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 while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and vibrated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to partially coast to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,084.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge displayed a full tank; however, the Distance To Empty indicator was incorrect. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump monitor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving routine maintenance and an oil and filter change, it was discovered that coolant was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 88,762.
My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 236,000 miles has an ongoing EVAP/fuel vapor system problem that causes the vehicle to hesitate, stumble, and attempt to stall. The problem occurs most frequently after refueling and also when the fuel level is low. The check-engine light comes on repeatedly, and despite numerous repair attempts, the issue has not been corrected. Repairs and parts replaced have included the purge valve, EVAP-related sensor(s), charcoal canister(s), and associated tubing. Significant money has been spent diagnosing and repairing this condition, but the symptoms continue. After filling the fuel tank, the engine may run rough, hesitate, lose power, and attempt to stall. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power or stall while driving, entering traffic, slowing for intersections, or operating in other traffic situations. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have been experiencing the smell of gas/exhaust leaking into the cabin. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am concern with the health issues that this smell could put my family and I in. Specially if theirs a possibility that carbon monoxide could be leaking into the cabin. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I had the vehicle inspected by Ford but they advise that they couldn't reproduce the smell. They also advice that their were a two drain plugs missing in the lift gate which would resolve the issue if replaced. I have replaced the two missing plugs and continue to experience the issue. …
Both turbos failed and so did the water pump. Less than 90,000 miles. When the turbos failed, there was smoke from the tailpipes. Then there was noise under the hood. When the water pump failed, there was water leaking under the vehicle. Yes, the problem was diagnosed and fixed by the Ford dealership. One of the turbos was fixed last year. The water pump was fixed in December. The other turbo is waiting to be fixed because Ford changed the part due to manufacturing issues and we are currently going on 3 months without a vehicle. The turbos or water pump failure would have been a catastrophic engine failure at some point. Apparently this is a known issue with the 3.5L EcoBoost engines, but Ford has not issued a recall. Fortunately I have a Blue Oval Certified warranty on my Explorer, so the repair is covered. There were no lamps or warning lights during the part failures. …
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 tear. The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable, leaving me without transportation during a period of financial hardship. The severity and extent of repairs raise concern about a potential broader defect. This also created a safety concern due to excessive exhaust smoke and reduced vehicle reliability while in operation.
It is known that for the specific year make and model that the water pump goes out around 100,000 miles. This water pump was built as an internal water pump, which is not typical for most cars. in order to fix this part, the engine has to be taken out and lots of parts have to be disassembled Just to get to it. The part Itself is fairly cheap, but the labor cost thousands of dollars due to where it is located. Ford knowingly built this car and put that pump where it is at and therefore should be reliable to pay the cost when it is so common that this part goes out around 100,000 miles. if it is a known issue that occurs on these models frequently then it should become a recall because a failing water pump can cause significant issues within the engine and make the vehicle in operable.
Exhaust Fumes entering the passenger cabin through the heat/ac vents and causing carbon monoxide poisoning to passengers! Having medical issues due to this issue and it has been found twice and it's been doing this since day 3 of owning it! Purchased new on February 21, 2018 with only 2 miles and 6 miles when paperwork was signed! On day 5, 02-26-2018, called dealer was told by the salesman Tommy, it was the new smell and it would go away, Never has and never will! I've been sick for over 2 years and 90% of my medical issues has came from purchasing this vehicle and it's still releasing exhaust fumes and causing me problems. I would like to know WHY a recall has never been done and FORD to be made response for their actions and deceit for this major problem!
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
Fuel System complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2017 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 1,703 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Explorer fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles, and 54% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.