2017 Ford Expedition El Safety Report
2017 Ford Expedition EL: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Persistent Brake, Electrical, and Engine Complaint Patterns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Expedition El
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford Expedition El receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Ford Expedition El
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Expedition El:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System Failure/Loss Of Resistance Multiple complaints (29 for SERVICE BRAKES, 25 for SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) describe brake pedal failure, loss of resistance, or low brake fluid warnings, often associated with an unfulfilled recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000). |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Electrical System/Blower Motor Fires Complaints (24 for ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY, 22 for ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) include reports of rear blower motors catching fire, smoke in the cabin, and defroster malfunctions, sometimes after recall repairs (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000). |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Engine Cam Phaser Rattle/Failure Reports of abnormal rattling sounds from the engine, hesitation upon start, and TSB 23-2143 citing cold-start cam phaser rattle as a manufacturing defect impacting reliability and safety. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Sudden Downshift One complaint details the transmission unexpectedly and suddenly downshifting into 1st gear without warning, causing sudden deceleration at various speeds, occurring over 20 times. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Faulty Throttle Body/Loss Of Acceleration A complaint describes the vehicle losing all acceleration power with the check engine light appearing, diagnosed as a faulty throttle body, an issue covered by extended warranty on other Ford vehicles. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Expedition El:
Frequent reports of brake system failures, including loss of pedal resistance and low fluid warnings, often linked to an unaddressed recall.
Issues with electrical components, particularly blower motors (including fires) and defroster functionality, even after recall attempts.
General electrical problems, including blower motor failures, battery drain, and abnormal sparking/burning odors.
Problems such as unexpected transmission downshifts and issues affecting vehicle acceleration.
Complaints include cam phaser rattles, hesitation on start, overheating, and complete engine failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Expedition El
Is the 2017 Ford Expedition EL safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL has excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 272 complaints, including 20 crashes, 7 fires, and 27 injuries, primarily due to recurring issues with service brakes, electrical systems (including blower motor fires), and engine/powertrain problems. The safety is compromised by these reliability concerns.
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Expedition EL?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL are related to the SERVICE BRAKES (29 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (25 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY (24 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (21 complaints). These include brake failures, blower motor fires, defroster malfunctions, engine rattles, and sudden transmission downshifts.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL?
The provided data states there are 0 active recalls for the 2017 Ford Expedition EL. However, several complaints reference unfulfilled or ineffective recall repairs for brake issues (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000) and electrical/visibility issues (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000), indicating past recall activity that may not be fully resolved or effective.
How does the 2017 Ford Expedition EL perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Ford Expedition EL performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Ford Expedition EL?
When considering a used 2017 Ford Expedition EL, pay close attention to the brake system, electrical components (especially the HVAC blower motors and defroster), and listen for any abnormal engine noises like rattles. Verify if any past recalls, particularly for brakes and electrical systems, have been properly addressed and if the repairs were effective.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant and recurring issues with brakes, electrical systems (including fire risks), and engine/powertrain components, as indicated by 272 NHTSA complaints. Thorough pre-purchase inspections focusing on these areas and verifying recall completion are highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Expedition El
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Expedition El. The data includes 272 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 20 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 27 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Ford Expedition El an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.