- The 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.
- The risk
- An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- The 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.
Engine & cooling
2017 Ford Explorer Engine problems
Owners have filed 306 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 18% of all its complaints, most recently on November 11, 2026. They describe 7 crashes, 3 fires and 14 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 306
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2017 Ford Explorer
Engine complaints
Exhaust and Carbon Monoxide in the cab of the vehicle when going up hill or accelerating
This is a second complaint for the same vehicle. Complaint number 11770400, filed today, understated the failure history, and I am filing this one so the complete record is in the database. Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, VIN [[redacted]]. The first turbocharger failure occurred in 2023, at under 110,000 miles, and was repaired at a cost of approximately $2,900. A turbocharger was replaced again in August 2025 at a cost of $2,895. The catalytic converter was replaced in March 2026 at a...
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cost of $1,700. The internal water pump, which sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain, was replaced in April 2026 at a cost of $2,350. On [[redacted]], at about 138,000 miles, the turbochargers failed again, with loss of power and thick white smoke from burning oil, and the vehicle is now undrivable with both turbochargers in question. Major repairs total roughly $9,800 since 2023, with $6,945 of that in the last thirteen months alone. This is a repeating failure of the same components, and it matches the turbocharger oil supply tube defect described in recall 16V925000 for this same engine. Ford limited that recall to 1,352 vehicles, and my VIN falls outside it. Other owners of 2016 and 2017 Explorers report the identical failure outside the recall window, repeat failures after replacement, and turbo failures damaging their catalytic converters. I ask the agency to consider this complete history, and the pattern of identical complaints, in deciding whether to open an investigation, expand the recall, and compensate the affected customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Both turbochargers on my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 have failed. The first turbocharger failed and was replaced in 2025. On August 10, 2026, at about 138,000 miles, the second turbocharger failed: the vehicle lost power and poured thick white smoke from the exhaust as engine oil burned off, making it undrivable. Sudden power loss and heavy smoke while driving are serious safety hazards. This failure is consistent with the turbocharger oil supply tube defect in NHTSA recall 16V925000 for...
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this same 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but my VIN falls outside that recall's range. I ask NHTSA to investigate turbocharger failures on 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum models with the 3.5L EcoBoost and consider expanding the recall, and I ask Ford to provide reimbursement or support for these repeated failures.
Sudden catastrophic engine failure due to coolant mixing. This resulted in a safety issue due to time and location of the event. From online consumer reports this event happens just after 100,000 miles to the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV's and is a KNOWN event that Ford has NOT disclosed. Regular maintenance can NOT prevent this event and stopping the use of the vehicle only helps if it is immediate and the problem known. That Ford hasn't disclosed this possibility of failure nor suggested preventative measures is a safety concern.
Engine hesitated, kept hesitating/slowing down until 2017 Ford Explorer just stopped. Towed SUV to Koons Ford Service Center. Charged $200 for diagnostic assessment. Informed that oil/coolant mix due to water pump failure. Diagnose: replace Engine Long Block and Hardware and thermostat. Costing $11,195.04 for job. Never mentioned what happened to cause this. At another dealership, mechanic told us of the NHTSA Recall 25V685000 regarding this malfunction. Note: Koons Ford has had a "history" with this SUV, only working on recalls when we push the issue. Also, requiring a $200 diagnostic charge each time the vehicle is seen. This location is where we bought the vehicle.
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 afterwards. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Action Number: DP26008 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed by Firestone and then towed to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The...
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manufacturer was contacted, and two letters were sent, three emails were sent to the CEO, and two phone calls were made to Ford Customer Service, who opened a case, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Driving down the highway and checkengine light came on when I was headed to work. The vehicle lost power due to misfire with engine. I check the spark plugs and there is oil all over sparkplugs and the coil packs. This is a serious issue and needs to be addressed by ford immediately, they need to put a new engine in or pay me to get this fixed.
