Owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer often praise its spacious cabin and confident towing capacity, but like any complex machine, this generation of the Explorer is not without its specific health issues. While generally regarded as a reliable mid-cycle refresh, the transition to the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and the six-speed automatic transmission introduced specific failure points that defined the model year's reputation. Understanding these common 2017 Ford Explorer problems is essential for current owners looking to maintain value and for prospective buyers assessing potential purchase risks.
Engine and Transmission Concerns
The heart of the 2017 Explorer is its 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which replaced the aging 3.5-liter Ti-VCT unit. While offering better fuel economy, this smaller displacement engine was susceptible to specific issues that became prevalent complaints. Owners reported timing chain tensioner failures, which created a distinct rattling noise, particularly during cold starts or after the engine had been off for a period. This issue stems from the tensioner's design and its interaction with the engine oil, potentially leading to excessive wear on the timing chain guides if left unaddressed.
Alongside the timing chain concerns, transmission hesitation and harsh shifting were frequently reported. The six-speed automatic, paired with the EcoBoost engine, sometimes struggled with software calibration, leading to delayed engagement when moving from 'Park' to 'Drive' or 'Reverse.' More seriously, some vehicles experienced premature internal wear, manifesting as slipping between gears or a failure to engage specific gears entirely, often before the 100,000-mile mark. These transmission problems were a significant source of frustration, impacting the driving experience the Explorer was designed to deliver.
Electrical System and Infotainment Glitches
The 2017 model year coincided with Ford's push toward more integrated technology, and the Explorer's SYNC 3 system was no stranger to operational headaches. A recurring theme in owner forums involves the central touchscreen becoming unresponsive, freezing, or simply failing to boot up. This isn't merely an inconvenience; it can disable critical functions like navigation, climate control adjustments, and phone connectivity. In some instances, the issue stems from a faulty touchscreen controller module, while in others, it requires a software update or a full replacement of the head unit.
Beyond the main infotainment screen, owners noted a higher-than-expected rate of auxiliary port failures and intermittent warning light glitches. It was not uncommon for the battery or check engine light to illuminate temporarily due to a simple sensor malfunction or a loose wiring harness. While sometimes trivial, these electrical gremlins could be persistent, requiring multiple visits to the dealer for diagnosis and repair, adding to the total cost of ownership.
Fuel System and Idle Quality Issues
Fuel delivery problems surfaced as another distinct category of 2017 Ford Explorer problems. Some vehicles experienced a lean condition, where the engine would misfire or run poorly, often accompanied by the check engine light. Mechanics frequently pointed to issues with the fuel injectors or the high-pressure fuel pump, a component critical for the EcoBoost engine's operation. A failing fuel pump can cause a sudden loss of power or difficulty starting, potentially leaving the driver stranded and necessitating a costly repair involving the fuel tank assembly.
Complementing these performance issues was a complaint regarding rough idling. Owners reported that their Explorers would shake violently or stall when coming to a stop, particularly with the air conditioning compressor engaged. This symptom often points to a vacuum leak in the intake manifold or a problem with the idle air control system. Diagnosing the source of the vacuum leak can be time-consuming, as it requires tracing numerous hoses and gaskets that can degrade and harden over time.
