2025 Ford Explorer VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2025 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 65 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (10), Power Train (9).
Explorer reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Ford Explorer before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2025 Ford Explorer issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System11
- Unknown Or Other10
- Power Train9
- Service Brakes5
- Steering5
- Visibility Wiper4
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2025 Ford Explorer
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test brakes for pedal drop when shifting into drive
- Check for transmission shudder or hesitation at low RPMs
- Inspect for any unexplained electrical issues or warning lights
- Verify sunroof integrity for any signs of cracking or explosion
- Ensure steering returns to center after turns
- Check for wind noise at high speeds around windows
- Confirm all recalls are completed and documented
2025 Explorer recalls (14)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2025 Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 25V371000Jun 3, 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.
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.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 25V316000May 9, 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.
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.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 25V730000Oct 24, 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."
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.
- TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 25V687000Oct 10, 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.
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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 25V543000Aug 22, 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."
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.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V344000Jun 13, 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.
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.
- SEATSNHTSA 25V393000Jun 13, 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.
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 25V239000Apr 11, 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.
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 25V164000Mar 14, 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.
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.
- POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURENHTSA 25V020000Jan 17, 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.
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.
- EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 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."
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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V801000Oct 25, 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."
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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 24V634000Aug 23, 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.
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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 25V691000Oct 10, 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.
Consequence: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
Used-market value
2025 Ford Explorer resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2025 Ford Explorer on the road
222,706 2025 Ford Explorer units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2025 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2025 Ford Explorer
With a 68/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Ford Explorer lands below the class norm for reliability. That gap signals a higher likelihood of problems than most peers, translating to a more cautious ownership outlook based strictly on the available data.
Issue reports are not confined to a single system. Electrical concerns lead, but complaints also show up across powertrain, brakes, and steering, with a sizable share falling into unspecified categories. That spread points to a mixed pattern rather than one clear weak spot. Recall activity is elevated, which adds to the overall reliability uncertainty for this model year.
Overall, the data supports a moderate-to-elevated reliability risk level versus the segment.
What you get in a 2025 Ford Explorer report
Check a 2025 Ford Explorer now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2025 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
With a 68/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Ford Explorer lands below the class norm for reliability. That gap signals a higher likelihood of problems than most peers, translating to a more cautious ownership outlook based strictly on the available data.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
14 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2025 Ford Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2025 Ford Explorer problems?
The most-reported 2025 Ford Explorer problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (10), Power Train (9).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2025 Ford Explorer?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2025 Ford Explorer, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.