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Acceleration & cruise control

2017 Ford Explorer Acceleration problems

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer's acceleration & cruise control with NHTSA - 1% of all its complaints, most recently on January 21, 2026. They describe 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury. Unintended acceleration, surging, throttle problems and cruise or adaptive cruise faults.

Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Acceleration complaints

Electrical systemBody, doors & structureAcceleration & cruise control

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...

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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 door has already experienced neglect and issues. I'm concerned this will lead to corrosion, electrical complications and additional mechanical failures. Also, if it is not taped up correctly, air blows directly into the car door, into the cabin while driving onto my feet causing extreme cold exposure and physical harm and making it hard to operate the vehicle. It's very painful and also not ideal, especially when I also have a full time job and 3 kids to worry about. I currently owe 12k still on the vehicle and want to replace it with a safer vehicle. I should not have to be miserable every single day and put me and my kids in danger and also let my vehicle deteriorate while i wait for this recall piece on top of having to pay the remaining balance of this vehicle. I respectfully request that nhtsa review this complaint and investigate before anymore physical, emotional, financially harm is done.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11712412
Electrical systemAirbagsAcceleration & cruise control

Constant fail of O2 sensor and ABS causing check engine and ABS lights to come on. After diagnosis, did research and it is a common problem on Ford Explorers

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11687050
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingCrash

At 28,000 miles, the vehicle emitted black smoke from the exhaust. Despite the mechanic's efforts to identify the issue, no diagnostic codes were detected. Currently, the vehicle has accumulated 100,000 miles. The engine suddenly lost the ability to accelerate beyond 20 miles per hour. After several months of repairs involving multiple turbo replacements, it was determined that the engine was severely damaged and should have been replaced over 50,000 miles ago. The engine was subsequently replaced, but only a year...

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later, it failed again. After replacing the first engine, the vehicle's performance deteriorated significantly. The vehicle required another visit to the shop for several months, resulting in another engine replacement. Over the course of several months, the vehicle lost all power and exhibited difficulty shifting into reverse. Consequently, it failed to reverse and was involved in an accident.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11664601
Acceleration & cruise control

The car has a hard time with acceleration and I hear clunking noises

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11645218
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Transmission is not shifting correcting. Will be traveling down the road and loses power, loses it's acceleration. When trying to proceed after making a stop at a light, car will not go. Bucks hard when putting in reverse. I heard there was a recall on the torque converter's awhile back, but I never received any notification about it. Now that I know, the ford dealerships are telling me there are no recalls for this.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11636279
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling while in drive(D) and reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal closer to the floorboard, the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was...

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determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 20N07. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11598042
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

- Transmission/torque convertor has and is failing. Results in lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder - Known issue with this make/model/year of vehicle. Failure of the above began at 40,000 some miles and is presently not driveable at only 67,000 miles without an $8-$10,000 repair for a new transmission. - Confirmed with dealer the above issue and is in writing and submitted Case #CAS-47518676-K5Y6Y7 with Ford directly. Located letter sent to dealerships regarding this very issue dated 10/2020. - Vehicle has not been in any accidents, but am receiving a "warning" light indicating failure.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11576723
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Car dies repeatedly while on the road driving and also while parked. Car has errors on dashboard when attempting to turn on, which I have a video of. First mechanic was able to replicate issue once and got some scan tool codes but he said after that, they all cleared out and he wasn't able to replicate. Car was given back to us, drove to store died and it wouldn't start in parking lot. Mechanic sent tow truck, car started when tow truck arrived. Took car to Ford, tech unable to replicate, car returned to us. Car...

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died once again, which is when I took the error video and took the car back to Ford and showed service rep the video. Ford still unable to figure out the issue. We told Ford to keep the car because it isn't safe to drive until we find and fix the issue. Car has been in mechanic and Ford for about 4 months total.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11558419
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The transmission would slip and/or lag. This started around 65k miles. It was reported to the dealer, they couldn't reproduce it. Then at 101k miles the engine started vibrating when in gear and idling. Motor mounts were replaced, but the problem persisted. Eventually got the entire transmission replaced.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11504831
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlCrash1 injury

Husband returning home, pulled into carport and as he removed foot from accelerator to brake, accelerator pedal kept accelerating. This caused explorer to hit carport awning, classic 65 mustang, 2007 Harley and shed. Airbags did not work. Accelerator is still pressed to floorboard.

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11489341
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlDriver assistance

The APIM is malfunction in my 2017 explorer. Accessories stay on after vehicle turned off, killed battery, vehicle collision sensors and camera intermediate malfunction. Cruise control intermittent function, GPS and screen options /operations inoperable

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Back over preventionNHTSA 11431391
Acceleration & cruise control

August 2020: when passing a vehicle on the highway, applied gas pedal fully to the floor, it stuck. Vehicle continued to accelerate, pedal would not return to normal position. Had to get to shoulder, shove vehicle into neutral and turn off. Ford dealer reviewed, determined only likely cause could be the throttle body, replaced throttle body. April 2021: when accelerating on the highway, pressed pedal to floor, pedal once again stuck. Would not return to normal position, continued to accelerate. Moved to shoulder...

