Car started to overheat randomly, no signs of issues before, replaced the water pump for the second time in a year (2025 and again 2026). Continued having issues & white smoke puffing, turned out to have an oil leak due to piston rings being melted to the pistons, causing all spark plugs (prior repalced) and engine to be bad. Car is continuing to worse, sputters just sitting after you start it. Smells like burnt oil. Too dangerous to drive so it’s been sitting for weeks after pouring $3,000 into it to not have it fixed and now needing a new motor.
2017 Ford Explorer engine complaints
Page 2 of 11: complaints 11 to 40 of 305, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Coolant keeps going low. No visible leaking spots. Been to 2 mechanic's. Both said Ford defective engine block. Coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Recommended engine replacement. Check engine light. Verified 300 # codes. Misfire. Foul and rough start ups. Been on 4 or 5 months.
My 2017 Ford Explorer suddenly started vibrating intensely whenever I am at a stop or start slowing down. Episodes of hesitation when attempting to take off from a start with significant rpm surges. I am told I need to have my torque converter replaced. My vehicle has 84,697 miles on it, and was bought brand new from a dealer. I already had to have a new engine a month ago. This level of multiple engine and powertrain failures puts consumers and other drivers at risk for harm on the roadway. Not to mention the economic and employment impacts it has on the vehicle owners.
I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of multiple additional problems (three separate issues) affecting the vehicle. In addition, the check engine light remains on continuously, even after attempted repairs, indicating unresolved underlying problems. I have also previously attempted to have a recall repair completed, but was told that the necessary part was unavailable and that I would be contacted when it became available. Months later, I have still not been contacted, and the recall issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience and publicly documented issues, this appears consistent with known defects associated with this model, including reported water pump failures leading to engine overheating, rear suspension issues affecting control, and concerns regarding exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This is not normal wear and tear, but a potential safety-related defect. It is a serious concern that known recalls and defects cannot be repaired due to lack of available parts, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. I am also concerned about the risk of continuing to operate this vehicle and potentially causing an accident that could injure myself, my family, or others on the road. This risk is heightened by the lack of timely communication and resolution regarding known defects and recalls. I am requesting investigation into these issues to prevent harm to drivers and passengers
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.
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
Oil is leaking onto my spark plugs and fouling them out. Also took my car into dealership and parts are not available for the recall for the rear toe links.
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
The car was up on ramps, to replace a sensor, in park and slipped out of gear rolling backwards with force. Someone could have been under or behind the vehicle. Other vehicles could have been behind, property could have been damaged. The cars door caught the building and pulled it all the way back against the front fender.
Vehicle was brought to an authorized Ford dealership for coolant leak. The dealer confirmed a coolant leak originating from the internal water pump. The water pump on this engine is chain-driven and located inside the engine behind the timing cover, requiring approximately 12 hours of labor to access and replace. This is a known design defect affecting millions of Ford vehicles with the 3.5L Cyclone/Duratec engine across multiple model years (2007-2020). The defect allows coolant to leak past the bearing seal, with potential to mix with engine oil and cause catastrophic engine failure. This is a serious safety risk as failure can occur without warning while driving. The problem was confirmed and documented by the Ford dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to the leak being discovered. Repair cost exceeded $4,300. This defect was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit (Roe v. Ford Motor Company, Eastern District of Michigan) which was settled confidentially in January 2024 without a recall being issued. Ford has not notified owners of this known defect or offered any remedy program to US customers, despite a Canadian class action resulting in relief for affected owners there. I am providing the cost invoice but will provide an itemized invoice once repairs are finished.
October 2025 check engine light came on, took to mechanic showed misfire in cylinder two and three. Replaced all plugs and coil packs, engine light went off. Engine light came back, hard start on November 26,2025 showed misfire in cylinder 2 and 3. Replaced those coil packs again, engine light off. February 2, 2026 engine light back on, hard start with vibration. Took vehicle to Mtn View Ford in Chattanooga to have diagnostic test done. Received call on February 9,2026 that the engine was in complete failure, coolant leaked into the cylinders, would require a $12,000 new engine at 84,328.6 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been driven more than 50 miles per week in the past two years, had on time maintenance.
Unknown
There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe
Complete failure of the water pump at 58000 miles.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for an annual smog check, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic showed that the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) connected to the timing phasers had fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,838.
Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message “Engine Overheating” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. After restarting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then noticed a fluid leak underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump was leaking, causing the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered that the failure was a known issue; however, the VIN was not under recall related to the failure. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving roughly, with white exhaust smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the federal safety agency would add the VIN to an unknown recall with similar failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
intermittened starting problems, vechile wont start, clicks, then starts and power train light comes on. Waiting at a red light, press the gas and the car does not go, also when speeding up transmission slips.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle jerked before slamming into gear. The check engine warning light was continuously illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking oil onto the ground and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into a cylinder, which caused the engine failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The mechanic also informed the contact that the transmission had failed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 52,590.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered an oil leak coming from the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V925000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,403.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was almost empty, even though the vehicle had just been serviced. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the water pump had failed and was replaced in February 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 192,000.
There was cam phaser situation that i was never informed of when this car was purchased. I just hit 80 k and i am now having issues. It appears there is a lawsuit for this. What is ford doing to fix.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH after the vehicle had been serviced, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside the water pump, and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
The car makes a ticking/rattle sound on cold startup. Preliminary diagnosis is the cam phasers. This is a 2017 Ford explorer with 77,000. It is the same 3.5L V6 ecoboost (GTDI) engine that was in Ford Customer Satisfaction program: 21N03. The issue mirrors tgat in the program document, but the Explorer is not covered by the program.
I periodically have unintended acceleration ; it has occurred off and on for the past two years . The Ford dealer said no faults were detected so they can't fix the problem . It most often when I am shifting into reverse then the RPMs increase dramatically and when I put it in neutral they shoot up even more . A few days ago I was putting the car into the garage , waiting for the door to open , with my foot on the brake and the shift in drive when the RPMs started to increase . Feeling the car starting to move I shifted to neutral when the RPMs shot up tremendously . This is a dangerous situation where someone can get injured or killed . Ford should be able to correct the problem !!!
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.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring turbocharger issue in my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ). In April 2024, I was forced to replace the turbocharger system at a cost of approximately $2,500. Despite the repair, my vehicle continues to have serious performance issues. Most recently, the check engine light returned, and a diagnostic scan from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed error code P219A – Bank 1 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance. This code indicates that the engine is still not functioning correctly—pointing to a likely underlying or unresolved defect. During the initial failure, oil leaked extensively into the engine bay and burned off in thick white smoke while I was driving. It was a serious safety concern, and the cause was consistent with Ford’s existing recall for this engine (the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V925000), which was limited to the Police Interceptor Utility model despite the civilian Sport version using the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and components. It is extremely concerning that my vehicle—outside of the official recall range—suffered the same turbo failure and now continues to show problems even after a costly repair. Either the mechanic’s initial repair was incomplete, or the core design flaw that caused the issue in the first place is still at play, meaning this problem may continue to repeat itself. I respectfully request that: 1.Ford expand the recall to include vehicles with the same components and failures, regardless of their designation. 2.the federal safety agency investigate the scope of this issue across the broader 2017 Explorer Sport lineup. 3.Ford provide reimbursement or support for the costly repair, which has not resolved the issue. 4.Ford issue a technical service bulletin or revised part guidance if this is an ongoing engineering issue. I am happy to provide full documentation, photos, and service records if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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