2017 FORD EXPLORER Structurebody Problems
239 NHTSA complaints on file
Structurebody Issues in the 2017 FORD EXPLORER
239 structurebody complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 FORD EXPLORER. Of these, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 7 resulted in injury.
239
Complaints
7
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Structurebody Complaints
There is currently a safety recall 25S53 for B pillar trim that is out but Ford says my SUV is not covered under it. The B pillar trim is in fact beginning to fall off now.
The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.
I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my 2017 ford explorer. The B pillar has broke in half a couple of years ago and nearly struck a vehicle behind me and if the remaining trim piece detaches, it could become a serious risk of collision, injury or property damage. it states NHTSA works to prevent unsafe traveling which is why I'm writing this. I have contacted Ford customer service and dealerships multiple times with no luck of anything. I have had to continuously tape the area to door which is not ordeal nor a forever fix. The b pillar is held on by wires that are slowly breaking. The wires lead to a hole that is inside my door. the opening exposes from the outside, meaning if it rains or snows, it is getting inside the hole, into my car door. If the recall piece ever came in, my...
Regarding ***IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL*** 25V347. The B-pillar trim appliqués on my 2017 Explorer have detached completely from the vehicle - both of them, before the recall notice was received in June 2025. It’s now the end of January 2026 & still no fix for this SAFETY recall! How is a car piece detaching from a vehicle & becoming a projectile on a busy highway not a priority!!! Now I’m reading that there won’t be a fix until the end of 2026-absolutely outrageous. And yes, Ford dealer workers at 2 separate dealers confirmed that they are ‘waiting on Ford’ to supply the parts.
I went to open my hatch and the bolts have completely rusted through to the point of detaching the rear hatch/trunk on the left side due to rust corrosion. Car is in a shop but I am told this might be a ford defect. I have had multiple people tell me of huge rust issues from the rack into the rear trunk/hatch door.
Woke up one morning and noticed the b pillar almost completely detached. Called ford dealership in Musk*** MI. They told me I could pay out of pocket for labor and parts since no approved remedy is available. I’m a single mother of twins, and I cannot afford this. I need this fixed. The Ford dealership told me to duck tape it. This is dangerous and could kill someone with spring coming around the corner and motorcycles (think of all the other states that are warm enough all year round)- MI allows you to have no helmet by choice Thank god nobody has brought out a bike yet and had one hit them in the face. Sounds like a lawsuit to me. It is really selfish to hold off on a remedy for greedy purposes if that is what this is just to save a buck at the cost of someone’s...
Related to: Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 The recall has been in place since January of 2024 (2 years) and there is still no remedy and the dealer repeatedly states the parts are on back order. I have had one pillar trim blow off, risking other drivers on the highway and fear the 2nd will do the same. Ford is not honoring the recall and there needs to be action taken for consumers.
The parts subject to the 3 recalls fail and fall off the vehicle under highway driving conditions. They have not made any effort to redesign the parts so they don't fail and they have made no effort to even replace the failed parts with the existing parts. The last time the recall was issued, I was advised by our dealer to use duct tape.
I was driving down the road and my roof driver's side roof rail flew off. The previous owner had the recall addressed in 2023. The previous dealership who fixed the vehicle glued down the rails instead of installing new screws. There is dried glue now exposed where the roof rack use to be. When contacting Ford they claim there is no resolution but for me to fix my own roof rack though it was recalled for this issue. Thankfully no one was behind me when it flew off but it could have hit someone else or damaged my window that it hit when it flew off. The passenger side is also loose and showing the dried glue as well. Ford states that since the warranty period has expired there is nothing they can do. I cannot find the roof rail on the road to put it back and have been...
Trim on the drivers door comes off creating a traffic hazard.
I am filing a complaint regarding Ford Recall 24502 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer-based). My vehicle’s A-pillar interior trim was identified as defective under this safety recall. For nearly two years, the repair has not been completed because the dealer claims the required parts are still on backorder. In that time, the A-pillar trim on my vehicle has become loose and is now detaching while driving, which creates a dangerous condition. The loose trim vibrates, moves, and could detach completely at highway speeds, posing a safety hazard to me and other drivers. Ford and the dealership have confirmed the recall but have not provided a repair, a temporary safety fix, or a loaner vehicle. I have repeatedly contacted the dealer, and they continue to tell me that Ford has not supplied the part. Because this is a federally mandated safety recall and the...
