NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer (including the hybrid). It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: backover prevention and rearview camera, engine and cooling, powertrain, seats, and 8 more. Most-described problems: loss of power or limp mode, brake failure or a soft or hard pedal, and infotainment or touchscreen failures (6 complaints, 5% each). Most-reported area: electrical system (25 complaints, 22%).
Too new to rank against other Explorer years
The 2025 Explorer has not had three full years of owner complaints yet.
Years to avoid: 2015 to 2017; best year: 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the Police Interceptor Utility (EPA lists its 3.3L flex-fuel engine as an Explorer from 2020).
22 safety recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Fix: 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.
66,383 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER HYBRID. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: warnings, external/pedestrian alert; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Ford campaign 26S51.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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 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.
254,640 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: software; Electrical system: adas. Ford campaign 26S21.
Risk: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Fix: 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.
43,438 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER HYBRID. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: warnings, external/pedestrian alert; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Ford campaign 25SA2.
Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 391 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 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.
1,536 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S35.
exhaust system · emission control · gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
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 on March 4, 2026.
47,804 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles.
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S55.
Powertrain 3 recalls
automatic transmission · control module · software
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S35.
automatic transmission · fluid/lubricant · valves/valve body
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles.
Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.
259 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Powertrain: automatic transmission; Body structure: frame and members. Ford campaign 25S03.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
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 number for this recall is 26S53.
76,748 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The switch for the easy-entrysecond-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
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 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.
387,917 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The switch for the easy-entrysecond-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 35,772 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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 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.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 213,121 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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 this recall is 25S60.
3 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 27,678 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
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 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Fails federal standard 210 (seat belt anchorages) · 561 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
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) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
1,412 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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 become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Fails federal standard 205 · 56,841 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25C60.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2025 Ford Explorer; it is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Burn injuries from side airbag deployment
Preliminary evaluation PE26008Open since Nov 6, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and 4 Early Warning Reporting “Death and Injury” reports alleging burn injuries following side airbag deployment in model years… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Component: Air bags (side/window, thorax, cushion).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Explorer. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Loss of power or limp mode6 · 5%
Brake failure or a soft or hard pedal6 · 5%
Infotainment or touchscreen failures6 · 5%
Won't start4 · 4%
Several warning lights at once4 · 4%
Driver-assist errors or blocked-sensor messages4 · 4%
Power steering problems or locked steering4 · 4%
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling4 · 4%
Most named: automatic emergency braking (9); warnings (5)
Visibility/wiper10 · 9%
Engine9 · 8%
Steering9 · 8%
Unknown or other22 · 19%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Ford Explorer recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2025 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659).
Owner complaints
2025: 113 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Complaints
2010
115
2011
1,198
2012
831
2013
2,239
2014
1,684
2015
1,820
2016
2,467
2017
1,706
2018
736
2019
303
2020
1,256
2021
463
2022
277
2023
115
2024
21
2025
113
2026
44
Safety recalls
2025: 22 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
5
2013
11
2014
6
2015
8
2016
14
2017
13
2018
7
2019
6
2020
34
2021
27
2022
25
2023
15
2024
10
2025
22
2026
16
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Ford Explorer, the problems described most are loss of power or limp mode (6), brake failure or a soft or hard pedal (6), and infotainment or touchscreen failures (6). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2025 Ford Explorer earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2025 Ford Explorer: burn injuries from side airbag deployment (PE26008, opened Nov 6, 2026). An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Explorer has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HYBRID.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.