I brought my vehicle from a used certified dealer at the time of test drive I asked why such a rough transition when going from gear to gear and I was told it was the ECOBoost engine packed with power. Fast forward after multiple repairs and recalls on this vehicle I’ve made it to my breaking point when my SUV shut down as I was turning onto a busy street coming from my son’s school. The engine literally cut off almost causing a head on collision. This idle function is extremely dangerous. I had multiple belts repaired and many things checked after my car overheated and couldn’t find the culprit. One mechanic explained my fan wasn’t working to assist in cooling off the engine and the vents/grill in front of car was shut causing the engine to over heat. After opening the vents and connecting the car to diagnostic machine there were no codes to fix. Over the next month my suv would become significantly worse rattling when I stop at a red light almost drifting into a car in front of me. No longer overheating but now feeling the car physically shifting gears as if I drive a stick shift and I have an automatic transmission. After doing careful research I learned was some recalls on the fan and eco boost engine explaining the same issues that I’am currently having. Don’t mention fixing the recalls because all the certified dealers are 2-3 weeks behind on fixing and diagnosing these same vehicles. They won’t loan you a car while being repaired which is another cost associated with this vehicle. Please look into this ecoboost engine and overheating issues. Also I was told my engine would go soon do the oxygen intake not exchanging enough oxygen causing oil to push into spark plugs and other parts of the engine it doesn’t belong. This SUV is a complete lemon and should be recalled right away before someone dies from this awful feature. Just last week I saw someone on the interstate with my same vehicle stopping mid traffic. This is dangerous!!!
2017 Ford Explorer engine complaints
Page 3 of 11: complaints 41 to 70 of 305, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The vehicles engine has known defects that involves failure of the timing belt and water pump causing enteral damage that sends metal shards enter the oil and causes complete engine failure even with immediate attention when the vehicles engine sensors Alert the driver to an engine problem. After the water pump and or timing belt are changed the engine is already damaged beyond repair. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Once the microscopic metal shards enter the oil, filters are clogged and sensors inconsistently malfunction The engine does not accelerate appropriately and then jolts into acceleration The engine dies at idle Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have had the vehicle at the dealership 4 times and had 3 other body shops all confirm the same problem Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes - Dec 2024 - the vehicle was overheating and the water pump and timing belt were immediately replaced
Own a 2017 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost with 116K miles, out of the blue the vehicle started to overheat the engine, with no coolant left in the reservoir. Took it to a mechanic who stated that the engine is not that old and that it was unsure of why the head gasket was blown. It is believed by many including a Class Action Law Suite that Ford is aware of the possible overheating issues with their EcoBoost engines.
Engine block timing plate cover has a defect crack in it causing an oil leak and fire hazard.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger oil supply tubes had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered an oil leak coming from one of the turbochargers. The contact later discovered oil leaking on the floor of the garage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger and turbocharger oil lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V925000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 54,966.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, a warning chime sounded, and the "Low Oil Pressure" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The message disappeared after depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test; however, no fault was found with the vehicle. However, the contact was informed that the oil pressure sensor needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 67,000.
The engine did not start and had a burning smell coming out. The SUV was towed to a Ford dealer to find out the engine block has to be replace. The SUV has been well maintain through out the years of ownership. It has 84000.00 miles on it. After some research, my SUV is not the only one that this has happened. It seems FORD explorer with an ecoboost engine have this issue. 2017 Ford Explore with an EcoBoost engine-ENGINE LONG BLOCK AND RETESTING (VERIFIED CONCERN AND PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS, FOUND COOLANT BOTTLE EMPTY AND ENGINE TO NOT CRANK BUT WHEN TURNING KEY THE ENGINE ATTEMPTS TO CRANK BUT STOPS, HAND VERIFIED THAT CRANK SHAFT WAS LOCKED AND FOUND HYDRO-LOCKED ENGINE DUE TO COOLANT INTRUSION) Fail $11,690.90
At 40,000 miles my head gasket failed, causing the engine to have to be replaced. This has now happened AGAIN at 112,000 miles. In reading on line, this is a common problem for the design of this engine. How can a car engine have to be replaced TWICE? This seems to be a significant design flaw and safety issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound, went into LIMP Mode, and failed to exceed 25 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted to reverse(R), but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact called the independent mechanic whom the vehicle was purchased from, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic transmission damage. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Coolant on garage floor. Researched and found common among this engine, Called dealer. Said do not drive and get to dealer. Can cause engine seizure and breakdown if internal coolant leakage has started. Dealer stated they see at least one a week of this water pump problem.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the engine and the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbo and the engine had experienced coolant intrusion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V925000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that there was coolant underneath the vehicle inside the garage at the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed heat around the exterior of the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was unofficially diagnosed with a failed coolant pump. The vehicle was taken to another dealer to confirm the failure, and the vehicle 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,400.
