2025 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls (95 Complaints)
The most-reported problem on the 2025 Ford Explorer is Transmission / driveline (12% of 95 owner reports). There are 22 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 95 complaints · 22 recalls
What problems show up on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
11 of 95 filings named Transmission / driveline (12% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.
Second is Glass / wipers / cameras (11 reports).
There are 22 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Body / frame, Engine, Brakes, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.
The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.
What owners reported
System named most often: Transmission / driveline 11 complaints · 11.6% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
- Crashes 7
- Fires 0
- Injuries 4
- Deaths 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Which systems owners named
Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.
View component data as a table
| System / Component | Complaints | Share of Reports | Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) | 11 | 11.6% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) | 11 | 11.6% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) | 10 | 10.5% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) | 8 | 8.4% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) | 7 | 7.4% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Steering (STEERING) | 6 | 6.3% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Body / frame (STRUCTURE) | 5 | 5.3% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Engine (ENGINE) | 4 | 4.2% | 0 crashes · 0 fires |
| Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) | 4 | 4.2% | 1 crashes · 0 fires |
| Unclassified NHTSA leftover | 36 | 37.9% | 4 crashes · 0 fires |
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
When reports and recalls showed up
When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.
- Campaign 24V852000 was reported 17 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V020000 was reported 41 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V164000 was reported 97 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V239000 was reported 125 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V316000 was reported 151 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V371000 was reported 49 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V344000 was reported 106 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V393000 was reported 234 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 25V730000 was reported 235 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V121000 was reported 53 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V122000 was reported 369 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V165000 was reported 38 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V343000 was reported 454 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V415000 was reported 141 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V451000 was reported 630 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
- Campaign 26V470000 was reported 637 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
| Date | Record type | Count | Record identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-Q4 | Owner reports | 4 | |
| 2025-Q1 | Owner reports | 8 | |
| 2025-Q2 | Owner reports | 9 | |
| 2025-Q3 | Owner reports | 15 | |
| 2025-Q4 | Owner reports | 21 | |
| 2026-Q1 | Owner reports | 11 | |
| 2026-Q2 | Owner reports | 17 | |
| 2026-Q3 | Owner reports | 10 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 24V634000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 24V801000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 24V852000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V020000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V164000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V239000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V316000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V371000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V344000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V393000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V543000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V687000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V691000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 25V730000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V121000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V122000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V159000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V165000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V343000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V415000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V451000 | |
| Recall campaign | 1 | 26V470000 |
Safety Recalls (22)
Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.
In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Body / frame, Engine, Brakes, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras.
-
Recall campaign 24V634000
Fuel system
- Report date
- Component:
- Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
- Consequence:
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
-
Recall campaign 24V801000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C34.
-
Recall campaign 24V852000
Safety recall 24V852000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
-
Recall campaign 25V020000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.
-
Recall campaign 25V164000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
-
Recall campaign 25V239000
Transmission / driveline
- Report date
- Component:
- Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
- Consequence:
- A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S35.
-
Recall campaign 25V316000
Body / frame
- Report date
- Component:
- Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
- Consequence:
- A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.
-
Recall campaign 25V344000
Engine
- Report date
- Component:
- Engine (ENGINE)
- Consequence:
- A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.
-
Recall campaign 25V371000
Brakes
- Report date
- Component:
- Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
- Consequence:
- Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.
-
Recall campaign 25V393000
Safety recall 25V393000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
-
Recall campaign 25V543000
Lights
- Report date
- Component:
- Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
- Consequence:
- Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
-
Recall campaign 25V687000
Safety recall 25V687000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
-
Recall campaign 25V691000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 10, 2025.
