2017 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Transmission · CO

About 3 years and 3 months after a Power Control Module reflash was done in March 2021 under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 20B27, vehicle was brought to Ford dealership on 06/07/2024 with mileage at 79,730 for multi point inspection due to vehicle runs rough and hard time accelerating. Diagnostic code was P0316. Service tech recommendation was to replace engine for $14,000.00 including parts and labor (declined recommendation). Brought vehicle to another dealership but found no codes. Instead replaced engine motor mounts, sparkplugs, and air filter due to noticeable vibrations. Dealership service tech inspected engine but found no abnormal findings. Went to another Ford dealership on 10/08/2026 to check Code P0299 that appeared on OBD test and for further inspection due to sluggish acceleration from full stop and slows down going uphill. Ford's guidance stated that torque converter failing due to mileage, acceleration/power loss from dead stop. Recommended fix was to replace the transmission for $8,461.03 (declined recommended service). On 10/23/2026, I picked up my vehicle from the dealership. During my return journey from the dealership, I encountered the same sluggish acceleration. A safety hazard that is attributed to a malfunctioning torque converter, a know problem for Ford. Consequently, Ford dispatched CSP 20B27 to assist in safeguarding the transmission converter from overheating. Regrettably, this intervention proved ineffective in mitigating the problem. Ford issued CSP 20N07 to extend warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for 12 months from RO date which in my case, RO date on CSP 20B27 was 03/19/2021. Despite the 12-month eligibility period not being met, my vehicle should have remained covered. Initially, Ford was aware of a transmission torque issue and was attempting to resolve it through CSP 20B27 and CSP 20N07. Currently, mileage is at 85K miles but I'm hesitant to drive due to safety concerns.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · CA

Both turbochargers on my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 have failed. The first turbocharger failed and was replaced in 2025. On August 10, 2026, at about 138,000 miles, the second turbocharger failed: the vehicle lost power and poured thick white smoke from the exhaust as engine oil burned off, making it undrivable. Sudden power loss and heavy smoke while driving are serious safety hazards. This failure is consistent with the turbocharger oil supply tube defect in the federal safety agency recall 16V925000 for this same 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but my VIN falls outside that recall's range. I ask the federal safety agency to investigate turbocharger failures on 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum models with the 3.5L EcoBoost and consider expanding the recall, and I ask Ford to provide reimbursement or support for these repeated failures.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · CA

This is a second complaint for the same vehicle. Complaint number 11770400, filed today, understated the failure history, and I am filing this one so the complete record is in the database. Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, VIN [XXX]. The first turbocharger failure occurred in 2023, at under 110,000 miles, and was repaired at a cost of approximately $2,900. A turbocharger was replaced again in August 2025 at a cost of $2,895. The catalytic converter was replaced in March 2026 at a cost of $1,700. The internal water pump, which sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain, was replaced in April 2026 at a cost of $2,350. On [XXX], at about 138,000 miles, the turbochargers failed again, with loss of power and thick white smoke from burning oil, and the vehicle is now undrivable with both turbochargers in question. Major repairs total roughly $9,800 since 2023, with $6,945 of that in the last thirteen months alone. This is a repeating failure of the same components, and it matches the turbocharger oil supply tube defect described in recall 16V925000 for this same engine. Ford limited that recall to 1,352 vehicles, and my VIN falls outside it. Other owners of 2016 and 2017 Explorers report the identical failure outside the recall window, repeat failures after replacement, and turbo failures damaging their catalytic converters. I ask the agency to consider this complete history, and the pattern of identical complaints, in deciding whether to open an investigation, expand the recall, and compensate the affected customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Engine · VA

Driving down the highway and checkengine light came on when I was headed to work. The vehicle lost power due to misfire with engine. I check the spark plugs and there is oil all over sparkplugs and the coil packs. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by ford immediately, they need to put a new engine in or pay me to get this fixed.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Fuel system · GA

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. The condition has persisted despite replacement of multiple EVAP system components. Based on the repeated failures and inability to permanently correct the issue, I believe this may indicate a defect affecting other vehicles of the same model year. I am requesting that this issue be investigated due to the potential safety risk associated with engine hesitation, loss of power, and stalling.

