Owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport often praise its commanding presence and versatile capability, yet like any complex machine, this specific model year has a distinct history of issues that drivers should understand. While the Explorer Sport trim offered robust features and performance, the engineering decisions and manufacturing processes of 2017 resulted in specific mechanical and electronic vulnerabilities that can impact safety, reliability, and long-term ownership costs. This detailed examination moves beyond generic reviews to pinpoint the exact problems documented by thousands of drivers and verified by technical service bulletins, providing a clear picture of what to expect when driving or purchasing this specific vehicle.
Electrical System and Infotainment Glitches
The 2017 model year arrived during a period of rapid technological integration, and the Explorer Sport was not immune to the growing pains associated with complex electronics. Perhaps the most consistently reported issue centers on the vehicle's infotainment system and the associated software instability. Owners frequently describe scenarios where the main display unit freezes, becomes unresponsive to touch, or simply shuts down and reboots without warning, interrupting navigation, music, and climate control settings. This is not a minor inconvenience; it represents a significant distraction that undermines the driving experience and places additional strain on other vehicle systems.
Beyond the central screen, the electrical architecture of the 2017 Explorer Sport reveals further fragility. Reports of random warning lights illuminating on the dashboard, even when no actual fault exists, are common. These ghost signals can drain the battery and create unnecessary anxiety for the driver. More seriously, documented cases of power window failures, where switches cease to function entirely, point to wiring harness issues or faulty control modules. The reliance on numerous sensors for parking, blind-spot monitoring, and trailer sway control means that a single electrical fault can cascade into multiple systems failing simultaneously, turning a routine drive into a diagnostic challenge.
Transmission and Powertrain Concerns
Shifting focus to the heart of the vehicle, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport’s powertrain, specifically the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and its corresponding transmission, is where the potential for serious operational problems becomes critical. The EcoBoost technology, while powerful, has a known history of developing internal issues under stress. One of the most severe complaints involves high-pressure fuel pump failures, which can occur prematurely and lead to a sudden loss of power or, in worst-case scenarios, complete engine shutdown while driving. This issue not only creates a dangerous situation but also carries a substantial repair bill due to the cost of the pump and associated labor.
The six-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine has also drawn significant criticism for its erratic shifting behavior. Drivers report harsh, abrupt gear changes that can lurch the vehicle forward or cause a noticeable kickback through the drivetrain. In more advanced cases, the transmission may hesitate to engage drive or reverse, suffer from slipping between gears, or fail to shift up, causing the engine to rev excessively without a corresponding increase in speed. These symptoms often indicate software calibration issues or mechanical wear within the transmission assembly, requiring specialized diagnostic equipment to correct and potentially necessitating major repairs if left unaddressed.
Suspension, Steering, and Braking Anomalies
The physical dynamics of the 2017 Explorer Sport are also subject to notable complaints, particularly concerning the ride quality and handling characteristics. The vehicle's independent front suspension, while designed for a smooth ride, is susceptible to premature wear of key components like ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends. A common early warning sign is a faint clunking or popping noise when driving over uneven pavement or during sharp turns, indicating that these worn parts are allowing excessive movement. If ignored, this wear can lead to a sudden loss of control, making it a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention.