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at high rate of speed, applied brakes as much as possible and put vehicle into neutral, then park. Vehicle completely revved out, engine at max rpms. Turned off vehicle. Waited a few minutes. Tried to turn vehicle back on, sounded like starter was stuck. Turned off vehicle. Waited a few moments, turned on and drove carefully home.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11406846
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

*Vehicle makes popping noise *jerks, loss of power when going down the road, hard to steer, push on gas and will not go. Engine light and wrench come on. Called dealer when first happened was told to turn off back on to reset. Have worked with dealer and manufacture. This is dangerous and I'm terrified to drive the vehicle. This will be at least the fourth time back in the shop for repairs. In addition to several calls.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11404305
SteeringAcceleration & cruise control

As I was driving the explorer the cross traffic alert sensors went hayware, then the navigator, radio, hvac, and everything else froze did commands on its own. The part assist mode came on it own, steering wheel controls would not work and car started to take control. Very scary as the car was taking commands I could not control. Took it to the local ford dealer where it was determined to be the accessory protocol interface module (apim). My vehicle is just out of warranty and ford motor company would not help....

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Very dangerous, cost me $1,200. Ford had this same problem on earlier models and recalled, but not on mine. This failure need to be addressed and if not fixed could lead to a serious accident. Ford needs to issue a recall. Ford was no help to me, very disappoint in ford and their neglect to mine and my families stafey.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11321932
SteeringAcceleration & cruise control

The cruise control at my speed of 65 mph stopped alone cause the car to break making me loose control, 2nd the voice command don't work or responding, to help navigation or phone perpouse ( don't use cell while driving) around december 2018 bring tothe attention of the dealer at service and the miss. Kenya after I pick the car she mansion that the reset to the manufacture day was relased , but the problem continue as today 10/07/2019 on june the battery exploded, and thank god how no body get injury. The car is...

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leasing for 3 years , all problem starts december 2018 , plus theare is a recall, and ford sayville in 5686 sunrise hgwy , sayville, ny 11782 631 567-3800. Refuse to repaire the issues, claim the car is mile coverage is over, but the problem strat before plus all this it's manufature issues, please help me.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11266910
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford explorer. While traveling on the highway at an unknown speed with the cruise control engaged, it suddenly disengaged on its own. The failure caused the vehicle to brake on its own and swerve from side to side. Sayville ford (5686 sunrise hwy, sayville, ny 11782, (855) 561-1191) stated that the leasing mileage limit was exceeded, but they would not cover the costs. The manufacturer provided the same information as the contact. The contact also mentioned that the battery exploded, but the dealer dismissed the concerns and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11266806
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford explorer. While driving 65 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated to 20 mph. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Contact stated car would not pick up speed and lost power. The vehicle was taken to hertrich ford lincoln (located at 1427 bay rd, milford, de 19963, (302) 725-0031) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 29,177. *Bf

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11258062
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlFuel system

I purchased my ford explorer 2017, in september of 2016, I have returned back to the dealer more than 10 times less than a 2 year period. My first problem was the truck would not get enough speed, unless I hit the gas 2 oir 3 times, the dealer came it wasn't a problem until the engine light came on, and than I was told it was a recall on it, but when I check, there was no recall on my vin. I have 5 batteries since I had the truck, I ask them what is causing this, I never get a response. My ac/heat went out, I told...

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them, I notice something coming in through the vents. I informed the dealer's repair department that it smelled like a rotten egg or just look like air coming in the vents. I never got an answer to that question. I tried calling ford corporate office, but know one never returned my call.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11131112
Acceleration & cruise control

Three different times in motion on the highway sudden acceleration occurred while cruise control was engaged or while beginning to start cruise control at an accessive rate of speed.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11118886
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlFuel system

I have encountered too many issues with this vehicle, my biggest issue has to do with what I thought I was having a "falling asleep at the wheel" issue. There were a few times last winter, after letting the car sit stationary and warm up , that I couldn't "stay awake" while driving home on the freeway. It happened once, twice, then continued, and it became apparent it was the vehicle, not me, that was causing this. It can be best described as the sensation right before being put under for a medical procedure. I...

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would then come out of this unconcious state in potentlally deadly driving situations. I also noticed that my dog was being affected at the same time. I could see him getting anxious next to me, and then have what looked like a panic attack until I put the window down. He would keep his head outside the vehicle for a majority of the ride. I basically stopped using the heater. At the same time, the battery kept dying, and the vehicle would shut down and go into a "battery safe" mode, and it needed to be jumped every other trip. When I took the car to the dealer, they basically said there may be a problem, but they didn't have the replacement parts, and would call me when they got in. I never heard back from them. This is my 3rd and last lease with ford, my previous 2 edges both had numerous electrical issues, including loosing power while driving. Now, I'm in an unsafe vehicle, and they won't even acknowledge the problem. I want out of my lease, but in my experience with ford, the consumer looses every time. Can't fight them if they don't acknowledge the problem. I'm praying for my life, and other drivers lives that something get resolved quickly before someone looses their life. Doesn't seem fair that the consumer has to pay for the companies shortcomings...

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11104709
Acceleration & cruise controlFuel system

Last nights as I drove my new 2017 explorer off the lot with only 11 miles on it, I drove on surface streets and then onto the highway. After I got up to 65 mph the explorer started to lose acceleration on the highway. I had to get off at the next exit and then had great difficulty getting the car to move from 0 to 30 miles per hour to get back to the dealership using the side streets. I now have a loaner car and I was first told it could be the electronic throttle body, and then after a hookup to the computer...

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was told it was in transport mode - however nothing on the instrument panel registered any problems. I had test driven the car on saturday 3/18/17 using both surface streets and highways, and last night (3/20/17) I was able to get it up to speed on the highway again. The experience was very scary as I had to maneuver out of traffic to get off the highway at speed below 40 mph until I could get to the side streets.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10967562

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Source: 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

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