2017 Ford explorer XLT
1FM5K8DH5HGD42945
Vehicle history report for the 2017 Ford explorer XLT (VIN 1FM5K8DH5HGD42945). Black, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 2.3L 4-cyl 280 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 42,996 mi reported. Registered in Or. 13 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![2017 Ford explorer XLT, Black, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 1FM5K8DH5HGD42945](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/2017-ford-explorer-xlt-sp-4_1600x0w.jpg)
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What a full report checks for VIN 1FM5K8DH5HGD42945
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 13
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
NHTSA Campaign #19V651000 · 11/09/2019SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number
NHTSA Campaign #19V435000 · 10/06/2019WHEELS:HUB
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA Campaign #17E048000 · 28/08/2017STEERING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
NHTSA Campaign #17V530000 · 28/08/2017SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a,…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
NHTSA Campaign #17V332000 · 22/05/2017ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V925000 · 22/12/2016STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer s
NHTSA Campaign #21V316000 · 05/05/2021SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road …
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return f
NHTSA Campaign #21V537000 · 15/07/2021SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previ…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this r
NHTSA Campaign #20V675000 · 12/03/2021STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed Feburary 16, 2024. Owner no
NHTSA Campaign #24V031000 · 19/01/2024STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number
NHTSA Campaign #25V347000 · 23/05/2025EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Int
NHTSA Campaign #25V685000 · 10/10/2025SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification
NHTSA Campaign #26V101000 · 20/02/2026We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 1,662 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford explorer, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1662
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2017 Ford explorer.
POWER TRAIN
This has happened several times where the transmission will not go into drive and makes an electronic noise while trying to shift into drive. If you turn the car off, open the driver's door, wait for complete power down then restart the vehicle, it will then go into drive. Sometimes it just takes one attempt, sometimes several. Seems to be a computer malfunc…
NHTSA ODI #11747883SUSPENSION
Vehicle was brought in to Magic city ford for a state inspection and was informed that there was a recall on the suspension to replace the tow link in the rear. Vehicle was inspected and tire tread level documented etc . Vehicle was driven 3,000 miles over the next 60 days, including a family trip to the beach. It was then noticed that the rear tires were…
NHTSA ODI #11748045SUSPENSION
My Explorer had Recall 21S32 completed at the dealership on April 1st. The remedy for recall 21S32 was insufficient. Within a month and a half I began hearing a metal clanking noise coming from the rear of the Explorer when I went over bumps. Very quickly the clanking became a lot of frequent loud squeaking. I brought it back to the dealership and they immed…
NHTSA ODI #11747719STRUCTURE
Received recall 25V347 in June of 2025. They still say the parts are not available. The driver side B-pillar trim came loose a few months ago. The dealer (lithia ford, Boise, ID) said I would have to pay over $600 to have them repair it and the money would not be refunded when the recall parts are available. Not having the parts available for over a year…
NHTSA ODI #11746201STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Regarding Safety Recall Notice 25S53 / NHTSA Recall 25V347, I received the recall literature June 2025. This past week, a trim piece in this recall came off the vehicle while in motion. This is a safety hazard and can cause accidents. Upon reaching out to Ford, NO remedy is available and might have something (might) November 2026. That is too long to wa…
NHTSA ODI #11746093FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 236,000 miles has an ongoing EVAP/fuel vapor system problem that causes the vehicle to hesitate, stumble, and attempt to stall. The problem occurs most frequently after refueling and also when the fuel level is low. The check-engine light comes on repeatedly, and despite numerous repair attempts, the issue has no…
NHTSA ODI #11744673STRUCTURE
The contact was the manager at a used auto dealer, and the inventory included a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim had detached and fell off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was c…
NHTSA ODI #11744409STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the driver's …
NHTSA ODI #11744444+ 1654 more complaints on record.
