VehicleVerdict

2017 Ford Expedition problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 474 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Expedition year — the 2017 model ranks #8 of 36 Expedition years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 50 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (92), brakes (78), and transmission (50), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

474

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

33

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

50

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Expedition years?

Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,137 complaints1991: 1 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1,065 complaints1998: 1,022 complaints1999: 1,137 complaints2000: 1,134 complaints2001: 739 complaints2002: 415 complaints2003: 800 complaints2004: 381 complaints2005: 452 complaints2006: 395 complaints2007: 267 complaints2008: 179 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 74 complaints2011: 92 complaints2012: 163 complaints2013: 114 complaints2014: 96 complaints2015: 229 complaints2016: 274 complaints2017: 474 complaints2018: 452 complaints2019: 581 complaints2020: 473 complaints2021: 270 complaints2022: 156 complaints2023: 87 complaints2024: 106 complaints2025: 47 complaints2026: 13 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Expedition NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Expedition years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford Expedition problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System9219%
Brakes7816%
Transmission5011%
Engine439%
Other408%
Visibility & Wipers347%
Driver Assistance317%
Speed Control214%
Fuel System204%
Tires & Wheels174%
Steering112%
Airbags112%
Body & Structure61%
Seat Belts61%
Lighting41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Seats41%
Suspension10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2017 Ford Expedition have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

25V236000BrakesApril 11, 2025 · 123,611 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.

22V648000Visibility & WipersAugust 26, 2022 · 198,482 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front blower motor located behind the glove box may fail.

Consequence

Front blower motor failure can increase the risk of a vehicle interior fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S56.

22V150000BrakesMarch 11, 2022 · 195,864 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Consequence

A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Rear blower motor caught on fire, causing smoke to cover the inside of the vehicle. Part had to then be removed from the car. Melted plastic around the inside of the fan and motor. Also we have replaced the blower motive in the front of the vehicle that was under recall and it has continued to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2025 · fire

“Brake failed in parking lot and vehicle crashed into another car. A low brake fluid light came on and very shortly (1 minute) after the brake failed completed. Vehicle was serviced at dealer two months ago. Contacted Ford corporate and Ford dealer. Ford corporate said there is nothing they can do.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 26, 2021 · crash

“On May 15, 2023, our 2017 Ford Expedition rolled while in Park and unattended. It had been parked for approx. 2-1/2 hours before rolling down our inclined driveway. It collided with our granite mailbox post, snapping it off. Thankfully, no one was hurt, however, the vehicle suffered significant…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 15, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that during cold starts, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2024

“This incident happened on July 20, 2023. I was driving to my house when I notice that there was smoke coming out of the glove compartment of my 2017 Expedition EL. I immediately stopped at the median and opened the hood to make sure there was no fire. After that, I walked to the passenger door and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 20, 2023 · fire

2017 Ford Expedition — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford Expedition reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 474 complaints put the 2017 model at #8 of 36 Expedition years. It is one of the Expedition years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Expedition problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (92 complaints), brakes (78 complaints), transmission (50 complaints).

Does the 2017 Ford Expedition have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Expedition years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Expedition years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2001, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2021. The cleanest record among Expedition years belongs to 2027.

How safe is the 2017 Ford Expedition?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Ford Expedition earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.