repaired · 2026 Q3
Front assembly: power adjust
NewRisk. Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
2025 Ford ExplorerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2025 Ford Explorer, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 20 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-393 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer has problems
111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
25Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
19Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
16Power train1 crash/fire/injury
15Forward collision avoidance2 crash/fire/injury
10Visibility/wiper
9Steering1 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
7Structure
7Vehicle speed control
3314 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 25 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 19 | 5 |
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 15 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 1 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 2 |
| 14 other systems | 33 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
20 recalls
2025 Ford Explorer recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
NewRisk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
no report yet
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
NewRisk. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. 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.
Show 16 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seat belts
NewRisk. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Exterior lighting: headlights
NewRisk. A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
NewRisk. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: windshield
Risk. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Trailer hitches
Risk. While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Disc: caliper
Risk. Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Structure: frame and members
Risk. A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
Risk. Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: labels
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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Fuel injection system: injectors
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2025 vs. every other Explorer year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer median. How we score
6096339391,2078431,4501,7311,9591,3489523753,2951,1311,304497630208148331151,1988312,2391,6841,8202,4671,7067363031,25345627611321111440
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2025 Ford Explorer safety ratings
2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2025 Ford Explorer, and the recalls they led to.
- Burn Injuries From Side Airbag DeploymentOpen
In owners' words
What Explorer owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Our first occurrence happened right after we pulled out of a parking space, then proceeded to drive; only to be alerted with numerous warnings, 1. Anti-lock brake fault. 2. Hill start assist warning. 3. Anti-lock brake system fault. 4. Electronic parking brake warning. 5. Pre-collision assist not…
I was driving on a highway route on October 24, 2026 with my toddler and mother in the car. I stopped at a red light. While stopped my car lost complete power and could not be restarted (no buttons worked, lock/unlock, start button/ hazard lights etc). The police had to be contacted as even my…
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…
Own a 2025 Explorer?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.