2025 Ford Explorer recalls & problems

20 recalls 100 complaints

20recalls
100owner complaints
7crashes reported
0fires reported
6 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer and 100 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (23 reports), followed by unknown or other (17). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2025 Ford Explorer recalls

Seats · NHTSA 26V470000 · Jul 21, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…

76,748 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Seats · NHTSA 26V451000 · Jul 14, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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…

387,911 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 26V343000 · May 27, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

1,536 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Electrical System · NHTSA 26V165000 · Mar 18, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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…

254,640 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Seat Belts · NHTSA 26V159000 · Mar 17, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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…

561 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 26V122000 · Mar 3, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

47,804 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 26V121000 · Mar 3, 2026

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

35,772 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Visibility · NHTSA 25V730000 · Oct 24, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

56,841 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Trailer Hitches · NHTSA 25V687000 · Oct 10, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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)…

1,412 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 25V543000 · Aug 22, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

213,121 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 25V344000 · Jun 13, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

156 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Seats · NHTSA 25V393000 · Jun 13, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

304,662 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 25V371000 · Jun 3, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

3 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Structure · NHTSA 25V316000 · May 9, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.

Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

206 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 25V239000 · Apr 11, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

24,655 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 25V164000 · Mar 14, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

269 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Structure · NHTSA 25V020000 · Jan 17, 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.

Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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…

259 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Equipment · NHTSA 24V852000 · Nov 8, 2024

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

27,678 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Back Over Prevention · NHTSA 24V801000 · Oct 25, 2024

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

391 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 24V634000 · Aug 23, 2024

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

24 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2025 Ford Explorer problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 23
100
Unknown or Other 17
101
Forward Collision Avoidance 15
200
Service Brakes 15
301
Power Train 15
101
Visibility/Wiper 10
000
Steering 9
101
Structure 7
000
Engine 7
000
Vehicle Speed Control 6
100
Lane Departure 4
100
Air Bags 4
101
Suspension 3
000
Seats 3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 3
000
Exterior Lighting 3
000
Visibility 3
000
Wheels 1
000
Seat Belts 1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1
101
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling 1
000
Communication 1
000
Back Over Prevention 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Visibility/Wiper · Sep 18, 2026 · NH

A recent over-the-air (OTA) software update deployed by Ford Motor Company to my 2025 Ford Explorer ST introduced a primary safety hazard and severe system latency. PASSENGER MIRROR FAILURE: Approximately 10% of the time upon vehicle startup, the passenger-side power-folding exterior mirror fails to unfold. This leaves the driver with no right-side mirror visibility, creating…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 18, 2026 · IN

I was making a left hand turn with incoming traffic. I had pleanty of time to make the turn. Next thing I know my forward pre collision alarm goes off, locks up breaks, alarms started going off. It only lasted a couple seconds, but that’s all it takes to killed.

Electrical System · Sep 18, 2026 · NH

A recent over-the-air (OTA) software update deployed by Ford Motor Company to my 2025 Ford Explorer ST introduced a primary safety hazard and severe system latency. PASSENGER MIRROR FAILURE: Approximately 10% of the time upon vehicle startup, the passenger-side power-folding exterior mirror fails to unfold. This leaves the driver with no right-side mirror visibility, creating…

Electrical System · Sep 17, 2026 · VA

the rear passenger door flew open while I was driving on a public road, with absolutely no warning or dashboard alert to indicate it was unlatched

Seats · Sep 15, 2026 · CO

Just dropped off my [XXX] and [XXX] to elementary school drove to get gas and the passenger backseat behind the driver side fell forward and slid forward. I put it back in place drove again. It did it again and it is not staying in place. I called FORD. They told me they were supposed to be a remedy for it mid September. It is mid September but I can’t have my [XXX] getting…

Engine and Engine Cooling · Sep 3, 2026 · NY

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact scheduled an appointment at the local dealer after being notified of the recall. The dealer initially stated that the part would be available within a week, but the contact was subsequently informed that the part was on backorder…

Electrical System · Aug 26, 2026 · NJ

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…

Electrical System · Aug 13, 2026 · SC

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…

Unknown or Other · Aug 13, 2026 · SC

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…

Electrical System · Aug 12, 2026 · 4,000 miles · NV

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…

Air Bags · Aug 11, 2026 · 20,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injured

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center for medical…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 11, 2026 · 20,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injured

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center for medical…

Other Ford Explorer years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls covering the 2025 Ford Explorer, the most recent one (26V470000) for seats. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (23), unknown or other (17), forward collision avoidance (15).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Owners reported 7 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.