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2017 Ford Explorer: water leaks into the cabin

18 of the 1,706 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer describe water leaks into the cabin.

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
85,000
recalls
4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 10 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Water leaks into the cabin by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

1 waterpump failed and leaked water into my oil and blew my engine. There was no warning. My car had no power and I could not drive. I was on the side of the road. The waterpump is not a recall but there are alot of people with the same issue on the same model . The engine was replaced at my expense. 2. Pillar/trim recall is not fixed and water is getting into the inside of my car and shorting out my plugs and wires and stahling my car when it rains. No warning signs or lights for either problem. The car has been inspected for the recal . I was just told ford has not provided a repair solution for the problem. This recal is from 1/19/2024

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Body · 72,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V347000 (STRUCTURE). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, water entered the interior of the vehicle through the passenger's side A-pillar trim, and water accumulated on the carpet. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Body · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield was not functioning as designed. The contact also noticed water leaking from the windshield during inclement weather. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and a dealer representative visited the residence to inspect the vehicle. The dealer determined that the A-pillar trim had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Body · 43,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, parts of the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer provided a mobile service and arrived at the contact's residence. The vehicle was inspected; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact used duct tape around the front windshield. The contact stated that because of the failure, whenever it rained, water entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that it was literally raining inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the electrical system goes in and out because of the water damage. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Body · KY

I am formally submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved recall issue on my Ford Explorer involving the front roof rail covers (pillars). The exact defect outlined in the recall is what I am currently experiencing: the pillars are barely attached and could easily detach while driving, posing a serious safety risk. I am also concerned this defect could compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of an accident or even during normal driving conditions. I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a leak. Rainwater enters the cabin through the area where the pillar is not properly secured. This has resulted in significant water damage and the growth of mold inside the vehicle. Because of this, I have been unable to safely operate my Explorer and have kept it parked in my garage for nearly a year. What is particularly troubling is that Ford continues to manufacture new Explorers, which clearly indicates that the required parts are available. It seems reasonable and necessary for Ford to divert these parts to dealerships and service centers to repair recalled vehicles, particularly when the issue directly impacts safety and vehicle usability. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate Ford’s failure to resolve this recall in a timely manner and hold the manufacturer accountable for providing a safe and functional remedy for affected owners.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Body · OH

My 2017 Ford Explorer is leaking water through faulty welds in the rear hatch area. A review of many complaints online reporting the same thing shows this is a very common and repeated issue with many Ford Explorer years and has never been addressed by Ford. The complaints are all the same as water leaks in from the faulty welds and causes water to pool in the interior, especially in the spare tire well after leaking down the interior. All the complaints show a chronic weld issue and needs addressed. Notices issue last year but thought it was sunroof drains plugged. Noticed it is actually faulty cracked welds this year

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · SC

For over a year the windshield of my car had a “rattle” or wind-like noise. I figured this was due to the weather stripping around the windshield degrading and falling off. I heard about the recall and the very next day I was driving down the interstate and the plastic piece (A-Pillar) flew off and the car behind me swerved to miss the piece. A day or so after this occurred, large rains came through our area which resulted in water entering my vehicle. I took my car to the dealership a day or 2 later where they had to inspect to see if the vehicle met the recall and order the parts. This was over 3 months ago. I called Ford about 1 month after my vehicle was inspected and spoke to a representative who informed me that the parts are in stock and are being shipped out upon ordering from the dealership. The dealership placed the order the same day they inspected the car. I have not heard any communication from Ford regarding this. I am cornered about water damage in my vehicle due to prolonged issue with not only the weather stripping but also missing the plastic piece (A-Pillar). I have contacted the dealership multiple times and their hands are tied due to not having the parts needed to fix the recall.

Filed Dec 29, 2024 · Body · CA

The A-Pillar trim (passenger side)became detached as I was driving 60 MPH on [XXX]. I paid $350 to have it repaired at because I wasn’t aware of the recall at that time.. The repair shop was Inland Empire Collision Riverside,CA 92507 phone 951.788.4860 Several months later the driver side became detached as I was driving [XXX] .. I took my car to a trusted mechanic & he informed me of the recall. I went to Raceway Ford dealership and the service rep Edwin Garcia file my claim to have my car repaired as well as my $350 refund.. That was 10 weeks ago.. I got a call from a lady (sorry she didn’t identify herself) at Raceway (12/27/24) regarding a recall.. I informed her that Edwin had filed my claim and I would like to know the status… she replied…”give me 10 minutes and I’ll call you back.. I never got a call back. Meanwhile I can’t take my SUV to a automated car wash in fear of it leaking water 💦 inside.. Not to mention what a eyesore it is to look 👀 at… please put some fire 🔥 under there feet to fix the problem that I didn’t ask for.. I’m loyal to the USA products because I’m a small business person & I absolutely know the importance of patronizing USA 🇺🇸 owned businesses… thank you🇺🇸 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 18, 2024 · Body · 153,840 miles · OH

Water leaking in the drivers side frame that goes down the inner column by the dash onto the floor board, leaks above the driver visor, and in the back frame in the trunk of driver side. I have had it checked over by a Ford dealer twice and they claim it was my sun roof-which it is not. When I tried to have it checked again with a non Ford mechanic, it’s been too cold and rainy so the problem cannot be found. It has gotten worse in my car, water damage to the dash and I get condensation that forms on the inside of my windshield. Thought it occurred due to the windshield guard cover recall but that isn’t the case.

Filed Jun 18, 2024 · Body · 85,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was water entering the vehicle from the passenger's side to the middle lower side of the windshield. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was in the rain or at the car wash. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 20, 2024 · Body · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there was water leaking into the vehicle on the front driver's and the passenger’s side floorboards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the water was entering through the front driver's side and the passenger's side windshield A-pillars. The dealer related the failure to the recall. Additionally, the dealer determined that water was also leaking through the cowl, and the cowl needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · LA

Gaskets on windshield are broken and moving while driving. The windshield is leaking water inside the vehicle from rain water damaged sunroof function and carpet.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Structure: bodyReported July 14, 2026 · 288,314 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 16, 2026.

Recall number 26V448000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported May 23, 2025 · 492,145 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Risk
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

Recall number 25V347000 · Recall details

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported January 19, 2024 · 1,889,110 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Recall number 24V031000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported May 5, 2021 · 616,967 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

Recall number 21V316000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2017 Ford Explorer water leak

Is water leaks into the cabin a common problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

18 of 1,706 owner complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer (1%) mention water leaks into the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

There are 4 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Ford Explorer

Fuel smell 87Check engine light 60Overheating 58Engine failure 42Loss of power 28Stalling 27Jerking 24Fire or smoke 23Shudder 20Wipers 20Misfire 19Transmission failure 19Hesitation 18Airbag light 16Power steering loss 16Harsh shifting 15Windshield crack 14Backup camera 13Tire blowout 12Headlights 10Seat belt 10Key fob 9Premature wear 9Slipping 9Won't start 9Ball joint 8Grinding brakes 8Door locks 8Steering lock-up 8Adaptive cruise 7ABS 6Oil consumption 6No deployment 5

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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