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2025 Ford Explorer problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2025 Ford Explorer has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 20safety recalls
- 109owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 1fire report
- 7injuries reported
109 complaints, against an average of 996 for the other 14 Ford Explorer model years.
Every Ford Explorer model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2025 Ford Explorer? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The components named most often in the 109 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2025 Ford Explorer owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 109 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2025 Ford Explorer stall, lose power or shut off while driving?6 owners · 5.5% · Recall 26V343000
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2025 Ford Explorer?5 owners · 4.6%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2025 Ford Explorer?5 owners · 4.6% · Recall 25V371000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2025 Ford Explorer?4 owners · 3.7%
Fault codes 2025 Ford Explorer owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2025 Ford Explorer been recalled?
20 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seats: Front Assembly: Power Adjust 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 driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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."
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Back Over Prevention: SoftwareOver-the-air fix 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.
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.
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.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA26S06 Capri Explorer - Torque Inspection On Various Joints
Risk: Affected vehicles may have rear axle joints that were not tightened to the specified torque during manufacturing.
Fix: Check toe and camber links to subframe torques and if not according to specification change the fixings. A check of wheel alignment is also required.
UK DVSAExplorer / Capri : Front Seat Back Inspection
Risk: On affected vehicles a bolt fixing the front seat back with the seat base may be not have been fitted and secured correctly due to a manufacturing issue.
Fix: Check the bolts are present and correctly tightened.
UK DVSA25S79 Explorer Capri - Ground Connection Inspection
Risk: Affected vehicles may have a ground connection where the correct tightening torque was not achieved during manufacturing. This may lead to the malfunction of specific features engine stalling and arcing with an increased risk of localised melting.
Fix: Inspect the ground connection and if necessary tighten the nut to the correct specification.
UK DVSA25S69 Explorer Capri - Rear Right Seatbelt Bracket Potential Spot Weld Missing
Risk: Affected vehicles have been manufactured with a rear right seatbelt bracket that could potentially have a missing weld. The absence of the weld could compromise the integrity of the seatbelt system during an accident.
Fix: Install a nut and bolt to restore the integrity of the rear right seatbelt bracket.
EU Safety GateThe rear axle joints may not have been tightened to the required torque during assembly.If an affected joint comes loose completely, the driver may notice a misalignment of the steering wheel when driving straight. In severe cases, the joint may fail without warning, resulting in a rear wheel losing directional control. Although the brakes remain functional, this instability could increase the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 17/04/2026
EU Safety GateIncorrectly tightened fastener screws may loosen or fail, which can affect vehicle handling, braking, steering control, or wheel guidance,…Incorrectly tightened fastener screws may loosen or fail, which can affect vehicle handling, braking, steering control, or wheel guidance, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat back may become detached as a result of a faulty screw connection, which may lead to injuries in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat belt's retraction mechanism does not work properly.This may result in a loose roll and insufficient tension of the seatbelt, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2025 Ford Explorer owners report?
12 of the 109 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
On October 19, 2026, I experienced a serious braking malfunction while driving my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speed. While my foot was on the accelerator, the vehicle unexpectedly began braking repeatedly without me pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jerked and pulsated as though the ABS was activating. When I attempted to brake, the pedal felt unusually loose and did not immediately respond to the pressure I applied. I eventually managed to slow down and pull onto the highway shoulder. This created a dangerous situation that put me and other motorists at risk. Multiple warnings…
I was driving at approximately 5mph when my car suddenly slammed on breaks. The pre collision warning popped up. There was no obstical in site. Happened approximately 30 mins ago. Had immediate pain in my shoulder, neck and head.
At approximately 17,000 miles the Explorer started misfiring, would not shift out of gear and check engine light would flash. Dealer replaced #1 spark plug. 1 week later the car misfiring occurred again, where #4 spark plug was replaced. 18,300 miles later, #1 and #3 spark plugs were replaced due to cracked spark plugs which caused misfire. All instances happened under engine load while merging onto freeway which caused a hazard due to lack of acceleration and reduced speed while getting onto freeway.