A strong exhaust smell comes through the cabin during acceleration at speeds higher than 35 mph. Worries us for possible co2 exposure coming through if exhaust smell can come through. But ford dealership has said it passes the recall standards. Still uneasy
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood with the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The failure reoccurred while the contact and the contact's minor children were traveling. A nearby Police Officer assisted the contact. The contact informed the officer...
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that the vehicle was recently purchased from a CarMax. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the nearby CarMax. The vehicle was taken to CarMax, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine had severe fluid leaks. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was shipped back to the residence a month later. The failure reoccurred and was a persistent failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to CarMax twelve times due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Car was running fine then went to start and received warning about car being too hot. Checked coolant and it was low. Refilled and drove home. Upon arriving engine light came on. PO301 code. There was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, leading to engine failure. Rough idle when starting. Did not drive after this. Went to start and car will not start at all. Symptoms include: Coolant loss with no visible leaks White exhaust smoke Rough idle or misfires P0300 / P0301 / P0302 codes Hydro-locked or destroyed engines
I've had three transmissions replaced from 2023 to 2026. Ford no longer makes 2017 Ford Explorer transmissions so I keep getting bad parts. In 2026 engine light came on , coolant leaking into cylinders, $11K to fix. This car has left me stranded on the side of the road , not to mention months at the dealership trying to find transmission parts. Ford Corporation refuses to buy back vehicle based on lemon law. Rear seatbelts defective.
Car started to overheat randomly, no signs of issues before, replaced the water pump for the second time in a year (2025 and again 2026). Continued having issues & white smoke puffing, turned out to have an oil leak due to piston rings being melted to the pistons, causing all spark plugs (prior repalced) and engine to be bad. Car is continuing to worse, sputters just sitting after you start it. Smells like burnt oil. Too dangerous to drive so it's been sitting for weeks after pouring $3,000 into it to not have it fixed and now needing a new motor.
Coolant keeps going low. No visible leaking spots. Been to 2 mechanic's. Both said Ford defective engine block. Coolant leaking into cylinder 1. Recommended engine replacement. Check engine light. Verified 300 # codes. Misfire. Foul and rough start ups. Been on 4 or 5 months.
My 2017 Ford Explorer suddenly started vibrating intensely whenever I am at a stop or start slowing down. Episodes of hesitation when attempting to take off from a start with significant rpm surges. I am told I need to have my torque converter replaced. My vehicle has 84,697 miles on it, and was bought brand new from a dealer. I already had to have a new engine a month ago. This level of multiple engine and powertrain failures puts consumers and other drivers at risk for harm on the roadway. Not to mention the economic and employment impacts it has on the vehicle owners.
I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of multiple additional problems (three...
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separate issues) affecting the vehicle. In addition, the check engine light remains on continuously, even after attempted repairs, indicating unresolved underlying problems. I have also previously attempted to have a recall repair completed, but was told that the necessary part was unavailable and that I would be contacted when it became available. Months later, I have still not been contacted, and the recall issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience and publicly documented issues, this appears consistent with known defects associated with this model, including reported water pump failures leading to engine overheating, rear suspension issues affecting control, and concerns regarding exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This is not normal wear and tear, but a potential safety-related defect. It is a serious concern that known recalls and defects cannot be repaired due to lack of available parts, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. I am also concerned about the risk of continuing to operate this vehicle and potentially causing an accident that could injure myself, my family, or others on the road. This risk is heightened by the lack of timely communication and resolution regarding known defects and recalls. I am requesting investigation into these issues to prevent harm to drivers and passengers
Vehicle experienced white exhaust smoke due to oil entering the exhaust system, caused by turbocharger failure. This led to contamination and failure of all O2 sensors, requiring full replacement, along with replacement of both turbochargers. The radiator also failed and had to be replaced. This appears to be a cascading mechanical failure affecting multiple major systems, including the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical components, rather than normal wear and tear. The failure rendered the vehicle...
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inoperable, leaving me without transportation during a period of financial hardship. The severity and extent of repairs raise concern about a potential broader defect. This also created a safety concern due to excessive exhaust smoke and reduced vehicle reliability while in operation.