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Issue: Hood paint peeling / paint delamination Component: Exterior / Structure / Body / Paint Safety Concern: Corrosion risk and impaired visibility Description: The paint on the hood of my 2017 Ford Explorer is peeling and delaminating down to the bare aluminum, starting at the front edge and spreading across the hood. This is a known and widespread issue on 2013–2018 Ford Explorers involving defective paint adhesion on aluminum body panels. Ford previously issued TSB 17-0062 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 addressing this exact problem. My vehicle is experiencing the same failure pattern described in these bulletins. The paint peels off in sheets, exposing bare metal to corrosion. This creates a safety concern because corrosion in this area can weaken the structure, and loose/chipped paint can detach while driving. Ford dealers acknowledge the issue but state that the program has expired, even though the defect continues...
Roof rail brackets (snap pieces) broke off of both left and right side and roof rails fell off of car while driving.
We were driving and heard a loud noise but didn’t see anything hit the car. We stopped and the trim around the windshield on the passenger side had completely detached and flew off while driving.
There is no date given when the repair will be done the pillar has already flown off onto the road. I have one Haning on by 1 clip. Ford is not going to fix anything, and the car is falling apart.
Ford refuses to provide fix for the two recalls. Been waiting over a year for the fix.
On January 19, 2024, Ford Motor Company advised of NHTSA Recall 24V031. My vehicle is affected by this safety recall. I have been advised by Victory Ford of Kansas City, 1800 N 100th Terrace, Kansas City, KS 66111, that after repeated inquiries, repairs are still not available, nor is there an anticipated date when parts and repairs will be available to complete this safety recall. The "Important Safety Recall" notice I received indicated parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. If the manufacturer is required to report an incident in a timely fashion, are they also not required to perform the required remedies in a timely fashion?
The B pillar trim pieces from the recall have not been fixed. They are, in fact, detached and do make noise while driving. I have called fords in the area multiple times and they do not know when they will have parts.
24S02 Exterior A-Pillar recall has not been remedied in a timely manner. Left A-Pillar detached while driving 75mph on highway May 2024. Debris hit my vehicle as it detached. No other vehicle was involved luckily. Right A-Pullar has been mobile since September 2024. If detaches while driving, could injure person or other property and cause me to be liable. Ford House, locally, told me there is not an official wait list for my name to be on when the part becomes available to them. They are doing “first come first serve” and advised me to call every month. I have called several times a month for over a year without any luck. Ford scheduled to remedy this and had my vehicle 7am-6pm on 11/07/24. The part was unavailable and released back to me without being fixed. The safety recall is not being resolved in a timely manner. This will likely...
B-Pillar trim has an open recall on it. Both pieces have broken and are now coming off of the car. The drive side b-pillar broke in half and and is being held on by the power cord for the keyless entry and duct tape. The top half of the b-pillar flew off the car while going 70 MPH down the highway. I am lucky we caught the other one coming off before it flew off and hit another vehicle. Ford refuses to fix until they have a remedy for it. This has been an open recall since May and Ford still does not have a remedy. Tried to make an appointment with a dealer and the appointment was cancelled by the dealer because they do not have a fix. The pieces are now duct taped to the car and not sure how long that will hold with the heat in...
So for starters the visibility wipers should have a auto wiper function as in when it detects rain they will automatically come on. Well they do but they also come on at random intervals even when it’s not raining. Secondly the glove box design is horribly engineered and it falls apart by its self. My glove box flew open while driving down the road and caused me to run off the roadway with my kids in the car. Luckily my kids and I are safe and no one was hurt but something should be done about this. The tension cord that hooks to the glove box just snapped from the looks of it.
