2017 Ford Explorer safety record
Crash-test ratings, severity signals from owner complaints, fatal-crash involvement and safety recalls — all from official federal sources.
★★★★★
NHTSA overall rating (5/5)
33
complaints reporting a crash
11
complaints reporting fire
13
safety recall campaigns
NHTSA 5-star crash test ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★ (4/5) |
Tested: 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
Among NHTSA complaints for this model year, 35 report injuries (50 people injured). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Fatal crash records (FARS 2020–2023). 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles were involved in 176 fatal crashes with 42 occupant deaths in federal crash records. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Crash- and fire-risk recalls
- Crash riskRoof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle · Jul 14, 2026
- Crash riskRear suspension toe links may fracture · Feb 20, 2026
- Fire riskEngine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short… · Oct 10, 2025
- Crash riskDriver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving · May 23, 2025
- Crash riskA-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to… · Jan 19, 2024
- Crash riskExposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize… · Jul 15, 2021
- Crash riskRetention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the… · May 5, 2021
- Crash riskOutboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture · Mar 12, 2021