Vehicle report
2025 Ford Explorer
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Ford Explorer, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2025 Ford Explorer has 20 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
20
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2025 Ford Explorer recalls (20)
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.
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:SOFTWARE
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 31, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
2025 Ford Explorer safety ratings
5
Overall
5
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2025 Ford Explorer owner complaints (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting recurring engine misfires involving my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 15,700 miles. The first incident occurred approximately five months ago. The check-engine warning appeared and the vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Ford dealership with DTC P0303, indicating a cylinder 3 misfire. The cylinder 3 spark plug was replaced. A second misfire subsequently occurred at approximately 15,700 miles. The vehicle again exhibited an engine misfire/check-engine warning and was transported through Ford Roadside Assistance for service. An authorized Ford dealership diagnosed DTC P0301, indicating a cylinder 1 misfire. I was advised that the cylinder 1 spark plug was physically damaged and that a portion/cap of the plug had broken off and was not present. I am concerned because this represents two spark-plug-related misfires involving two different cylinders of the same engine within approximately five months and at relatively low mileage. Ford has issued technical service information addressing P0301-P0304 misfires on certain 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. I am not claiming that this establishes the cause of my vehicle's failures; I am reporting the recurring condition so NHTSA can document it and evaluate it alongside any similar reports. Both incidents were diagnosed by authorized Ford dealerships. Repair documentation and manufacturer/dealership correspondence concerning the incidents have been retained and can be provided if requested. The vehicle/component may be available for further inspection if requested, subject to its current repair status.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX, my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum experienced a complete unexplained no-start failure while approximately six hours from home. The vehicle had less than 1/4 tank of fuel but was not empty and was parked on a slight decline. It remote-started normally and ran for approximately 10 minutes before automatically shutting off. Afterward, it would not restart, repeatedly displayed "Accessory Power Only," and later displayed and audibly announced "System Failure, Contact Dealer." Multiple jump-start attempts failed and the vehicle required towing to Lugoff Ford in [XXX]. Lugoff Ford documented fuel and transmission-related codes and initially advised that the vehicle appeared to need a transmission replacement. That explanation later changed, and the vehicle was returned without an identified cause or repair. I subsequently took the vehicle to Cleveland Ford in [XXX] for a second evaluation. Their repair order specifically states that Ford connected data showed a fuel-pressure code on the day of the failure, but they found no active DTCs and could not duplicate the condition. The vehicle was again returned without diagnosis or repair. I am concerned that an intermittent defect involving the fuel system, transmission controls, electrical system, software, or related components could cause another sudden disabling event. Two Ford dealers have evaluated the vehicle, evidence of the original failure exists, and the underlying cause remains unidentified and unrepaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started and the doors were unlocked and the contact walked over to the front passenger’s side door to put her purse inside the vehicle; however, after the contact walked over to the rear driver’s side door to place a child into the car seat, the doors inadvertently locked and the child was trapped and locked inside the vehicle. The key fob failed to operate as designed, and the contact was unable to unlock the doors. The contact broke the rear driver’s side window to remove the child from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer stated that the failure might be related to a software malfunction; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center for medical attention. The contact sustained bruises and contusions during the crash. The contact sustained a continuous headache after the crash. The contact was receiving continuous medical treatment. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection by the insurance company within days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
- STEERING
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 driving: [XXX] Explorer ST Owner Forum post confirms similar behavior by others: [XXX] My dealer is treating this as "not a problem, they all do this." No other vehicle in my life (dozens) has ever exhibited this behaviour of steering not returning to center while moving. After delivery I returned the car almost immediately to the dealer on noticing the steering just felt "weird." They found nothing. I narrowed the behavior down to the specific circumstance of bear-left and notchy on-center feel, returned it again, and again they found nothing. With ~3000mi, no change in behavior --"break-in" is long past. I know how to correct for the issue, but if I loan out the car? While it can be called a fit and finish flaw, on the outside it could be a safety issue for unfamiliar drivers. Answers to General Guidelines questions >>> Dealer has identified no failed components or need for repair after two attempts and multiple discussions of the problem. >>> Safety? Issue results in fatigue after long use of the vehicle. Drivers unfamiliar with non-return-to-center behavior may not give the neccesary corrective input to return steering to center. >>> Two dealer repair visits, both inconclusive. >>>No warning lamps etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- STRUCTURE,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
- SERVICE BRAKES
On repeated occasions the vehicle’s braking system has malfunctioned without driver input, including uncommanded automatic brake engagement at highway speed and, most recently, a failure of the braking system to respond as commanded. These malfunctions occur without warning and directly impede my ability to control and safely operate the vehicle. On at least one occasion the malfunction occurred while I was driving on the highway with my three minor children in the vehicle and nearly resulted in a major collision.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