The adhesive on the keyless entry door trim failed and the trim detached from the door while driving. This could have caused an accident and is a safety issue. There was no warning of any kind prior to the incident. This also caused a mechanical problem where we were unable to open the rear hatch manually or remotely. We took the SUV to be repaired at a dealer. There is currently an open recall for B-pillar trim due to adhesive failure. I contacted Ford as this is the same issue with adhesive failure on trim. They stated it was not yet a recall but they have had reports of this issue. I requested some type of compensation and told them it is a safety issue. They opted to do nothing even though they have known adhesive problems with the trim. We were fortunate that it did not cause an accident...
The A-pillar trim on the vehicle flew off after being notified that there was a recall for that part. We have contacted the dealership several times about fixing it and have gotten the same response of "there are no parts available yet." The last time getting the vehicle serviced the dealership informed us that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. We checked on this website and found that there are no recalls that hove not been fixed. The vehicle has never been fixed for this and is currently missing the trim that was recalled.
Front window trim/ A pillar detached while driving on October 18,2024. Contacted dealership for replacement at the end of October 2024, and each month following, they brought vehicle in for inspection but have never replaced the trim piece. It has now been 9 months, I have called the dealer every month to follow up and have been told every time they still do not have the part to fix it. I am concerned that the trim on the other side of the car could fly off and cause damage to my vehicle or others.
I received an “important safety recall” regarding exterior applique trim pieces, possibly becoming loose and detaching from the car. This notice was received February 2024, indicating “when parts become available” I would be notified to schedule service. Parts were anticipated to be available toward the latter half of 2024. I still have not received notice of parts being available and have in fact had applique trim pieces loosen, putting myself and others at risk. Please advise me on what to do from here, as it is over one year past the initial notification.
The PASSENGER EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENT broke loose while driving over a year & half ago. Took to Ford for repair but they advised there was a (recall January 19, 2024) but parts were not available yet. Would like to know exactly how much longer I have to drive around with the missing piece and potentially having to worry about the Drivers side breaking off. I've also had to temporarily repair the DRIVERS DOOR B-PILLAR to keep it from fully detaching (Recalled May 23, 2025). This is absolutely ridiculous to be waiting a year and half for parts to fix something that can cause harm and has been deemed RECALLED.
On May 31st I noticed the front passenger side trim panel that runs alongside the window was detaching. After showing a friend, he told me to put double sided 3m tape, that's used on vehicles, under it. I already had some so did it that day. It still sticks out a little though. Then a few days later, I got an email from nhtsa informing me of a recall on that part. When I checked, it wasn't for my exact vehicle. When I went out to take a picture of it for this complaint, I found the front driver side trim panel also starting to detach. I will need to better adhere both panels this week, myself. I will be driving 1500 miles next week, mostly at interstate speed. I don't want to chance losing those panels.
Passenger A pillar trim detached on the freeway after for dealer refused to fix recall 24V031 due to part shortage. Parts have been on order for 18 months. Someone could have been hurt or another car could have been damaged
SAFETY Recall #24S02/NHTSA #24V031 ISSUED 2/2024 The replacement Exterior A-pillar trim part is still not available. It has been loose for sometime and now had to be duct taped on. The original availability estimation was the latter half of 2024. Please help motivate Ford to remedy this situation.
I am formally submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved recall issue on my Ford Explorer involving the front roof rail covers (pillars). The exact defect outlined in the recall is what I am currently experiencing: the pillars are barely attached and could easily detach while driving, posing a serious safety risk. I am also concerned this defect could compromise the structural integrity of the windshield in the event of an accident or even during normal driving conditions. I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a leak. Rainwater enters the cabin through the area where the pillar is not properly secured. This has resulted in significant water damage and the growth of mold inside the vehicle. Because of this, I have been unable to safely operate my Explorer and have kept it parked in my garage for nearly a year. What is particularly troubling is that Ford continues...
Driver's side A pillar trim, a recalled component, detached from vehicle while driving on the highway. Killeen, TX Ford service center noted in an earlier service appointment that the recalled component was serviced, but it appears it was not done properly. They are now refusing to service the broken trim, stating that it does not fall under the recall.
