2017 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 29, 2026FLFireElectrical System

   The vehicle ACM shorted and caused a fire while driving. My safety was put as risk because the car quickly filled with smoke and unbearable fumes causing me to swerve and attempt to find a safe place to pull over.

   NHTSA complaint #11753538 · source
2. Filed Jul 27, 2026IDElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11752959 · source
3. Filed Jul 16, 202690,000 miPABody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, inspected, and confirmed that the driver’s side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that the electrical system on the tailgate had stopped working as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11750826 · source
4. Filed Jul 6, 2026GAElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.

   NHTSA complaint #11748550 · source
5. Filed May 8, 202680,758 miILElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was provided a report at the time of the purchase by the dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 55717. After obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 80,758. No other agency was contacted. The VIN was not provided.

   NHTSA complaint #11736506 · source
6. Filed Apr 28, 2026CABody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   While driving on the freeway the exterior b-pillar became partially detached from the drivers side of vehicle, causing the pillar to hang off the side. Very unsafe as it can strike another vehicle, or pedestrian. Part is now being held on by duct tape so it stays in place. The b-pillar part is attached to the electronic key number pad. Since this part was detached, the dome lights inside of the vehicle, stay illuminated for 10 mins after exiting. When entering the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11734320 · source
7. Filed Apr 13, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle experienced white exhaust smoke due to oil entering the exhaust system, caused by turbocharger failure. This led to contamination and failure of all O2 sensors, requiring full replacement, along with replacement of both turbochargers. The radiator also failed and had to be replaced. This appears to be a cascading mechanical failure affecting multiple major systems, including the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical components, rather than normal wear and…

   NHTSA complaint #11730931 · source
8. Filed Apr 2, 2026DCElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   Vehicle equipped with operation red and blue auxiliary emergency lights, prohibited and protected by law for law enforcement use only, facilitates impersonation of a police officer, false detention, harassment, legal scrutiny for police, seller has actual knowledge, strictly liable upon a purchase agreement with a buyer, and can be liable for crimes committed by another by aiding an offender under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls, mechanical/electrical/lighting…

   NHTSA complaint #11728836 · source
9. Filed Apr 2, 2026DCBody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Vehicle contains traces of cychlorphine, labeled as "POLICE," facilitates criminal activity impersonation of a police officer, seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under color of law upon purchase agreement. Safety risk for buyer, and the general public for false police pretenses, harassment, and actual police scrutiny. Vehicle has open recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11728828 · source
10. Filed Apr 1, 2026LAElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

    I spoke to the service manager at Hub City Ford located at [XXX] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue…

    NHTSA complaint #11728501 · source
11. Filed Jan 21, 2026MOBody & StructureElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously…

    NHTSA complaint #11712412 · source
12. Filed Jan 1, 2026MIElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

    In January of 2025 the rear windshield suddenly blew a hole in it after starting the vehicle with the remote start. I was advised that due to the cold temperatures and then the heat from the rear defrost caused this to occur. On Wednesday 12/31/25, the same exact thing happened. My vehicle was parked at my home in the garage when I remote started it. A few minutes later, my daughter and I got in, started it, then proceeded to back up when we heard a loud boom. Same thing…

    NHTSA complaint #11708192 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology