2025 Ford Explorer: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and wipers and visibility. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2025- Owner complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes reported
- 6
- 2 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2025 Ford Explorer: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/6
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Explorer is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Ford Explorer. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 23–24 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD, RWD | 21 mpg |
- The 2025 Ford Explorer was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Explorer that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical11No crashes
Center screens and the instrument cluster go black or reboot while driving, hiding speed and warnings. Other reports describe windows moving on their own, dome lights that work only sometimes, false trailer-disconnect alerts, no-starts, and unrequested hard braking. One report links a speed limit misread on the cluster to cruise control surging to 70 mph. Problems appear as early as 3,000 miles. Many reports involve recall delays: the Body Control Module recall 25V543 goes unrepaired, and an unavailable gateway module blocks a PCM recall. Dealers often cannot reproduce the faults.
Transmission91 crash
The transmission fails to hold park, and the SUV rolls on driveways and slopes. One rollaway hit a garage and injured the driver's leg. After the PCM recall update, the shifter moves itself out of park into drive or reverse, and dealers cannot reproduce it. Other symptoms include slipping and rolling backward on acceleration, shudder and hesitation below 1500 RPM, harsh 10-speed shifts, and a wrench warning light. Several reports list many open recalls, including fuel injector o-rings, transmission cross member bolts, and a PCM reprogram.
Wipers and visibility7No crashes
The backup camera cuts to a black screen with a message to see the dealer, and the dealer finds stored codes. Rain droplets collect on the rear camera lens and can make the image useless, and there is no washer to clear it. Windshields crack without an impact, starting at the black band along the top edge. Owners also report thousands of small specks visible in the glass at sunrise and sunset.
Wind noise and turbulence come from the driver's side mirror at highway speed. Dealers trace it to mirror molding that differs from the passenger side and recommend replacing the mirror, but the repair is not done. Other reports describe unexplained noise from the doors and windows starting very early in ownership. One complaint concerns recall 25V157000, which cannot be completed because the part is unavailable.
Steering51 crash
The wheel sticks in turns and will not return to center. Drivers overcorrect, and the SUV then darts the other way. Reports describe constant left-right drift on straight roads that needs continual correction, with no warning lamp. Dealers who ride along sometimes confirm the behavior but say other Explorers drive the same way. One crash with an injury involved a sudden steering column lock combined with total brake loss on an ST at about 800 miles.
Brakes51 crash
Brakes fail or the pedal goes hard at low speed, and the SUV keeps moving. Two reports describe low-speed impacts, one into another car and one into a building. Other drivers say the pedal drops a notch when shifting into drive. Some failures bring up anti-lock brake and pre-collision assist warnings. In one case a dealer replaced the brake booster and lines, but the brakes kept locking up. Most dealers find no fault and make no repair.
Automatic emergency braking31 crash
BlueCruise jerks the SUV toward the shoulder or exit ramps and fights the driver's steering, and one such event ended with a traffic cone strike. Other reports say pre-collision alerts fail to sound for people or objects ahead, and that forward collision warnings and automatic braking come too late to prevent a crash. Dealer diagnostics usually find nothing wrong, though staff who drive the vehicle sometimes confirm the problem.
Acceleration and cruise control31 crash
All dash lights come on and the SUV stops while driving. Braking force drops, and after restarting, the vehicle will not go much past 5 mph before braking hard. Software updates at two dealerships did not fix it, and Ford goes no further than those updates. One crash report describes the cameras flashing and going black after the driver shifted into park, followed by the engine revving and the vehicle accelerating into a house.
Body and structure3No crashes
Loud wind noise comes from the upper corners of both front windows above 40 mph. Ford acknowledges it but will not repair it without a recall. Rear inner wheel well liners tear loose from the quarter panel, in one case at 15,000 miles, with a $600 replacement quote treated as the owner's cost. A front door panel separating from the frame at 1,600 miles is also reported.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Explorer owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Ever since I bought that vehicle, it's had system malfunctions. I received three letters directly from Ford explaining the problems this vehicle had or could have. But he and the dealerships, where I took my vehicle for repairs, never did them. They always denied that it had any problems and said that my vehicle was new and had nothing wrong with it.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
6/2/25 tried to start vehicle, codes coming up and car would not start 6/6/25 car was in park running, starting chiming with alarms, the same alarms that came up a few days before.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
Automatic Return To Park safety feature failed to stop vehicle from forward rolling causing vehicle to crash into open garage. The drivers door hit side of garage frame, closing onto my left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Stopped at traffic light when changed to green pushed on the gas started to roll backwards . Got it stopped and pushed on gas would barely go sounded like transmission slipping. Finally got it thru the stoplight and it started again. Got it home called local dealership took it in and have to take it back Friday morning at 8. Scary!
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
When raining water droplets accumulate on the 2025 Explorer rear view camera lens obscuring the image and in some cases rendering it completely useless. Earlier models such as the 2014 Ford Explorer had the camera positioned in a manner where this did not happen and it stayed clean. Later Explorer models had the ability to clean the lens by activating the rear wiper's washer which squirted washer fluid on it.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
Bought my new 2025 explorer an 2 days laterits been parked I noticed a craked on the windshield there is no rock ship nor nothing hit it but i did notice theres 2 cracks on the top black part of windshield where it just out of nowhere keeps cracking down took it to safelite an they said thats a Defect on the windshield
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Steering drifts to left and will not return to center with out darting to the right when correcting , a constant movement back and forth to keep it in your lane !
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
How the 2025 compares with other Explorer years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2025 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 Explorer years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical1136
- Transmission987
- Wipers and visibility71
- Steering510
- Brakes59
- Automatic emergency braking31
Recalls to confirm (14)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V730000Wipers and visibilityOct 2025
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.
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.
25V691000Backup cameraOct 2025
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.
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.
25V687000Trailer HitchesOct 2025
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.
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.
25V543000Exterior lightsAug 2025
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.
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.
25V344000EngineJun 2025
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.
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.
25V393000SeatsJun 2025
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.
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.
25V371000BrakesJun 2025
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.
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.
25V316000Body and structureMay 2025
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.
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.
25V239000TransmissionApr 2025
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.
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.
25V164000TransmissionMar 2025
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.
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.
25V020000TransmissionJan 2025
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.
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.
24V852000EquipmentNov 2024
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.
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.
24V801000Backup cameraOct 2024
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.
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.
24V634000Fuel systemAug 2024
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.
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Explorer?
Cars shoppers compare with the Ford Explorer, with their own 2025 checklists.
2025 owner complaints, side by side
- Honda Passport11
- Mazda CX-9021
- Nissan Pathfinder25
- Volkswagen Atlas30
- Toyota Grand Highlander33
- 2025 Ford Explorer65
- Chevrolet Traverse132
