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair was performed under warranty; no recall information noted.
Water Pump Internal Leak (Timing Cover Design Flaw)
Water pump located inside engine behind timing cover develops internal bearing seal failure, allowing coolant to leak past bearing seal. Repair requires removal of timing cover, removing 12+ hours of labor. Known design defect affecting millions of Ford vehicles with 3.5L Cyclone/Duratec engines across 2007–2020 model years. No warning lights appear until failure is discovered via service.
When: 100k–129k miles reported; can occur earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Faint coolant smell after driving; Slow coolant leak detected under engine (front passenger side); No warning lights; Potential for coolant to mix with engine oil if seal fails completely, risking catastrophic engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost exceeded $4,300 per one documentation. Requires 12+ hours labor plus parts. One case reported coolant pressure test used to confirm leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Ford declined to notify owners of this known defect or offer remedy program in the US, despite a Canadian class action (Roe v. Ford Motor Company, Eastern District of Michigan) that was settled in January 2024 without US recall. One owner noted federal class action lawsuit against Ford for this defect but no recall resulted.
Water Pump Failure with Timing Chain and Cam Phaser Degradation
Water pump begins leaking; upon repair, technician discovers timing chain has stretched. Shortly after repair, cam phasers fail. All three failures occur before 70k miles. Owner cites California emissions addendum indicating timing chain and cam phaser should be covered under emissions warranty, but dealership refuses to honor it.
When: 65k–70k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump leak (faint coolant smell); Stretched timing chain discovered during water pump service; Cam phaser noise (inconsistent, intermittent at first, then persistent); No warning lights reported initially
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump repaired; timing chain and cam phasers later required replacement. Owner disputes dealer's claim that CA emissions addendum does not constitute warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated CA emissions addendum is not a warranty document, only a notification. No coverage offered.
Turbocharger Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)
One or both turbochargers fail, with smoke visibly emanating from tailpipe(s). Accompanied by abnormal noise under hood. No warning lights present during failure.
When: One turbo failed at undisclosed mileage; second turbo waited for repair at ~90k miles. Water pump failed concurrently; three-month delay in parts availability due to manufacturing issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from tailpipes; Abnormal noise under hood; No warning lights during turbo failure
Repairs/costs cited: One turbo repaired; second turbo awaiting parts due to Ford changing the part design. Water pump also replaced in December. Owner reports vehicle out of service for 3+ months waiting for turbo parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford replaced parts under Blue Oval Certified warranty (after-market extended warranty product). No recall issued. Owner notes turbo/water pump failure risk is known issue with 3.5L EcoBoost but not recalled.
Engine Coolant Intrusion and Transmission Failure
Engine develops coolant leak into oil/cylinders; transmission experiences internal failure. Vehicle requires complete engine and transmission replacement.
When: 79k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Lag in acceleration during highway driving; Delayed downshifting; Low coolant warning light just prior to trip (filled with ~1 quart); Check engine light illuminated at destination; Coolant visible in engine oil upon diagnosis
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Both 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 6F35 automatic transmission required replacement. Total repair cost quoted at $25,000. Owner noted regular service history (no prior warnings) and was evaluating repair viability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered.
Transmission Fluid Leak from Engine Mount Seals
Engine mounts with broken seals allow transmission fluid to leak onto hot engine components (exhaust manifold), creating fire hazard. Leak also requires transfer case replacement. Related to NHTSA ID 10156860 (leaking PDU).
When: 89k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smell of burnt oil/tire through vents; Transmission fluid leaking from engine mounts; Fluid dripping onto hot exhaust and other components; Fire risk due to heat exposure to leaked fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Engine mounts and front engine seals require replacement; transfer case replacement needed. Cost approximately $4,500. Dealer noted mounts were 'not built well' for a vehicle with 89k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to documented NHTSA issue 10156860. Repair cost varies $1,800–$4,000 nationally. One owner reported potential 'financial assistance' through Ford loyalty program (outcome not documented).
Transmission Case Leak
Transmission case develops a leak, allowing transmission fluid to escape. Requires complete transmission replacement.
When: 48k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates at traffic signal when accelerating; Vehicle vibrates and jerks into gear; Intermittent but recurring failure; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; vehicle not yet repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.
Unintended Acceleration / Surge on First Acceleration
Vehicle exhibits uncontrolled acceleration surging on initial acceleration after engine start or when shifting into reverse/drive. RPMs spike dramatically without driver input or with minimal pedal application. Occurs intermittently over extended period (reported for 2+ years in one case).
When: Occurs after engine start or gear shifts; one case reported intermittently over 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration lunge forward after engine start; Surge lasts 20–30 feet before subsiding; Oscillating acceleration (surge, die, surge) during first start acceleration in warmer weather; RPM spikes dramatically when shifting into reverse or neutral; Slight pedal application produces excessive acceleration response; No warning lights
Codes mentioned: No faults detected per dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or repair; one customer sent videos to Ford without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused service, stating no faults detected and cannot fix problem without codes. Ford customer service reportedly advised same.
Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving or Stopping
Vehicle stalls or loses power unexpectedly while accelerating from stop, during highway driving, or while approaching stop. Power briefly returns or vehicle enters limp mode. Occurs at traffic signals and on highways, creating dangerous situations.
When: Reported at various mileage intervals; some from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle dies or loses power halfway into roadway when accelerating from stop; Pause where accelerator does nothing, then vehicle picks up by itself; Brief loss of power during highway acceleration; Wrench light and check engine light may appear; Vehicle enters limp mode, limiting speed
Codes mentioned: Wrench symbol, Check engine light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer unable to replicate issue; problem occurs intermittently after vehicle is returned from service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership told owner 'Ford told us not to do anything unless you can verify it.' Owners suspect Ford is aware of issue but avoiding official diagnosis.
Synthesized from 112 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Vehicle shutters, jerks and loses acceleration between 50 to 60 miles per hour. Can cause accident with other vehicles behind on freeway or any other circumstance. Have had vehicles behind me almost ram the back of my vehicle when this happens. No warning lights on dash. 12/27/23 Dealer says it’s the Torque Converter. Issue occurs every time during acceleration and deceleration. Has been going on…
On 11/21/22, my car ‘lost’ it’s transmission at 72,704 miles. This is when a wrench light came on the dashboard, and the car went into limp mode-putting myself and my 2 children at risk while driving. I was luckily able to pull off the road. When I restarted the car, the light went off and allowed me to slowly drive back to my house. We had it towed to a Ford Dealership for further investigation.…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 112 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 33,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.