The engine block (2.3L ecoboost) has a coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 causing it to miss fire and overheat. This problem almost left my wife and child stranded on the side of the road. If she hadn't had a safe place to pull over to allow the vehicle to cool down it could have had a catastrophic failure while driving. The dealer pressure tested the coolant system and showed leak in the coolant system. They then removed the number 3 spark plug and scoped the cylinder finding coolant inside cylinder. This coolant leak caused the miss fire and the overheating. Prior to failure the only thing that happened was that the number 3 cylinder had a miss fire. At this time the spark plugs and ingnition coil pack was replaced only to have the problem start up again a few days later. The number 3 and 4 ignition coil pack was then switched and codes cleared. The miss fire for number 3 then showed up again. At this time we set an appointment up with the dealer to look at the issue. Two days before the apointment the engine overheated. We were able to get the vehilce to the dealer and they diagnosed the coolant intrusion into the number 3 cylinder. Prior to the over heat the only warning was the miss fire for number 3 cylinder. No other warnings or codes were available for the engine. Upon researching this issue I found that it was a known issue and that Ford had an extended powertrain warranty for some customers under the customer satisfaction program. However, upon contacting Ford they said that my vehicle was not listed as a candadate for this extended warranty option.
At 115,000 miles, had a total engine failure. The engine was a 3.5 twin turbo eco boost. Engine not repairable and would need replacing. The blue book of the vehicle was 15K. The engine replacement cost from Ford was 18K. Overheard the mechanic call these engines on the Explorer, EXPLODERS. Apparently this is common and should have been a concern, but not mentioned to the consumers. Any other details can received from Bill Utter Ford Denton Texas.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the battery had been replaced, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted several times. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact returned to the initial lane. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in front of the residence, the contact noticed that coolant had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealer, where the contact was informed that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir and the mechanic determined that the water pump was leaking. The dealer added coolant and water to the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine continued to overheat while driving. The vehicle was taken to Christian Brothers, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the water pump was replaced. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the timing chain and the water pump needed to be replaced at the same time. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the independent mechanics and the dealer had informed the contact that the failures were common. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, "The Engine Coolant Low" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no coolant inside the reservoir. The contact's husband added coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the A/C compressor and that pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired two more times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
I was driving my 2017 Ford Explorer on 10/14/22 and the engine started shaking aggressively randomly. So, I took it to our local Mechanic shop . They said that from the engine shaking, it had broken the engine mounts, and it had an internal problem. I had paid $200 to fix the engine mount. So, they had a service bulletin and said Ford should fix it for free because it’s a known problem. They had provided me with the service bulletin 22-2287. My husband took the copy of the bulletin to ford, and brought the car. Explained that it already had other recalls on it that needed to be fixed and showed him the service bulletin. He asked if it would be covered and the guy said “It should be”. Then, we proceed to get a call the next day that it’s not covered because it hasn’t “officially” been recalled and it would be$4200 to fix. Even though the engine is going to ruin the parts in a few years because it’s the engine causing the other parts to overheat. So, I told them I wanted to get a second opinon, and they charged me “diagnostic fee” of $213.76, even tho they told my husband the diagnostic fee if it wasn’t covered would be $80. So, after months of fighting ford to make things right,I had the car towed to a local transmission shop , and had them repair it for 4,655.. I go to pick it up, and it’s still shaking. So bring it back, and they fix it again, Well, it’ still not fixed. Then, they fix it again, and I pick it up, the transmission isn’t running correctly.I have been without a working car since 10/14/22. So, now they are fixing it again and putting another brand new transmission in. Ford needs to be held responsible. This is a known issue, and could lead to someone getting into a terrible accident when the engine falls through the car, and could kill someone. The engine itself it heating up other components of the car, and ruining it. As of today, 02/27/2025 the transmission is starting to have problems again! When I am driving and come to a stop it wont accelerate