My 2017 Ford Explorer is leaking water through faulty welds in the rear hatch area. A review of many complaints online reporting the same thing shows this is a very common and repeated issue with many Ford Explorer years and has never been addressed by Ford. The complaints are all the same as water leaks in from the faulty welds and causes water to pool in the interior, especially in the spare tire well after leaking down the interior. All the complaints show a chronic weld issue and needs addressed. Notices issue last year but thought it was sunroof drains plugged. Noticed it is actually faulty cracked welds this year
I am waitning for A pilar under recall over year and Ford never had that part available I check with the dealer on monthly bases they said the part never came.
Side trim with door unlock pad on it detached and blew of into the wind and almost flew into a vehicle behind me when I was Traveling down the interstate at about 70 mph, the posted speed limit. Luckily it did not strike the driver behind me but it was to close for comfort. They are put on the same way practically as the a trim that there already is a recall on.
The a-pillar trim came off while driving down [XXX] in Florida. The rubber gasket around the windshield also came off with the trim. This occurred in June 2024. Over a year after the recall Ford still does not have a solution to repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford has failed to fix recall for over a year in which side Pilar’s can detach from side of vehicle causing unsafe driving conditions or damage to other vehicles. I have called ford several times over the past year and they don’t have parts to fix the issue and keep advising its months out.
Driving down the highway and my A pillar trim detached from my driver side frame.also ripped off my leather stripping to my windshield ( I was told in November they would try and get this fixed before this happened it is now the end of March.) This recall was in January 24 of 2024.
Recall information stated repair/parts would be available later 2024. It is now March 2025, my A-pillars are not being held on all the way and need to be replaced before a safety violation happens. I can’t even take my vehicle through a car wash in fear they will be ripped out.
The top and bottom rubber of the windshield is corroded, falling off, and flapping against the windshield. It is also making a whistling noise and wind is coming into vehicle from the top. I was told that the recall would fix that but once they came to fix it they only did the left and right side of windows and left the rest the way it was. I expressed my concerns on a few occasions but they refused to fix it. I’m an elderly wheelchair bound female whose only transportation method is this vehicle. I have my daughter driving me to doctor’s appointments and the whole time I’m in the vehicle I’m afraid the windshield will fly off. The noise is so loud and hard to hear. The sun roof appears to be leaking as well so air could be seeping though there too. The windshield wipers go off by...
When driving home on a windy day the A-pillar applique trim fell off hitting my vehicle and just missed hitting the vehicle behind me. Before getting a recall notice on this I had and paid for a new A pillar applique trim replaced at a local Ford dealership which was over $200.00. After getting the recall I called them several times to get the other side replaced to keep this from happening again but never was responded back to. I finally reported this to Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on !0/18/24 claim number 11620594 but they never did anything about it. Please respond so I can have this recall taken care of!
Ford motor company and my car dealership have failed to perform the necessary repairs to my vehicle related to a safety recall for the A-pillar Trim pieces. I have tried several times to have this fixed and each time the dealership stops communication and says they are unable to get the necessary parts from Ford.
A-pillar trim pieces falling off. Recall 24V031. Have been calling weekly since Dec 2024. Local Ford Dealer continues to insist parts are not available.
Ford has not had a remedy for Manufacturer Recall Number 24S02 NHTSA Recall Number 24V031 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available. Says it suppose to be in the later half of 2024 and now its 2025. The exterior windshield pillar has flown off the windshield.
The a-pilar cover came loose, as described in the recall, while on the highway at legal speed of 65mph. It remained attached to a rubber piece and started flapping around the windshield and passenger side door, until it completely detached and blew into traffic. This occurred in December 2023, reported to insurance but was told it's covered by recall. As of yet, no repair path is provided by Ford. Help pleasr.
Received letter on February 2024 regarding recall notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. The exterior pillar trim which borders the right side of the windshield flew off while driving on the interstate and could have caused a major accident. We went to our local Ford dealership several times to inquire if they could assist with getting the needed parts in also. I called the vehicle safety hotline and reported this incident (case # 11629172). We were told that someone would be in touch with us and NO ONE HAS RESPONDED TO THIS URGENT AND VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT!! We are afraid to now drive the vehicle because of the danger of the left exterior pillar trim flying off and causing a major crash critically injuring or killing someone. We do expect a response to this critical issue ASAP!!
