CarRecallWatchThe 2025 Ford Explorer has 20 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 7 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (23 reports).
2025 Ford Explorer recalls
Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly, Trapping Rear Passengers
Certain 2025-2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles have a power-adjustable front seat that may recline on its own while the driver's seat is unoccupied, for example during a remote unlock or remote start.
Second-Row Seats May Unlatch or Slide in Crash Risk
Certain Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs may have a switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats that can bind or stick.
Engine May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Power
Certain 2025-2026 Ford Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles may have an engine that can fail internally.
Rearview camera and driver aids may cut out unexpectedly
The image processing module that runs the rearview camera and several driver assistance features can reset on its own several times.
Loose Rear Seat Belt Anchor May Fail in a Crash
Some Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs from model years 2020 through 2023 may have seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions that are not properly secured.
Passenger headlight may aim wrong in curves, raising crash risk
Certain 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorers may have a software problem in the Dynamic Bending Light system.
EGR Valve May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Power
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in certain 2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may fail.
Windshield Air Bubbles Can Block Driver View
Certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles may have visible air bubbles in the windshield glass.
Loose Trailer Hitch Bolts Can Cause Trailer Detachment
The trailer hitch assembly bolts on certain vehicles may be loose.
Trailer Tail Lights May Not Light Up, Raising Crash Risk
A body control module on certain vehicles may be improperly manufactured.
Engine Rod Defect Can Cause Stall and Crash Risk
Some 2025 Ford vehicles may have connecting rod and rod bearing parts with manufacturing defects.
Second-Row Seats May Unlatch or Move While Driving
Certain 2020-2023 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles have a second-row easy-entry seat switch that may bind or stick.
Front Brake Caliper Bolts May Loosen, Risking Brake Loss
Some front brake caliper bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly.
Loose Front Subframe Bolt Could Weaken Crash Protection
Some 2025 vehicles may have a front subframe mounting bolt that was not tightened correctly at the factory.
Engine May Stall or Park Lock May Fail, Risking Rollaway
The powertrain control module, which manages the engine and transmission, may reset while the vehicle is being driven.
Transmission May Fail in Reverse or Move Unexpectedly
A transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly at the factory.
Transmission May Lose Drive Power Due to Loose Bolts
Some vehicles may have loose transmission cross member bolts, which can leave the transmission improperly secured.
Missing Air Bag Warning Label on Dashboard
Some vehicles may have a missing air bag warning label on the dashboard.
Rearview Camera Image May Fail at Speed
The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle reaches speeds of 10 mph or greater.
Fuel Injectors May Leak Fuel, Creating Fire Risk
Some fuel injectors may have been built without the O-ring support discs that help seal them.
Most common 2025 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 107 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 18 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
| Service Brakes | 18 |
| Power Train | 16 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Structure | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
What owners report
I own a 2025 Ford Explorer Active, purchased new in April 2025. In approximately early October 2026, I noticed a significant and unexplained brightness difference between the rear taillights. The driverâs-side taillight is noticeably brighter than the passenger-side taillight when the exterior lights are illuminated. On October 19, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Ford Country in Henderson, Nevada, for diagnosis. My service advisor personally observed the difference in brightness. The technicians scanned the vehicleâs electronic systems and reportedly found no diagnostic trouble codes explaining the condition. According to the shop foreman, technicians also installed taillight assemblies
On October 19, 2026, I experienced a serious braking malfunction while driving my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speed. While my foot was on the accelerator, the vehicle unexpectedly began braking repeatedly without me pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jerked and pulsated as though the ABS was activating. When I attempted to brake, the pedal felt unusually loose and did not immediately respond to the pressure I applied. I eventually managed to slow down and pull onto the highway shoulder. This created a dangerous situation that put me and other motorists at risk. Multiple warnings appeared, including Anti-Lock Brake System Fault, Electronic Parking Brake, Pre-Collision Assist Not Ava
OUR FAMILY SAFETY A RISK BECAUSE THE CAR SEAT WAS BURNING, IT WAS SMOKING AND I GOT BURNED.
I was driving at approximately 5mph when my car suddenly slammed on breaks. The pre collision warning popped up. There was no obstical in site. Happened approximately 30 mins ago. Had immediate pain in my shoulder, neck and head.
Faulty led chip in headlight, DRL , high beam & low beams affected EXACTLY like the recalled 2026 models.. ford recommended replacement @ 2,400$ Ford should be forced to extend the recall to all affected models. This is an attempt to mitigate and minimize financial damage for ford motor company and is unacceptable
2025 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer: Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly, Trapping Rear Passengers; Second-Row Seats May Unlatch or Slide in Crash Risk; Engine May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Power; Rearview camera and driver aids may cut out unexpectedly; Loose Rear Seat Belt Anchor May Fail in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Based on 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (23), Forward Collision Avoidance (18), Unknown Or Other (18).
How do I check if a recall on my 2025 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.