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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,770 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Ford Explorer drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2017 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #92

Sep 012023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission is not shifting correcting. Will be traveling down the road and loses power, loses it's acceleration. When trying to proceed after making a stop at a light, car will not go. Bucks hard when putting in reverse. I heard there was a recall on the torque converter's awhile back, but I never received any notification about it. Now that I know, the ford dealerships are telling me there are no recalls for this.

- Alma, IL, USA

problem #91

Nov 012024

Explorer

  • miles
The transmission stops switching gears after going 70 mph on the highway no acceleration was possible Just stopped working. I had my kids with me I had a tractor trailer behind me and in front of me and beside me on a very busy highway going 70 mph and the transmission just stopped working no gas was it was just redlining when it was supposed to be accelerating no gears were reached I had to throw it in park throw it back into sports mode they're back into drive they're back into sports mode they're back in the drive before it kicked in and would go all while in the middle of a busy highway and not able to get off the road and declining in speed. The manufacturer or Ford did purchase the vehicle from me and made me roll over my negative equity from that car into a new car was my only option or paying 10 grand to get it fixed. Nothing no lights were displayed no lights came on at all no warning signs nothing Just happened. When I took it in to get it looked at the mechanic immediately told me that I need to trade the car in and that I shouldn't have this vehicle it's transmission has been having multiple issues over four times in one year it was in the shop for transmission issues they told me nothing was wrong and they drove my car 200 mi they gave it back to me not even two weeks later this happened no lights and nothing was pulling on the codes The mechanic Harper from Malloy Ford is the one that told me that I should need to trade it in he contacted the Ford company they offered $2,000 to help with the cost to get the car fixed but it wasn't going to fix the problem from happening again and it was traumatizing to have to go through that with my kids I didn't want to put my kids back in that vehicle because we literally could have died. PLEASE REACH OUT WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS with my phone or email.. THE CAR HAS HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT IT.THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AFTER I PURCHASED IT TO PUT ME IN SOMETHING ELSE

- Augusta, WV, USA

problem #90

Dec 022024

Explorer

  • miles
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer with a water pump that needs replacing per a Ford dealership. It has 59K. It should last at least 150k. There should be a recall as there are thousands of these vehicles with the internal water pump. Apparently it's a problem if they are no longer making them internal. I want to file a complaint and would like some type of compensation.

- Taylors, SC, USA

problem #89

Oct 042024

Explorer

  • 48,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was leaking from the case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

- Augusta, GA, USA

problem #88

Oct 142024

Explorer

  • miles
Powertrain fail while driving on the highway

- Cordova , TN, USA

problem #87

Sep 192022

Explorer

  • miles
In November of 2020 Ford Motor Company issued a recall on vehicles manufactured in their Chicago plant for transmissions torque converter issues under customer satisfaction program 20B27/20N07 which was in effect until November 30, 2021. It was not until September 2022 that I personally started having issues, I took my vehicle to Bob Bell a Ford Dealership for a check engine light issue and completing their diagnostics they confirmed it was a torque converter issue. However, I was advised that my warranty had just ended and it was no longer under warranty to be fixed and I would have to pay out of pocket. I contacted Ford Customer Support Division and they opened case number [XXX] in reference. They advised me the recall was over and to contact the NHTSA who can investigate the matter and issue a new recall for my vehicle. I am requesting an investigation into this matter and Ford be held liable to replace the transmission as a recall and refund me the $195 I paid for the diagnostic fee. The transmission issue has affected a large number of vehicles which Ford obviously were aware of and those owners whose issues started after the expiration date of the program should not be penalized and made to pay out of pocket especially when this is a know problem and documented problem with the Explorers manufactured out of the Chicago plant. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #86

May 012024

Explorer

  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that in 2nd and 3rd gear, the vehicle jerked, and transmission slipped. The contact stated that while in 4th and 5th gear, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had overheated, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

- New Franken, WI, USA

problem #85

Aug 012024

Explorer

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission continued to shift between the fourth and fifth gears. There was an abnormal booming sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was slipping. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