The contact owned a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was making a right turn into a resident carport, the vehicle surged forward and crashed into the house at approximately 10-15 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed during the failure. The contact was following his wife at the time and became aware that the brake pedal was being depressed. The air bags deployed on the driver's and passenger's sides, steering, curtain, and footwell. The driver sustained bruises from the air bag and seat belt. The vehicle was towed. The EMT provided medical attention at the scene. A…
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 to unfold. This leaves the driver with no right-side mirror visibility, creating an immediate blind-spot hazard and violating FMVSS 111 visibility standards. APIM / NAVIGATION LATENCY: The software update severely degraded processing in the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). Navigation…
I was making a left hand turn with incoming traffic. I had pleanty of time to make the turn. Next thing I know my forward pre collision alarm goes off, locks up breaks, alarms started going off. It only lasted a couple seconds, but that’s all it takes to killed.
the rear passenger door flew open while I was driving on a public road, with absolutely no warning or dashboard alert to indicate it was unlatched
Steering fails to self-center after slight bear-left such as lane change manuver or steering to track a gentle left bend in road, typically holding ~10 degree left position of the steering wheel. Center feel is "notchy." Behavior is almost completely a bear-left problem and only a slight similar behavior in bear-right condition. Self-centering from hard left seems to be correct in fully returning wheel to center. This behavior has been confirmed by many owners' complaints posted online, and is a problem unique to the Explorer model and 2020+ generation. Video demonstrating problem while…
This vehicle was a rental car. The rear door opens and closes at random times. On multiple occasions even after locking the car, we would come out to the door being open. The door came down on its own and smacked my wife as well as hitting my [XXX] daughter in the head. While driving down the highway that rear door decided to open on its own putting my family in immediate grave danger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
For the second time now, When changing out wiper blades, the wiper arm has sharp points which easily allow the arm to shatter the windshield. To change the wiper you have to push a button and pull quite hard which can easily cause the wiper arm to slip out of your grasp . This can cause the arm to shatter the windshield even at an inch away.
Vehicle shut down while driving. Stop safely now, red triangle on IC, and engine disabled. PCM code P1A0C:00:28 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module - Engine Disabled.
2025 Hybrid PIU/Explorer) for a CEL with PCM codes P0A1E:00:A8 for a starter/generator control module fault.
2025 Ford Explorer: questions owners ask
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 Ford Explorer; the most common categories were electrical system (23, 21.1%), service brakes (20, 18.3%), power train (16, 14.7%). There are 20 safety recalls. 8 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Across 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (21.1% of complaints), service brakes (18.3% of complaints), power train (14.7% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (13.8% of complaints), visibility/wiper (9.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 20 recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer; the most recent (campaign 26V470000, 2026-07-21) concerns Seats: Front Assembly: Power Adjust. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2025 Ford Explorer stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer (5.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 26V343000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Vehicle shut down while driving. Stop safely now, red triangle on IC, and engine disabled. PCM code P1A0C:00:28 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module - Engine Disabled." (NHTSA complaint 11734777, April 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2025 Ford Explorer?
5 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer (4.6%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "While driving the infotainment center will randomly go black and loose all function. Eventually only the defrost icon will show up and if I stop and go into reverse , there is a delay for the back up camera to come on." (NHTSA complaint 11747556, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2025 Ford Explorer?
5 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer (4.6%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. A related recall exists: campaign 25V371000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper). The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. One owner wrote: "My remote start would not work from inside of a restaurant so I went out to manually start the car. It started fine. It was very cold out so I thought that I would drive up next to the building to get close to the entrance." (NHTSA complaint 11704952, December 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2025 Ford Explorer?
4 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer (3.7%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Deputy driving the vehicle reported to Fleet of Little to no power brake assist. Fleet found ABS fault codes C0020:64:68 present and sent to the dealer. Dealer is reporting back of possible ABS HCU fault." (NHTSA complaint 11744185, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Explorer
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2025 only; combines NHTSA's entries for EXPLORER and EXPLORER HEV. How these reports are made.