2017 Ford Explorer engine and engine cooling problems
77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2017 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the engine light illuminated and the vehicle stopped in the middle lane. The contact was able to maneuver and coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The instrument panel was illuminated…”
filed Sep 11, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 22, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine componentsCampaign 16V925000 · Dec 22, 2016
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 Explorer | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 Explorer | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 Explorer | 29 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 114 | 5% |
| 2015 Explorer | 66 | 4% |
| 2014 Explorer | 67 | 4% |
| 2013 Explorer | 67 | 3% |
| 2012 Explorer | 14 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.