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

72/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$732

Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg

#19/26

Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 27% of peers

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.

Best year to buyReliability, price and listing depth combined Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

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

What owners reported

2025 Ford Explorer owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 6 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2025 Ford Explorer. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2025 Ford Explorer. Complaints frequently mention problems with the body control module, leading to failures in trailer connectivity, window functionality, and interior lighting. Some owners describe issues with the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, which intermittently go blank, causing a loss of vehicle information display. Several reports highlight safety implications, such as unintended acceleration, automatic braking activation without cause, and visibility impairments due to faulty defrosters. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring at as low as 3,000 miles, and have led to incidents like near-collisions and a crash involving impaired visibility.

Owner complaints10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electronic systems and structural components. Common complaints include electronic display malfunctions, where menu buttons change location, and screens black out, affecting functions like HVAC and navigation. There are also reports of sunroof panels exploding without apparent impact, with one incident involving glass entering the cabin. Some owners experience battery drainage issues, with fluctuating charge levels and unresolved causes. A significant safety concern is highlighted by reports of gear shift failures, including a crash where a vehicle rolled back despite being put in park. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges and can pose safety risks such as reduced visibility and potential vehicle control loss.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints9

POWER TRAIN

Owners report several issues with the powertrain of the 2025 Ford Explorer, primarily involving transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle rolling unexpectedly, even when parked, and issues with the transmission slipping or hesitating, especially at low RPMs or when shifting gears. These problems are sometimes linked to software updates or incomplete recalls. One incident involved a crash with an injury due to the vehicle's failure to stop as expected. Many reports involve relatively low mileage, with one noting issues at approximately 8,967 miles. These symptoms could pose safety risks, especially if the vehicle moves unexpectedly or fails to accelerate properly.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints5

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the braking system, with symptoms including brake pedal anomalies such as the pedal dropping a notch when shifting into drive and the pedal feeling hard and unresponsive. Complaints often describe these issues occurring at low speeds or shortly after starting the vehicle, with one incident involving a crash at approximately 4,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as one report describes a collision due to brake failure, while another describes a failure to stop at a red light leading to evasive maneuvers. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding brake reliability and safety in this model year.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints5

STEERING

Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2025 Ford Explorer, particularly with the steering not returning to center after making turns, which often requires excessive effort to correct. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle drifting left or right and the need for constant adjustments to maintain lane position. One incident involves a crash with an injury after a sudden steering column lock and brake failure at approximately 800 miles, highlighting a potential safety risk. These issues are observed early in the vehicle's life, with some experiencing problems shortly after delivery. Buyers should be aware of these steering-related symptoms and the potential for serious safety implications.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints4

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer report several issues related to visibility and wipers. A common problem involves windshield defects, with owners noting cracks appearing without any apparent impact, suggesting a potential manufacturing defect. Another issue involves visibility through the rearview camera during rain, as water droplets obscure the lens, affecting its functionality. Additionally, some owners observe numerous specks on the windshield in certain lighting conditions, although this issue is distinct from any known Ford safety campaigns. These complaints typically arise shortly after purchase, with no specific mileage mentioned. Safety implications include reduced visibility due to camera and windshield issues, though no crashes or loss of control are reported.

Owner complaints3

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer report issues with the forward collision avoidance systems, particularly the Ford Blue Cruise and pre-collision camera. Complaints frequently mention Blue Cruise failing to maintain lane control, with one incident resulting in a collision with a traffic cone. Additionally, owners describe the pre-collision camera failing to provide timely alerts or automatic braking, with warnings only activating within close proximity to obstacles. These issues are reported at low mileage, with one owner experiencing problems immediately after purchase. Safety implications include a crash and concerns about inadequate system sensitivity, which could impact the vehicle's ability to prevent collisions.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints3

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer report issues related to the vehicle's structure, including a detached left rear inner wheel well skirt, loud wind noise from the front windows, and separation of the front driver’s side door panel. The wheel well skirt detachment is noted at around 15,000 miles, with concerns about repeated winter damage. Wind noise is described as beginning at speeds of 40 mph or more, with Ford acknowledging the problem but not addressing it until a recall is issued. The door panel separation occurs at low mileage, approximately 1,600 miles, and requires temporary repairs while awaiting a permanent solution. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are reported. These issues may be relevant for potential buyers considering the long-term maintenance and repair costs.

Owner complaints3

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report issues with the 2025 Ford Explorer's vehicle speed control, with complaints frequently mentioning sudden stops and unintended acceleration. Symptoms include all dash lights activating, the vehicle coming to a stop, and reduced braking pressure, with the vehicle only able to move at very low speeds before braking hard again. One incident involved unintended acceleration leading to a crash into a residence, though no injuries were reported. These problems are noted at low mileages, around 400 miles, and despite software updates, the issues persist, indicating potential safety implications. This information is critical for potential buyers to consider, especially regarding the vehicle's reliability and safety in speed control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving clunking or rattling noises. These symptoms typically occur at low speeds or while driving under normal conditions. Complaints frequently mention problems with front struts, with some owners needing replacements multiple times, starting as early as 2,289 miles. There is a noted safety implication in one report where a loose transmission mount was deemed unsafe by a dealer, suggesting potential risk of power loss and control issues. These patterns may be relevant for used car buyers considering a 2025 model with low mileage.

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

60.5%estimated value retained after 5 years

717listings in the model-level benchmark

$41,490median asking price from 58 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ford Explorer value by year →Full Ford Explorer market analysis at CarResaleValue →

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.

Nissan Pathfinder

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Honda Passport

Reliability: 84/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Volkswagen Atlas

Reliability: 64/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Toyota Grand Highlander

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 95

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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

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2025 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?

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.