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2017 Ford Explorer visibility problems

77 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
77
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Windshield: critical fasteners
    14
  • Windshield
    7
  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    3
  • Glass, side/rear
    2
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: rear window
    1
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: condensor/evaporator
    1
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Explorer visibility problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Ford Explorer visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Wipers 20Windshield crack 14

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2017 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Visibility · CA

1. Rubber is falling off the windshield and hood. This is a ford issue and they refuse to repair this. It appears to be heat related and the car was sold in an area with high summer temperatures. It is cracked and peeling at the bottom of the windshield causing rain and leaves to seep into the engine area. This could start a fire hazard if it's not repaired. Quoted me 12k to fix (more than the cost of getting another car that is less dangerous). 2. Inside auto same issue is happening with the ford installed dashcover. It is peeling back and in order to repair, they must take EVERYTHING out of the inside to repair and yes $$$$ close to 20k. Again this is a ford issue not a user issue. The dash cover is black and underneath it is white. Driver is unable to fix on own. Both of these are Ford defects that Ford should step up and repair.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Body, Visibility · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a crack in the front windshield and water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact was concerned about the electrical system failing from becoming wet. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure) and 26V448000 (Structure). The local was contacted in person, and the contact was advised that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was qualified for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and informed the contact that parts were not available.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Visibility · TN

There are 2 recalls that have not been acted on by Homer Skelton Ford of Millington, LLC. It has been almost two years and the dealership continues to state they do not have the parts to fix the recalls. The two recalls are not indicated as active, so I’m not sure if they claimed they already fixed them in their system. The recalls are for the rubber around the windshield and the panels near the windshield.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Body, Electrical · 90,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side B-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence, inspected, and confirmed that the driver’s side B-pillar trim was missing. The contact stated that the electrical system on the tailgate had stopped working as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the tailgate would not open because the electrical system was disconnected, and the trim had fallen off. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the dome light remained illuminated and turned off approximately 4-5 seconds later. Additionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R) on several occasions, the dome light illuminated, and the contact was unable to see out of the rear window. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Visibility · NE

No warning. It was cold out. I ran into a store. Came back to my car and started it. The rear window defrost automatically turned on. I sat for a few minutes to let my car warm up and the back window exploded. I heard the loud explosion like a gun shot. Look back and the window exploded all into the vehicle. If I had a child in the 3rd row seat they would have had glass all over them. Possibly causing harm to any rear passenger. I since have had the window replaced. But after doing research about complaints. this has happened to several people. Even several times. This is a safety concern and should be thoroughly investigated!

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Visibility · VA

No impact shattering of rear window. I entered the car and closed the driver’s side door when I heard the window shatter.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Visibility · MS

Windshield wipers worked when they wanted to for a while not anymore. It's impossible to see in the rain or clear the windshield when driving

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · LA

I spoke to the service manager at Hub City Ford located at [XXX] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue however once they left I notice that they only fixed to left and right side and did not fix the top and bottom of window so I called the manager back. The manager insisted that this was the only parts they were going to fix and if we wanted the rest fixed we would have to pay out of pocket which would’ve cost around $800. This is very concerning to me because why would they only fix half of the problem with no explanation on why the rest would not be fixed. Since then I have called to complain about the loud whistling that is still there and now water is leaking inside of vehicle. Since the leak started we have has problems with the electrical system and windshield wipers coming on with no rain. I really need help because this is the only vehicle I have to drive to my doctors appointments as an elderly [XXX] ), wheelchair bound female. If the vehicle electrical system were to fail I would be stranded wherever it breaks down because my vehicle carries my wheelchair on a lift. I am also considered fully disabled and so I only receive Social Security as my primary income. I can not afford the $800 cost of fixing a problem that is a clear malfunction of the vehicle versus wear and tear problem. I have not where else to turn and since I live in [XXX] now my means of getting around f consist of my daughter using my vehicle to take me to appointments because I no longer have a driver’s license. I am dependent of my vehicle and the rain in BEH is getting worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Visibility · MN

The rear tailgate window has blown out twice. First time 2/10/2026 and again 3/22/2026. Both times happened while parked with the car running.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Visibility · MA

Issue: Rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: Occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 F) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: The glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety Concern: Sudden loss of rear visibility, risk of injury from flying glass, and potential hazard to pedestrians or nearby vehicles. Pattern: Multiple owners of 2017 Explorers report the same issue—rear window shattering in cold weather or during defroster use—suggesting a possible systemic defect in the rear glazing or defroster system. Request: Please review this incident as part of a potential defect trend and assess whether an investigation is warranted.

Questions about the 2017 Ford Explorer visibility

Does the 2017 Ford Explorer have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the visibility of the 2017 Ford Explorer, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 Ford Explorer visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Ford Explorer visibility?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Explorer have the most visibility problems?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most visibility complaints are 1999 (216 complaints), 2002 (138 complaints) and 2004 (112 complaints).

Other 2017 Ford Explorer problems

Body 661Engine 305Transmission 125Electrical 94Steering 76Wheels 60Suspension 58Fuel system 49Airbags 34Seat belts 23Brakes 22Tires 22Acceleration 21Driver assistance 21Seats 16Lights 12Locks 5

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