- Perry, GA, USA

problem #84

Jun 262024

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Harvey, LA, USA

problem #83

Apr 182024

Explorer

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter and oil leak in the timing cover. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27 and 20N07 (Possibility for the transmission torque converter to overheat in certain driving conditions). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- Joliet, IL, USA

problem #82

Jul 052024

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

With 39,221 miles only, last week start to leaking coolant, , take to Dealer, found that the WATER PUMP LEAK, THEY say the heater core are leaking to.. WANT CHARGE MY OVER $7000. The water pump are power train, but they not want to fixed under any warranty.. call Ford corporate, They not want do nothing. CAR START to smoke and bad smell. Not think are fair for new car with this big issue and not want to fixed.. Need to be a RECALL. EVERYONE COMPLAINT EVERWHERE ABOVE THIS PROBLEM. WATER PUMP. 11 HOURS JOB.

- Tampa , FL, USA

problem #81

Mar 012024

Explorer

  • miles
Torque convertor failed at 80k miles, caused the vehicle to shake while in drive while stopped in gear. Was repaired at a Ford dealership (Palmetto Ford) in Charleston South Carolina

- Millsboro, DE, USA

problem #80

Jun 212024

Explorer

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling while in drive(D) and reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal closer to the floorboard, the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 20N07. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #79

May 012024

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle-??s coolant over temperature warning light comes on only on highway and vehicles slows, which can cause a crash. However, temp gauge fluctuates quickly going back and forth from normal to hot.

- San Antonio , TX, USA

problem #78

May 142024

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated. The contact stated that a tire rotation was performed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot. The vehicle then was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 20N07 if the dealer determined that the failure was related to the campaign. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Jacksonville, IL, USA

problem #77

May 112024

Explorer

  • miles
Took a trip and the torque converter went out while driving down the interstate. Got off at an exit and as soon as we stopped the whole car starting shaking, you could feel it and hear it through the whole car, could see the hood shaking. Pulled into a parking lot thinking the car might cool down and it would be fine again. It did not stop, it has progressively sounded worse, only if the car is idling while in drive or reverse. Had a Ford certified mechanic look at the vehicle and he immediately said it was the torque converter, and that there is a TSB for this problem. TSB 20-2271

- Chandler, IN, USA

problem #76

May 122024

Explorer

  • miles
The torque convertor is bad, causing my vehicle not to accelerate properly, especially when going uphill and until reaching a sustained speed. It also shudders while at a sustained speed and jerks when going in reverse. Recently, while accelerating onto the highway (from 30mph to 60+ mph) I was almost rear ended due to the vehicle shifting hard and not accelerated at the rate of speed expected. This happens often, but I'm typically able to compensate for it. This time, I was unable to and it almost caused an accident with my 2 minor children in the back seat. I have taken it to my local Ford Service Center. They know that the issue is caused by degraded torque convertor function. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 and 20N07 previously but is no longer honoring the program- leaving many of us with no resolution. I never received notice of this program, nor was it listed in Oasis for my vehicle (per my service center). Because this was not listed in Oasis, and it doesn't throw any codes when assessed, the problem with the transmission was dismissed a year ago when it wasn't as severe. This is a safety hazard and the NHTSA needs to step in and force Ford to either reopen Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 and 20N07 or issue a recall.

- Granite Falls, MN, USA

problem #75

Dec 182023

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle was at 65K miles and the water pump was leaking. When they went in to fix the water pump they noticed the timing chain had been stretched. Got my car back and not even 2-3 days later I heard a noise (only heard in less than a handful of times prior) and the noise began to be more consistent and found out that my CAM phasers went bad. All prior to reaching 70K miles...my vehicle is still only 67K. Later found documentation that timing chain and CAM phaser should be covered by CA emissions and the dealer is saying that is not the case. My vehicle fits the attached addendum as it was manufactured on [XXX] and in Chicago, IL. Dealer is saying this addendum does not constitute as a warranty document, just a notification. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lakeside , CA, USA

problem #74

Jan 222024

Explorer

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #73

Apr 102024

Explorer

  • miles
The water pump just went out and left us stranded in 110 weather and the gentleman that own the shop that I took it to told me that he has replaced 13 within 6 months! I have read and studied it and every single customer said the water pump went out at about 70,000 so there needs to be a recall! This is ridiculous!

- Dyersburg, TN, USA

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