1 Waterpump failed and leaked water into my oil and blew my engine. There was no warning. My car had no power and I could not drive. I was on the side of the road. The waterpump is not a recall but there are alot of people with the same issue on the same model . The engine was replaced at my expense. 2. Pillar/trim recall is not fixed and water is getting into the inside of my car and shorting out my plugs and wires and stahling my car when it rains. No warning signs or lights for either problem. The car has been inspected for the recal . I was just told ford has not provided a repair solution for the problem. This recal is from 1/19/2024
Oil is leaking onto my spark plugs and fouling them out. Also took my car into dealership and parts are not available for the recall for the rear toe links.
The 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorers have a huge issue with them. The internal water pump on my 2017 Ford Explorer 3.5L engine failed. The failure caused coolant to leak into the engine crankcase, where it mixed with the engine oil. This contaminated the oil and led to catastrophic engine failure and seizure. The vehicle has already been brought to a dealership for service and is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk because the engine could have seized suddenly while the...
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vehicle was in motion. If I had not caught the issue early, it could have resulted in a complete engine shutdown without warning, leading to loss of power, reduced steering control, and inability to accelerate in traffic. I have a strong understanding of vehicles and was able to recognize the warning signs, but the average driver would likely not identify these symptoms. Without that knowledge, this type of failure could easily occur without warning and put both the driver and others on the road at significant risk. Yes. The issue has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealership as a failed internal water pump. Coolant was beginning to leak internally into the engine and oil pan, where it mixed with the engine oil. The symptoms - coolant leaking near the oil pan, loss of coolant, lack of heat, and eventual engine failure - are consistent with this type of failure on this engine. The vehicle has been inspected by both the dealership and my independent mechanic. It is currently at the dealership for service and remains available for further inspection if needed. There were early symptoms, including a coolant leak, bubbling in the coolant reservoir, and loss of heat inside the vehicle. However, there were no clear warning lights or alerts indicating imminent engine failure. The engine did not overheat prior to failure, and the final seizure could have occurred suddenly without adequate warning. These symptoms only appeared about one day prior
The car was up on ramps, to replace a sensor, in park and slipped out of gear rolling backwards with force. Someone could have been under or behind the vehicle. Other vehicles could have been behind, property could have been damaged. The cars door caught the building and pulled it all the way back against the front fender.
Vehicle was brought to an authorized Ford dealership for coolant leak. The dealer confirmed a coolant leak originating from the internal water pump. The water pump on this engine is chain-driven and located inside the engine behind the timing cover, requiring approximately 12 hours of labor to access and replace. This is a known design defect affecting millions of Ford vehicles with the 3.5L Cyclone/Duratec engine across multiple model years (2007-2020). The defect allows coolant to leak past the bearing seal, with...
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potential to mix with engine oil and cause catastrophic engine failure. This is a serious safety risk as failure can occur without warning while driving. The problem was confirmed and documented by the Ford dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to the leak being discovered. Repair cost exceeded $4,300. This defect was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit (Roe v. Ford Motor Company, Eastern District of Michigan) which was settled confidentially in January 2024 without a recall being issued. Ford has not notified owners of this known defect or offered any remedy program to US customers, despite a Canadian class action resulting in relief for affected owners there. I am providing the cost invoice but will provide an itemized invoice once repairs are finished.
October 2025 check engine light came on, took to mechanic showed misfire in cylinder two and three. Replaced all plugs and coil packs, engine light went off. Engine light came back, hard start on November 26,2025 showed misfire in cylinder 2 and 3. Replaced those coil packs again, engine light off. February 2, 2026 engine light back on, hard start with vibration. Took vehicle to Mtn View Ford in Chattanooga to have diagnostic test done. Received call on February 9,2026 that the engine was in complete failure,...
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coolant leaked into the cylinders, would require a 12,000 new engine at 84,328.6 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been driven more than 50 miles per week in the past two years, had on time maintenance.
UNKNOWN
There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe
Complete failure of the water pump at 58000 miles.
Ford Explorer engine complaints by year
Explorer engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data