-
Recall campaign 25V730000
Glass / wipers / cameras
- Report date
- Component:
- Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
- Consequence:
- Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
-
Recall campaign 26V121000
Lights
- Report date
- Component:
- Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
- Consequence:
- A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V122000
Engine
- Report date
- Component:
- Engine (ENGINE)
- Consequence:
- An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V159000
Safety recall 26V159000
- Report date
- Component:
- Not available in the source record
- Consequence:
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V165000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V343000
Engine
- Report date
- Component:
- Engine (ENGINE)
- Consequence:
- A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V415000
Rear camera / backup safety
- Report date
- Component:
- Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
- Consequence:
- A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V451000
Safety recall 26V451000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
-
Recall campaign 26V470000
Safety recall 26V470000
- Report date
- Component:
- Unclassified NHTSA leftover
- Consequence:
- Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy:
- Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 31, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
What owners actually wrote
Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Showing 3 of 95 complaints · page 1 of 4
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I am reporting recurring engine misfires involving my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 15,700 miles. The first incident occurred approximately five months ago. The check-engine warning appeared and the vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Ford dealership with DTC P0303, indicating a cylinder 3 misfire. The cylinder 3 spark plug was replaced. A second misfire subsequently occurred at approximately 15,700 miles. The vehicle again exhibited an engine misfire/check-engine warning and was transported through Ford Roadside Assistance for service. An authorized Ford dealership diagnosed DTC P0301, indicating a cylinder 1 misfire. I was advised that the cylinder 1 spark plug was physically damaged and that a portion/cap of the plug had broken off and was not present. I am concerned because this represents two spark-plug-related misfires involving two different cylinders of the same engine within approximately five months and at relatively low mileage. Ford has issued technical service information addressing P0301-P0304 misfires on certain 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. I am not claiming that this establishes the cause of my vehicle's failures; I am reporting the recurring condition so NHTSA can document it and evaluate it alongside any similar reports. Both incidents were diagnosed by authorized Ford dealerships. Repair documentation and manufacturer/dealership correspondence concerning the incidents have been retained and can be provided if requested. The vehicle/component may be available for further inspection if requested, subject to its current repair status.
CrashFireInjuryDeath
On XXX, my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum experienced a complete unexplained no-start failure while approximately six hours from home. The vehicle had less than 1/4 tank of fuel but was not empty and was parked on a slight decline. It remote-started normally and ran for approximately 10 minutes before automatically shutting off. Afterward, it would not restart, repeatedly displayed "Accessory Power Only," and later displayed and audibly announced "System Failure, Contact Dealer." Multiple jump-start attempts failed and the vehicle required towing to Lugoff Ford in [XXX]. Lugoff Ford documented fuel and transmission-related codes and initially advised that the vehicle appeared to need a transmission replacement. That explanation later changed, and the vehicle was returned without an identified cause or repair. I subsequently took the vehicle to Cleveland Ford in [XXX] for a second evaluation. Their repair order specifically states that Ford connected data showed a fuel-pressure code on the day of the failure, but they found no active DTCs and could not duplicate the condition. The vehicle was again returned without diagnosis or repair. I am concerned that an intermittent defect involving the fuel system, transmission controls, electrical system, software, or related components could cause another sudden disabling event. Two Ford dealers have evaluated the vehicle, evidence of the original failure exists, and the underlying cause remains unidentified and unrepaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started and the doors were unlocked and the contact walked over to the front passenger’s side door to put her purse inside the vehicle; however, after the contact walked over to the rear driver’s side door to place a child into the car seat, the doors inadvertently locked and the child was trapped and locked inside the vehicle. The key fob failed to operate as designed, and the contact was unable to unlock the doors. The contact broke the rear driver’s side window to remove the child from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer stated that the failure might be related to a software malfunction; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Ford Explorer Complaints by Year
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 11 of 95 reports (12%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.
Are there recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA lists 22 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Body / frame, Engine, Brakes, Lights, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.
What should I inspect before buying a 2025 Ford Explorer?
Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.
Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?
No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.
Estimated Ownership Cost
EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates
Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Adjacent Model Years
Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records
Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.
Methodology & Data Integrity
Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.