2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility

The 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility is a popular choice for law enforcement agencies due to its durability, utility, and performance. The vehicle is based on the Ford Explorer and offered several engine options: a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (304 hp, 279 lb-ft of torque), a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (290 hp, 255 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque). All engine options are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the vehicle’s spacious interior, robust build quality, and powerful engine options, particularly the EcoBoost. Common complaints include fuel economy, occasional electrical issues, and general maintenance costs associated with a high-use vehicle.

Engine

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine bay, check engine light. Potential internal damage to engine if ignored.
  • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger(s). Inspect oil feed lines for blockage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust. The source of the leak is often from the water pump or the turbocharger coolant lines.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking component (water pump, hoses, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced fuel economy, hesitation on acceleration. Direct injection engines are susceptible to carbon buildup.
  • Solution: Intake valve cleaning (walnut blasting or chemical cleaning). Installation of a catch can to mitigate further buildup.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Ti-VCT V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, noise from the water pump area. The water pump on this engine is known to be problematic.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L Ti-VCT V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engine Options)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts, slipping between gears. This can be due to worn valve body components or solenoids.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) to $3,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Suspension Component Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear. Common wear items include ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links.
  • Solution: Replace worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on components replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering, accessories not working, or difficulty starting. Rodents can often chew on the wiring harnesses in these vehicles.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair damaged wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, the need for frequent jump starts. This can be due to aftermarket equipment, parasitic draws, or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain. Replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Hinge Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging doors, difficulty closing doors, noises when opening or closing. Heavy doors combined with frequent use can lead to hinge wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn door hinges.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or loose center console components, damaged cup holders, malfunctioning switches.
  • Solution: Replace or repair damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, while generally reliable, experiences a range of issues common to high-use vehicles. Engine problems, particularly with the 3.5L EcoBoost (turbocharger and coolant leaks) and 3.7L V6 (water pump failure), can be costly to repair. Transmission issues manifest as harsh shifting, with potential valve body issues leading to expensive repairs. Suspension components are also prone to wear. Electrical problems and interior components can also require attention. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection.