2017 Ford Explorer Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer, 5% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 89,600 miles. The words owners use most often: “water pump” (38% of reports).
- 77engine and engine cooling complaints
- 89,600median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Water pump: mentioned in 29 of 77 complaints (38%)
- Engine overheating: mentioned in 7 of 77 complaints (9%)
- Assistance offered: mentioned in 7 of 77 complaints (9%)
- Carbon monoxide: mentioned in 6 of 77 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 71 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 77 complaints, 2 an injury.
Ford Explorer engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 35,682 |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 88,689 |
| 2021 Explorer | 10 | 2% | 60,000 |
| 2020 Explorer | 21 | 2% | 51,250 |
| 2019 Explorer | 6 | 2% | 63,000 |
| 2018 Explorer | 29 | 4% | 71,699 |
| 2017 Explorer | 77 | 5% | 89,600 |
| 2016 Explorer | 114 | 5% | 75,650 |
| 2015 Explorer | 66 | 4% | 59,220 |
| 2014 Explorer | 67 | 4% | 27,950 |
| 2013 Explorer | 67 | 3% | 61,151 |
| 2012 Explorer | 14 | 2% | 56,734 |
| 2011 Explorer | 21 | 2% | 85,000 |
| 2010 Explorer | 3 | 3% | 14,000 |
| 2009 Explorer | 1 | 3% | 88,350 |
| 2008 Explorer | 4 | 3% | 67,000 |
| 2007 Explorer | 10 | 5% | 53,000 |
| 2006 Explorer | 164 | 26% | 45,776 |
| 2005 Explorer | 29 | 6% | 44,113 |
| 2004 Explorer | 71 | 5% | 55,000 |
| 2003 Explorer | 69 | 6% | 50,000 |
| 2002 Explorer | 163 | 5% | 74,000 |
| 2001 Explorer | 39 | 10% | 86,000 |
| 2000 Explorer | 90 | 9% | 56,700 |
| 1999 Explorer | 100 | 7% | 64,000 |
| 1998 Explorer | 189 | 10% | 100,000 |
| 1997 Explorer | 198 | 11% | 98,000 |
| 1996 Explorer | 81 | 6% | 78,000 |
| 1995 Explorer | 45 | 5% | 139,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Problem: 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 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Risk: 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 report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the engine light illuminated and the vehicle stopped in the middle lane. The contact was able to maneuver and coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The instrument panel was illuminated…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message âEngine Overheatingâ was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. After restarting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving roughly, with white exhaust smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2017 Ford Explorers have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 77 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the 2017 Ford Explorer (5% of the 1,701 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Explorer engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems start?
The median reported mileage is 89,600 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “water pump”, in 29 of 77 complaints, followed by “engine overheating” (7).
Other 2017 Ford Explorer problems
- Structure problems (658)
- Engine problems (241)
- Power Train problems (123)
- Electrical System problems (94)
- Steering problems (76)
- Wheels problems (60)
- Suspension problems (58)
See all 2017 Ford Explorer problems or engine and engine cooling problems across all Explorer years.