Makes›Ford›Explorer›2017

2017 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
290–365 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
Length
198.4 in
Curb weight
4,557–4,731 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
14 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2017 standard SUV (19.1 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,713 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 202 for similar models — most often about the structure.
  • 14 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1713 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2017

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Explorer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine290 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine365 hp3.5L turbo 6-cyl
DriveFWD · AWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

XLTSportPlatinumLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningSome trims
Lane keeping assistSome trims
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamSome trims
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD198.4 in78.7 in69.7 in113 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,731 lb54/46
4dr SUV FWD198.4 in78.7 in69.7 in113 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,557 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+15%$3,050408
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+14%$3,200430
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+5%$3,350452
Explorer 2WD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+5%$3,350452
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+3%$3,550475
Explorer AWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+3%$3,550475
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-3%$3,700494
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2017 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Ford Explorer (this car)22 MPG★★★★★14
2017 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated1
2017 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2017 Toyota Highlander29 MPGNot rated3
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee21 MPG★★★★★5
2017 GMC Yukon19 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (14)

Structure › Body · Jul 14, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · 288,314 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 20, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V101000 · 412,774 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Structure › Body · May 23, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V347000 · 492,145 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Jul 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · 631,176 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Structure › Body · May 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 616,967 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Mar 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 454,941 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Seats · Sep 11, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V651000 · 311,907 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Risk
Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 10, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Steering · Aug 28, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V530000 · 253 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Risk
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jun 26, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V401000 · 4 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. The affected vehicles may be missing the two front inboard attachments for the second row seats. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating systems", and (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."
Risk
Seats with missing inboard attachments may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to verify that they have the second row seat attachment studs, installing them if not, free of charge. The recall began on August 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C10.
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner · May 22, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V332000 · 2,204 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Dec 22, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V925000 · 1,163 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Risk
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,713Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
34Involved a crash
11Involved a fire
51Injuries reported
15,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other378
Structure376
Structure › Body266
Engine241
Power Train116
Electrical System88
Steering75
Wheels59
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1624/12: 1925/01: 2425/02: 2525/03: 3825/04: 3125/05: 2425/06: 6425/07: 4825/08: 3825/09: 2625/10: 2325/11: 2625/12: 2426/01: 1926/02: 1226/03: 3226/04: 3026/05: 1226/06: 1526/07: 1726/08: 1226/09: 1526/10: 1024/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 64

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Structure — 376 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Structure › Body — 266 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 241 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484
2015 Explorer23197.2 inNot rated81,815

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →