Exhaust / Carbon Monoxide Fume Intrusion into Cabin
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,500
2017 Ford
ExplorerSUV
SUV
The 2017 Ford Explorer is a three-row, five-door midsize SUV that has been one of America's best-selling family haulers for years. The 2017 model year sits in the third generation of this body style (2011–2019), offering seating for up to seven and a choice of three engines. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder provides a solid blend of performance and fuel economy for daily family use. The Explorer's interior is practical and family-friendly, with a large cargo area, available third-row seating, and Ford's SYNC infotainment system. It tows up to 5,000 lbs with the 2.3L engine, making it useful beyond pure commuting duty. That said, the 2011–2019 generation has a known reputation for exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin — a serious safety concern that led to an NHTSA investigation and a Ford customer satisfaction program. Buyers and owners should be aware of this issue specifically on the 2017 model year.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Explorer FWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
19 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2017 Ford Explorer is a three-row, five-door midsize SUV that has been one of America's best-selling family haulers for years. The 2017 model year sits in the third generation of this body style (2011–2019), offering seating for up to seven and a choice of three engines. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder provides a solid blend of performance and fuel economy for daily family use. The Explorer's interior is practical and family-friendly, with a large cargo area, available third-row seating, and Ford's SYNC infotainment system. It tows up to 5,000 lbs with the 2.3L engine, making it useful beyond pure commuting duty. That said, the 2011–2019 generation has a known reputation for exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin — a serious safety concern that led to an NHTSA investigation and a Ford customer satisfaction program. Buyers and owners should be aware of this issue specifically on the 2017 model year.
Known for
- Strong 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder performance
- Three-row seating with good cargo flexibility
- Comfortable, car-like ride for a midsize SUV
- Wide dealer network and parts availability
- Capable towing for the class (up to 5,000 lbs)
Best for
- Families needing a third row on a budget
- Drivers who want SUV size without truck-like handling
- Moderate towing and light hauling duties
- Daily commuters who occasionally need extra passenger capacity
Watch for
- Exhaust/carbon monoxide fume intrusion into the cabin — confirmed by NHTSA investigation on this generation
- Transmission shudder and shift quality issues on 6-speed automatic
- Panoramic roof cracking or leaking (common complaint on this body style)
- Power steering issues, particularly fluid leaks and rack failures
- MyFord Touch/SYNC system freezes and responsiveness problems
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVCT / Cam Phaser Timing Issues (EcoBoost 2.3L)
medium- Typically appears
- 60,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,200
Turbocharger Bypass / Wastegate Valve Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 70,000–130,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Oxygen Sensor / O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80,000–150,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder / Harsh Shifts
high- Typically appears
- 40,000–100,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $2,800
Panoramic Roof Glass Cracking or Water Leak
medium- Typically appears
- 30,000–100,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $1,800
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–7,500 miles Engine oil and filter change (full synthetic 5W-30 recommended)
The 2.3L EcoBoost runs hot under load and relies on clean oil for turbo lubrication and VCT phaser function. Extended intervals with degraded oil are a leading cause of cam phaser codes and turbo wear on this engine.
- 2 Every 30,000–45,000 miles Transmission fluid change (not just a drain-and-fill — pan drop and filter service)
Ford specifies lifetime fluid on this 6-speed, but ownership data strongly suggests fresh fluid at 30k–45k intervals reduces shudder complaints significantly. Independent shops in the Midwest see this repair repeatedly.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles Inspect and clean PCV system and intake manifold
Direct injection engines like the 2.3L EcoBoost accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves. Periodic inspection and cleaning prevents rough idle, misfires, and power loss.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles or at first symptom Inspect VCT solenoids and cam phaser operation
Cam timing codes (P0012, P0015, etc.) on this engine often trace back to sludged or sticking VCT solenoids before full phaser failure. Catching this early is significantly cheaper than a full phaser job.