Check engine light came on while driving on highway. I had a OBD reader with me and plugged it in. Came back with a cylinder misfire. Took it to a local mechanic to get new plugs and coils. Mechanic cleared the code but the light came back on. I took it to another mechanic that I trust who found coolant in the oil due to cracked heads. Mechanic gave me information about this 3.5l motor being known to have this problem to take back to dealer. 3 months of waiting and having to argue that despite being out of warranty, they knew this motor was bad and should replace it. Ford finally put a new motor in. Drove for 6 more months and just had the check engine light come back. Cylinder misfire again. They shouldn't be allowed to sell this motor knowing that it can leave people stranded. This is criminal. Will never buy a Ford again. They KNOW this motor is trash but keep letting unsuspecting consumers foot the bill be cause they assume it's a one off. Shame!
1. The cylinder head gasket (2.3L Eng Standard EJ7Z-6079-F) had cracked due to a problem that my mechanic said was common for engines of this make / year. 2. If this had not been fixed could have damaged the cylinder head and totaled the vehicle, is my understanding. 3. Yes 4. No 5. I noticed the engine felt different and the check engine light was sporadically on and off. First occurred Nov, 2024.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began vibrating abnormally, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled and the contact was forced to park on the side of the road to attempt to restart the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into engine, which caused damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her sister was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the long block engine was faulty and needed to be replaced, due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 97,575.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down before continuing to drive. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 108,435.
Was driving my vehicle on the highway when it start chugging and died. Had to act Fast to get off the highway as there was no shoulder nor warning. I had the vehicle towed to my shop and they confirmed the engine was done. The water pump gave out while driving with no warning and took the engine out. It appears after doing some research Ford has 2 years of Explorers (2016 & 2017) that they did an internal water pump. So when the water pump goes out it dumps all the antifreeze into the oil pan. There are many complaints out online about this same exact thing and Ford will do nothing about it. I was stuck with a $12,500.00 bill for a vehicle that has 73,989 yes that is right not even 75K on the car. Ford is a joke and this definitely a safety concern as it just dies with no warning and takes the engine out. Something needs to be done before people get hurt as all these 2 years worth of Explorers will have this same issue. Whomever designed a waterpump on the inside of the engine should be investigated. I will upload the estimate as that is what I have on me. Be I do have the repair bill at home as we just got it back after 5 weeks
Car was misfiring, oil in the spark plugs. Took it to our mechanic and basically told us we need a new engine. The car in a 2017 with 143,000 miles. There was coolant in cylinder 1 of the engine. Mechanic said cylinder walls are not properly sealed causing the head gasket to fail repeatedly even after replacement.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally and almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that water and coolant were leaking under the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Brought car in for 100,000 mile tune up on 11/21. On 11/30, used the heater for the first time since having tune up done and the heater was blowing only cold air. Brought into ford today and was told that the water pump has a leak and needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,000. Car has 100,550 miles on it, mostly only driven on city roads and not freeway.
Water pump defect with my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT V6. This vehicle has a significant design flaw related to the water pump, which is located inside the engine cover. Recently, the water pump in my vehicle failed, the signal warning light turned on and indicated that the thermostat reaching high engine temperatures and warning the engine could overheat. The failure of the water pump can lead to engine overheating, which could cause the vehicle to break down unexpectedly, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk, especially while driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both a Ford dealer and an independent service center. Ford acknowledges this issue and that the water pump is prone to failure approximately every 100,000 miles. The repair costs amount to over $4,000. This exorbitant cost is due to the labor-intensive process required to access the water pump, owing to its placement within the engine cover. The cost of the repair is disproportionately high and places an undue financial burden on consumers.
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