Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the brakes would squeak upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact took her vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the rear brake calipers needed replacement. The contact called the dealer where she was given the number to the company that handle vehicle warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and stated that they would not cover the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 33,038.
While backing out of our driveway the car started speeding up and the brakes failed. Even with repeated pumping of brakes the car wouldn't stop. We finally jammed the shift lever into park and even then it continue moving for a short distance. We wiped out our neighbors mailbox. It did the same thing yesterday but we thought my husband accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake. Today we know it was the car.
On freeway, pushed brakes but vehicle did not stop or slow down resulting in multi car rear end collision. Auto braking and ABS features did not engage. Vehicle was towed and our insurance agent claim adjuster recommended we reach out to you. No warning lamps, messages, etc. went off at the time or had gone off previously.
This vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock brakes. On Sunday, while driving slowly through a slippery parking lot, due to ice, my brakes locked in the downward position. I was not able to get the brakes to function. This resulted in a low impact auto accident.
The inside rear brake pads sustained a 66% loss of material in 9260 miles of normal driving. The vehicle was serviced on 10-03-23, 53,446 miles, the fronts pads had 7mm and the rears had 6mm. The vehicle was again service on 09-11-24, 62,706 miles, the front pads had 6mm and the rear had 2mm. I had the dealer take the rear brakes apart and check everything for why the pads wore down so fast. The findings were that all components were in good working order and the outside rear pads actually had 5mm and the inside rear pads had 2mm.The dealer told me they couldn't find a problem as to the extreme wear. I contacted Ford and they couldn't or wouldn't help due to no problem found and brakes being a wear related part. All work was performed at Lithia Ford of Boise.
I bought the car from modern Corp s in Fort Myers Florida and the brakes are bad the catalytic converters are melted the steering makes noise sounds like it's just going to break in half we have a warranty and they will not honor any of it after they said they would we had to put it in the shop not even a week of having it because of the AC and the only thing the warranty covered was the sway bars ball joints and a couple other things I drive this car every single day I just feel like this car is not going to make it nobody wants to honor the word about anything and I see there is a recall for the roof rack one side of it is missing if anybody can help me that would be great because I would love to get my vehicle repaired the right way
While going up a steep hill or mountain the car starts to over heat when you stop pressing the gas the car will start to go back down in to cooler numbers and you can start driving again with no issues until you hit another hill.. car breaks wear out excessively also the car jerks when going into gear to shift
When vehicle is cold the brake pedal is normal 2inches movement. After 10 miles or so the pedal moves 4or 5 inches. After the vehicle cools down again the pedal returns to 2 inches again. The ford dealer does not know what the problem is.
While driving to work, while the vehicle was in motion, I heard a loud pop sound, engine began to smoke. Had vehicle towed in to local Ford dealership which indicated bad cell in manufacturers battery causing it to blow and spray battery acid all over engine components at 26,127 miles. Dealership did not follow proper procedure when replacing battery and left acid on engine and components. Battery acid had eaten through brake system components, wiring and caused severe corrosion under hood. By not addressing the safety concern when confronted and during multiple visits and phone e calls, brake system ABS failed causing a front end collision by slamming into another car in the interstate resulting from brake system failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact was involved in a front end collision with a wall due to brake failure. The contact struck the steering column because the seat belt failed to properly restrain her. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence and then to the gorno Ford dealer, where it was deemed destroyed. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact suffered from moderate chest pain from striking the steering column and required medical attention. The failure mileage was 3,694.
Brake complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Ford Explorer, 1% of the model year's 1,703 complaints. The component named most often is disc › caliper (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Explorer brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2017 Ford Explorer, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Ford Explorer brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.