Exterior lighting: tail lightsRecall 25V-543 · Ford and Lincoln vehicles
Ford Motor Company recall 25V-543 covers 213,121 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a exterior lighting: tail lights problem, reported to NHTSA on August 22, 2025. The manufacturer's latest report (2026 Q3) shows 67% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 25V543000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The 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."
The risk
Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
67%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 1,697 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from November 29, 2023 to June 6, 2025. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.