Car Yearsto Avoid

2017 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

305 owners have reported engine problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer, 18% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 14,000–94,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

305 complaints 18% of all 2017 complaints 51,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Exhaust system 12
Pump 7
Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe 2
Emission control 1
Radiator assembly 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (166 of 305). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Explorer year

2008 Explorer 25
2009 Explorer 5
2010 Explorer 17
2012 Explorer 92
2017 Explorer 305
2019 Explorer 25
2021 Explorer 58
2022 Explorer 32
2023 Explorer 11
2025 Explorer 9
2026 Explorer 6

Related recalls

Turbo / supercharger

Fire risk

5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components. 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.

Recall 16V925000 · Dec 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2017 Ford Explorer gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Other 2017 Ford Explorer problems

Common questions

What are common 2017 Ford Explorer engine problems?

Complaints most often name the exhaust system, pump and manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Explorer engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 14,000–94,000 miles. The middle value is about 51,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Explorer engine problems?

Yes: 16V925000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Explorer year has the most engine complaints?

The 2016 Explorer, with 483 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.