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2025 Ford Explorer

Verified August 31, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
5
of 5 stars
Recalls
19
on record
MPG
27
combined

Heavily recalled

19 safety recalls on record. Confirm with the seller that every campaign has been completed.

Vehicle Summary

2025 Ford Explorer

19 recalls
87 complaints
27 MPG combined
5/5 safety rating

Before You Buy

Confirm all 19 recalls were repaired — a dealer checks by VIN, free
Read the 6 complaints reporting a crash
Review the 87 owner complaints on record
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
19
Owner complaints
87
Complaints citing a crash
6

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalized by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

19 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

19 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 24V634000high

    Fuel system issue

    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V801000high

    Backup camera software issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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."

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 24V852000high

    Incorrect or missing label

    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    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."

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V020000high

    Drivetrain issue

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V164000high

    Body/structure issue

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V239000high

    Drivetrain issue

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V316000high

    Body/structure issue

    STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V344000high

    Engine issue

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V371000high

    Brake system issue

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V393000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V543000high

    Lighting issue

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

    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."

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V687000high

    Trailer hitches

    TRAILER HITCHES

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

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 25V730000high

    Visibility issue

    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

    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."

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V121000high

    Lighting issue

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

    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."

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V122000high

    Engine issue

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    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.

    Consequence

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

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 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 campaign record
  • 26V159000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEAT BELTS

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V165000high

    Backup camera software issue

    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V343000high

    Engine issue

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    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.

    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.

    Full campaign record
  • 26V451000high

    Safety restraint issue

    SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

    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.

    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. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. 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 campaign record

NHTSA crash-test ratings

NCAP star ratings and the underlying test breakdown for the 2025 Ford Explorer.

  • Frontal crash

    Driver
    5 / 5
    Passenger
    5 / 5
  • Side crash

    Driver
    5 / 5
    Passenger
    5 / 5
    Side pole
    5 / 5
  • Rollover

    Rollover risk
    15.1%
    Dynamic tip
    No Tip

Driver-assistance technologies

Electronic stability control
Standard
Forward collision warning
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard

What the ratings mean

NHTSA gives the 2025 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall. NHTSA does not publish enough comparable results for this class and year to rank it against peers.

NHTSA published results for every NCAP test in this program, so the overall star rating rests on a complete set of crash and rollover results.

NHTSA's dynamic test put this vehicle's rollover probability at 15.1% in a single-vehicle crash — the figure behind the rollover star rating, published here because the star alone hides how wide each band is.

NHTSA crash tests

2025 Ford Explorer Frontal crash crash test
Frontal crash
2025 Ford Explorer Side crash crash test
Side crash Video
2025 Ford Explorer Side pole crash test
Side pole Video

Fuel economy & emissions

EPA figures for the 2025 Ford Explorer, with tailpipe CO₂ and class context.

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual fuel cost
$1,944
Tailpipe CO₂
329 g/mi

How this compares

The EPA holds too few vehicles in this class and model year to rank the 2025 Ford Explorer against its peers.

Tailpipe CO₂ is 329 grams per mile — about 4.9 metric tons over 15,000 miles of driving.

Consumer complaints

87 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

87
Total
6
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries

Most reported components

  • OTHER18
  • ENGINE17
  • BRAKES13
  • VISIBILITY8
  • ELECTRICAL8

Notable Issues

87 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 3 reports involve injuries. 6 reports involve a crash.

Most reported problems

miscellaneous issues18
engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)17
brake problems (soft pedal, noise, failure)13

Safety timeline

Every dated recall and NHTSA investigation for the 2025 Ford Explorer, newest first.

  1. Recall

    Recall 26V451000

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

  2. Recall

    Recall 26V343000

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

  3. Recall

    Recall 26V165000

    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.

  4. Recall

    Recall 26V159000

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

  5. Recall

    Recall 26V121000

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

  6. Recall

    Recall 26V122000

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

  7. Recall

    Recall 25V730000

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

  8. Recall

    Recall 25V687000

    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.

  9. Recall

    Recall 25V543000

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

  10. Recall

    Recall 25V344000

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

  11. Recall

    Recall 25V393000

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

  12. Recall

    Recall 25V371000

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

  13. Recall

    Recall 25V316000

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

  14. Recall

    Recall 25V239000

    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.

  15. Recall

    Recall 25V164000

    Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

  16. Recall

    Recall 25V020000

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

  17. Recall

    Recall 24V852000

    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.

  18. Recall

    Recall 24V801000

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

  19. Recall

    Recall 24V634000

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

Dates are the NHTSA report-received date for recalls and the ODI open/close date for investigations. Crash-test ratings are not shown here because the source does not provide a reliable publication date for them.

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Drive type
FWD
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5

Fuel economy

22

City

34

Hwy

27

Comb

Annual cost
$1,944
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

NHTSA crash ratings

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Explore related

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 26V451000

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

  2. Recall

    Recall 26V343000

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

  3. Recall

    Recall 26V165000

    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.

  4. Recall

    Recall 26V159000

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

  5. Recall

    Recall 26V121000

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