- 5 Every fall (before first freeze) Inspect exhaust system integrity, firewall grommets, and door seals for fume intrusion
This is the most critical safety maintenance item on this generation Explorer. Cold weather causes you to run the cabin recirculation less, making fume intrusion more likely. Have a shop pressure-check the exhaust and inspect the rear seals annually.
- 6 Every 2 years or 30,000 miles Coolant flush and refill
Wisconsin winters are hard on cooling systems. Degraded coolant loses freeze protection and accelerates corrosion in the aluminum EcoBoost engine block.
- 7 Every fall Battery load test
Cold cranking amps drop sharply in sub-zero temps. The EcoBoost's stop-start system and electronics put extra demand on the battery. A battery that tests marginal in October will likely fail in January.
- 8 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement (Motorcraft OEM spec)
The 2.3L EcoBoost is sensitive to plug condition due to the pressurized combustion environment. Worn plugs cause misfires and can trigger false cam timing codes. Stick with OEM-spec plugs — the threads are known to be sensitive to over-torque.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$700 – $1,400
Fuel
At 22 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,800–$2,200/year at current Midwest regular unleaded prices. Premium is not required but some owners report slightly better performance with it.
Insurance
Midsize SUV rates in the Lake Geneva / Walworth County area typically run $1,200–$1,800/year for full coverage on a 2017 Explorer, depending on driver history and trim.
The 2017 Explorer is a moderate-cost vehicle to maintain when nothing goes wrong, but transmission service, VCT repairs, and especially exhaust system work can push costs into $2,000–$3,000+ in a single year. Budget for the transmission fluid service early — it's far cheaper than a rebuilt unit. Factor in an annual exhaust safety inspection; it's not optional on this generation.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Perform a battery load test every fall — sub-zero starts are brutal and the EcoBoost's electronics draw extra power. Replace any battery testing below 70% capacity before December.
- Switch to a full synthetic 5W-30 if not already using one — it flows faster at cold startup, protecting the turbocharger and VCT phasers during those critical first seconds.
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a -20°F or colder rated fluid. The 2017 Explorer has heated washer nozzles on some trims, but road salt spray demands a fluid that won't freeze in the lines.
- Inspect exhaust system and cabin seals before winter — cold weather and closed-window driving increase risk of exhaust fume intrusion. Do not ignore any fuel or exhaust smell inside the cabin.
- Check tire pressure monthly; every 10°F drop in temperature costs roughly 1 PSI. This SUV is heavy and underinflated tires increase stopping distance on snow and ice.
- Rinse the undercarriage regularly at a touchless car wash — Lake Geneva roads get heavily salted and this generation Explorer has known rust vulnerability at the rear subframe and exhaust hangers.
Summer
- Check and top off A/C refrigerant if cooling is weak — the 2.3L EcoBoost generates significant underhood heat and the A/C system works hard. Recharges are inexpensive; ignoring a weak system can damage the compressor.
- Inspect the turbo intercooler for debris and bugs blocking airflow — heat soak on the EcoBoost reduces boost efficiency and can mask a performance drop that becomes a reliability issue.
- Monitor tire pressure and adjust upward after winter deflation — summer heat raises pressure, so check when tires are cold and adjust to door placard spec.
- Inspect the panoramic roof seals and drainage channels if equipped — summer storms can reveal leaks that were frozen shut all winter, and mold in headliner material is expensive to remediate.
Comparable vehicles
2017 Chevrolet
Traverse
Larger three-row crossover at a similar price point with a more proven naturally aspirated V6. More interior room but worse fuel economy and less towing capacity.
2017 Honda
Pilot
Class-leading reliability reputation in this segment, comparable three-row seating, and a smoother transmission history. Slightly less towing but significantly fewer ownership headaches.
2017 Toyota
Highlander
Top reliability scores, strong resale value, and a V6 that ages gracefully. Costs more used but tends to need less unplanned repair spend. Better long-term value for Wisconsin winters.
2017 Jeep
Grand Cherokee
Two-row alternative with superior off-road capability and available V8. Better for towing and AWD performance in snow, though it trades the third row and has its own reliability quirks.