Model year 2025 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2025 Ford Explorer: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2025 Ford Explorer at 20–24 mpg combined across 6 versions. NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls and 109 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT
NHTSA lists this vehicle as EXPLORER HYBRID.
2025 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 22 safety recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer, newest first.
Seats: Front assembly: Power adjust
NHTSA 26V470000 Reported Jul 21, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S53)
- Units affected
- 76,748 (estimate)
- 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 driverâs 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. 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats: Mid/rear assembly
NHTSA 26V451000 Reported Jul 14, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S52)
- Units affected
- 387,911 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component
NHTSA 26V415000 Reported Jun 30, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S51)
- Components
- Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Back over prevention: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
- Units affected
- 66,383 (estimate)
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Hard parts internal/mechanical
NHTSA 26V343000 Reported May 27, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S35)
- Units affected
- 1,536 (estimate)
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system: Adas and 1 more component
NHTSA 26V165000 Reported Mar 18, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S21)
- Components
- Electrical system: Adas; Back over prevention: Software
- Units affected
- 254,640 (estimate)
- 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 driverâs 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seat belts
NHTSA 26V159000 Reported Mar 17, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C18)
- Units affected
- 561 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Exterior lighting: Headlights
NHTSA 26V121000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C12)
- Units affected
- 35,772 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Exhaust system: Emission control: Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
NHTSA 26V122000 Reported Mar 3, 2026
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S10)
- Units affected
- 47,804 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Visibility: Windshield
NHTSA 25V730000 Reported Oct 24, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25C60)
- Units affected
- 56,841 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Trailer hitches
NHTSA 25V687000 Reported Oct 10, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SA3)
- Units affected
- 1,412 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert and 1 more component
NHTSA 25V691000 Reported Oct 10, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SA2)
- Components
- Forward collision avoidance: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert; Back over prevention: Warnings: External/pedestrian alert
- Units affected
- 43,438 (estimate)
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Exterior lighting: Tail lights
NHTSA 25V543000 Reported Aug 22, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25C42)
- Units affected
- 213,121 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Hard parts internal/mechanical
NHTSA 25V344000 Reported Jun 13, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S55)
- Units affected
- 156 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Seats: Mid/rear assembly
NHTSA 25V393000 Reported Jun 13, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S67)
- Units affected
- 304,662 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Disc: Caliper
NHTSA 25V371000 Reported Jun 3, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S60)
- Units affected
- 3 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Structure: Frame and members
NHTSA 25V316000 Reported May 9, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S43)
- Units affected
- 206 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module: Software
NHTSA 25V239000 Reported Apr 11, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S35)
- Units affected
- 24,655 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Power train: Automatic transmission: Fluid/lubricant: Valves/valve body
NHTSA 25V164000 Reported Mar 14, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S19)
- Units affected
- 269 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Structure: Frame and members and 1 more component
NHTSA 25V020000 Reported Jan 17, 2025
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S03)
- Components
- Structure: Frame and members; Power train: Automatic transmission
- Units affected
- 259 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Equipment: Other: Labels
NHTSA 24V852000 Reported Nov 8, 2024
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24C39)
- Units affected
- 27,678 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Back over prevention: Software
NHTSA 24V801000 Reported Oct 25, 2024
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24C34)
- Units affected
- 391 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Injectors
NHTSA 24V634000 Reported Aug 23, 2024
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S54)
- Units affected
- 24 (estimate)
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall record on nhtsa.gov
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
2025 Ford Explorer fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2025 Ford Explorer owner complaints
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Ford Explorer, most recently on Oct 21, 2026. 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