Filed May 3, 2026 · IL

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with the 3.5L V6 engine due to a known internal water pump design defect. The water pump is located internally and driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant can leak directly into the engine crankcase and mix with motor oil instead of leaking externally where it would be easier to detect. This creates a serious safety hazard because the engine can suffer catastrophic damage, sudden failure, loss of power, or complete shutdown, sometimes with little or no warning. In my case, the vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with internal water pump failure, including my car overheating out of nowhere, forcing me to coast to the side of the highway in very unsafe conditions. This defect can destroy the engine and create dangerous driving conditions, especially if power loss occurs while driving with children or passengers, thankfully I didn't have any of my three children with me when this happened. This appears to affect many Ford Explorer vehicles from similar model years, and numerous owners have reported similar failures. The repair cost is extremely high because replacement often requires major engine disassembly or full engine replacement. I am currently financing this vehicle with a balance of $14,000 left to pay and have already paid close to $28,000. This is extremely unfair and the cost to repair is close to $5,000. I don't see a way for myself to afford that. I believe Ford should be required to address this issue because: The design can allow coolant contamination inside the engine without obvious external leakage. Failure can occur suddenly and create safety risks. Repair costs are excessive for what appears to be a widespread defect. Owners may not receive sufficient warning before catastrophic failure. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this defect for safety implications and determine whether a recall or broader manufacturer accountability is warranted. Thank you for your time.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · MA

The 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorers have a huge issue with them. The internal water pump on my 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5L engine failed. The failure caused coolant to leak into the engine crankcase, where it mixed with the engine oil. This contaminated the oil and led to catastrophic engine failure and seizure. The vehicle has already been brought to a dealership for service and is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk because the engine could have seized suddenly while the vehicle was in motion. If I had not caught the issue early, it could have resulted in a complete engine shutdown without warning, leading to loss of power, reduced steering control, and inability to accelerate in traffic. I have a strong understanding of vehicles and was able to recognize the warning signs, but the average driver would likely not identify these symptoms. Without that knowledge, this type of failure could easily occur without warning and put both the driver and others on the road at significant risk. Yes. The issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealership as a failed internal water pump. Coolant was beginning to leak internally into the engine and oil pan, where it mixed with the engine oil. The symptoms—coolant leaking near the oil pan, loss of coolant, lack of heat, and eventual engine failure—are consistent with this type of failure on this engine. The vehicle has been inspected by both the dealership and my independent mechanic. It is currently at the dealership for service and remains available for further inspection if needed. There were early symptoms, including a coolant leak, bubbling in the coolant reservoir, and loss of heat inside the vehicle. However, there were no clear warning lights or alerts indicating imminent engine failure. The engine did not overheat prior to failure, and the final seizure could have occurred suddenly without adequate warning. These symptoms only appeared about one day prior

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Transmission · ID

The transmission has totally failed at under 69,000 miles while my wife was driving down a 45 MPH road. The vehicle intermittently lost power and she was nearly rear-ended with my child in the car. All warning lamps came on and the engine totally lost power. 2 shops have looked at the car and stated that the transmission failed completely. There were no warning lamps prior to this occurring.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · LA · crash

At 28,000 miles, the vehicle emitted black smoke from the exhaust. Despite the mechanic’s efforts to identify the issue, no diagnostic codes were detected. Currently, the vehicle has accumulated 100,000 miles. The engine suddenly lost the ability to accelerate beyond 20 miles per hour. After several months of repairs involving multiple turbo replacements, it was determined that the engine was severely damaged and should have been replaced over 50,000 miles ago. The engine was subsequently replaced, but only a year later, it failed again. After replacing the first engine, the vehicle’s performance deteriorated significantly. The vehicle required another visit to the shop for several months, resulting in another engine replacement. Over the course of several months, the vehicle lost all power and exhibited difficulty shifting into reverse. Consequently, it failed to reverse and was involved in an accident.

Filed Aug 31, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Driving on the highway heard large rattling noise coming from engine loss of power engine light came on battery light came on no acceleration cause to slow down on highway fortunately I was able to get to shoulder had it towed to service shop had p0012 code tensioner may have broken off on timing belt causing low oil pressure and causing engine rattling noise and engine shut down but service garage don’t do that type of work

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Steering · 110,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack gear module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NY

I have replaced all the starter coil packs in my engine and still have the same problem the codes read misfiring on multiple cylinders wich causes the car to lose power and pull back on the transmission while pushing on the gas pedal this is an ongoing problem