Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 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 mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the tailgate would not open because the electrical system was disconnected, and the trim had fallen off. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the dome light remained illuminated and turned off approximately 4-5 seconds later. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the windshield molding on the passenger's side of the vehicle detached, flew off and hit the windshield of the vehicle behind her. There were no injuries sustained. The contact veered to the side of the road and made sure that the passenger of the other vehicle was safe; then she continued to drive to her destination. The contact stated that the windshield molding on the driver's side of the vehicle was also detaching. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side front window trim detached. The contact pulled over but was unable to locate the window trim. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the driver's side front window trim needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The contact was able to purchase the replacement part online; however, he had to glue it to the front driver's side window due to fractured clips used to secure the window trim in place. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that the trims and the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front side of the roof connected to the upper center of the windshield was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist unless the part was perforated. The contact stated that as the roof became perforated, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the roof and the windshield needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a diagnostic report with pictures to the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised that they would cover the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger's side window trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the trim was replaced. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the front driver's side trim detached. The failure caused the trunk button to open and close the trunk. The message trunk latch ajar was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side window molding was peeling off. The contact then stated that the driver's side molding was coming apart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side window molding needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to cover only a portion of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
So for starters the visibility wipers should have a auto wiper function as in when it detects rain they will automatically come on. Well they do but they also come on at random intervals even when it's not raining. Secondly the glove box design is horribly engineered and it falls apart by its self. My glove box flew open while driving down the road and caused me to run off the roadway with my kids in the car. Luckily my kids and I are safe and no one was hurt but something should be done about this. The tension cord that hooks to the glove box just snapped from the looks of it.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side windshield rubber seal detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by wear and tear. The dealer determined that the front windshield rubber seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40-45 MPH, the windshield trim panel detached from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the failure was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that she repaired the trim panel at her own expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2017 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2017 Ford Explorer, 4% of the model year's 1,703 complaints. The component named most often is windshield › critical fasteners (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.