I have been waiting 12 months for Ford to provide my local dealer with the parts required to fix the window pillars that can come loose, as referenced in the open recall (24V031000). Several months ago, one of the recalled pillars flew off on the freeway, causing the car behind me to swerve at 70mph. Fortunately, nobody got hurt. My local dealer has tried & tried to get the parts from Ford Motor but still cannot get adequate supply to take care of my recall service. Ford is not doing what they need to do on the parts supply.
The A-Pillar trim (passenger side)became detached as I was driving 60 MPH on [XXX]. I paid $350 to have it repaired at because I wasn’t aware of the recall at that time.. The repair shop was Inland Empire Collision Riverside,CA 92507 phone 951.788.4860 Several months later the driver side became detached as I was driving [XXX] .. I took my car to a trusted mechanic & he informed me of the recall. I went to Raceway Ford dealership and the service rep Edwin Garcia file my claim to have my car repaired as well as my $350 refund.. That was 10 weeks ago.. I got a call from a lady (sorry she didn’t identify herself) at Raceway (12/27/24) regarding a recall.. I informed her that Edwin had filed my claim and I would like to know the status… she replied…”give me 10 minutes and I’ll call you back.. I never...
Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 24V031. I was notified in February 2024 about the recall and was told the parts would be in at the end of the year. I contacted two dealers and neither has the parts available so they put me on their list to call when they get the parts in. The problem is that the exterior A-pillar trim clip attachments came loose last year on the bottom left side of my windshield. The trim was still attached at the top, but today the whole A-pillar appliqué trim flew off my vehicle while my daughter was driving on the interstate. She said she heard a noise and then saw the trim fly off. She wasn’t sure at first what happened, but she did provide me a picture of my car with the trim missing (see attached). I am concerned about further damage to my vehicle from snowy wet...
I paid for A pillar repair on my own and they have not sent out reimbursement remedies. See below. Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SOME OF THE EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM, WHICH BORDERS THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, MAY BE LOOSE, MISSING OR BECOME DETACHED.
Water leaking in the drivers side frame that goes down the inner column by the dash onto the floor board, leaks above the driver visor, and in the back frame in the trunk of driver side. I have had it checked over by a Ford dealer twice and they claim it was my sun roof-which it is not. When I tried to have it checked again with a non Ford mechanic, it’s been too cold and rainy so the problem cannot be found. It has gotten worse in my car, water damage to the dash and I get condensation that forms on the inside of my windshield. Thought it occurred due to the windshield guard cover recall but that isn’t the case.
Other 2017 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas
Unknown Or Other
340 complaints
Structure
331 complaints
Engine
220 complaints
Power Train
104 complaints
Electrical System
78 complaints
Steering
70 complaints
Wheels
58 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
53 complaints
Suspension
45 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
41 complaints
Visibilitywiper
38 complaints
Air Bags
31 complaints
Service Brakes
21 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
20 complaints
Seat Belts
17 complaints
Seats
16 complaints
Tires
16 complaints
Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners
14 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
12 complaints
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
12 complaints
Exterior Lighting
8 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
8 complaints
Visibilitywindshield
7 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systempump
6 complaints
Structurebodydoor
6 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
5 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
5 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
4 complaints
Back Over Prevention Warnings
3 complaints
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
3 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
3 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
3 complaints
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
3 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
3 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
3 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
2 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
2 complaints
Suspensionrear
2 complaints
Visibilityglass Siderear
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Clockspringspiral Cassette
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignition
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringrelayssolenoids
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationpump
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
1 complaint
Equipment
1 complaint
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
1 complaint
Lane Departure Assist
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assembly
1 complaint
Seat Belts Rearotherbuckle Assembly
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
1 complaint
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
1 complaint
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
1 complaint
Structurebodydoorhandleexterior
1 complaint
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
1 complaint
Structurebodyhood
1 complaint
Structurebodytrunk Lid
1 complaint
Structureinterior Panelsdoor
1 complaint
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
1 complaint
Tether Lower Anchor On Car Seat Or Vehicle
1 complaint
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle
1 complaint
Visibility
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcondensorevaporator
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
1 complaint
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
1 complaint