On XXX at approximately 4:30pm, while driving through a parking lot (between 5-10mph), I tapped my brakes and then the parking brake activated and caused several errors on my dash, such as the ABS light, a brake failure error, a service Advance-Trac error, and others. The brakes became incredibly stiff and would not work when I pressed them. The car would continue to roll and stop randomly. I was able to pull into a parking spot out of traffic and when attempting to disable to parking brake, it would not work. I had to attempt to disable it, turn off my car, and then turn it back on. After a few seconds, the parking brake audibly unlocked and then my brake pedal became usable again. I called Two Rivers Ford in [XXX] the next day and they advised that they would look at it, but it would be the end of July before they had a service loaner available. I brushed it off as an electrical glitch. On XXX at approximately 7:30pm, my car did the exact same thing again while coming to a stop on a highway. This again occurred around 10mph. I was able to get off the highway and reset the parking brake again by turning the car on and off and was able to begin driving again with no issues. On XXX I called the same dealership again and they were able to provide me with an emergency service loaner same day due to the urgency of the situation. They advised that this had happened to 5 other Explorers in the country prior, the first step is to reset the ABS Module, if that doesn't fix it, they will replace the brake booster. On XXX at approximately 9:45am, while braking prior to turning in an intersection, at approximately 30mph, the same issue occurred again. This time I rolled into the middle of the intersection, because my brakes wouldn't work. On XXX, I called the dealership and they provided me with another service loaner to attempt to replace the brake booster. This is a major safety issue due to loss of brakes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When going around a curve the steering wheel is sticking on the right. I have to tighten my grip on the wheel and manually straighten the wheel. This happened to me several times today on my 50 min trip. This was very frightening to me making me scared the wheel would stick and I have no control of the car while driving. I purchased this car on sat June 27. It just started today July 3. I am planning to take it back to the dealership on Monday.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The Speed Sign Recognition feature misread a "CC" cross road sign as being a 60mph speed limit sign and caused the Predictive Speed Assist feature to change the speed control set pont from 25mph to 60mph while in town and in a school speed zone. The abrupt change in speed control setting caused the vehicle to aggressively accelerate without warning and without driver input. The issue has been reproduced many times with many new vehicles at multiple locations. It is consistent.
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Another issue with this happening is that if you’re using your GPS or CarPlay GPS and relying on it while in heavy traffic especially on the highway, this becomes very nerve wracking and could cause an accident if drivers aren’t sure where they are going or distracted by the blacking out of their screens.
- LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I took my explorer in on 4-20-2026 for routine maintenance. The ford dealership perform a IPMA update. In the result the update fail and cause front, rear cameras, blind spot, lane assist, front collision, and parking sensors to fail and not work. The dealership informed they contacted ford headquarters but they have no ETA on a solution. The dearlership allowed me to leave in the vehicle that I felt very unsafe in. I have call ford headquarters and filed a complaint 5-18-2026. Still no update to the solution.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding an immediate, drastic increase in fuel consumption and erratic fuel range calculations following a manufacturer recall repair. My 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line was operating perfectly until a Ford Mobile Service technician performed safety recall 26S21 (IPMA Reset). According to official Ford manufacturer specifications, this SUV has an expected driving range of up to 501 miles on a full 17.9-gallon tank of fuel. However, immediately following this software update, the vehicle's total driving range drastically dropped. On a 100% full tank of gasoline, the dashboard's "Distance to Empty" (DTE) display now only reads 316 miles left to empty—nearly 200 miles below the manufacturer's expected capability. Furthermore, during a subsequent continuous, short 1.8-mile drive near my residence with no stop-and-go traffic, the DTE display rapidly plummeted from 15 miles down to 5 miles remaining, dropping visibly every two seconds. The vehicle is physically burning through gasoline at an accelerated, unsafe rate. This creates an immediate safety risk. If the vehicle is suffering from an uncalibrated software glitch in the powertrain/fuel modules due to the recall update, or if the procedure triggered a mechanical fault, the vehicle is at high risk of a sudden highway stall or leaving the driver stranded in live traffic due to inaccurate fuel signaling. I request that NHTSA look into whether the software installation process for recall 26S21 can corrupt engine/fuel management maps or trigger fuel delivery faults on the 2.3L EcoBoost platform.
- STEERING
Bought my vehicle from a dealership advertised as Ford gold certified. Immediately after taking delivery of the car, the steering had an issue. Above ~30 mph the steering wheel does not reliably return to center on it's own. Forcing the driver to manually re-center the wheel. Meaning that if I take my hands off the wheel while turning, the car continues turning in that directly. Brought to the dealership immediately for servicing to fix the issue. They replaced several major components including the steering rack only to find that the issue persists. Despite all of the failed repair attempts, ford is now refusing to continue attempting to repair as they claim it's normal driving characteristics. It is not. I've driven other similar models that do not do this.
Checking a used Ford Explorer before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2025 Explorer in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Explorer's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2025 Ford Explorer in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Ford Explorer, or browse more Ford models.
2025 Ford Explorer — questions and answers
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?+
Our check found 20 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2025 Ford Explorer. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer safe?+
The 2025 Ford Explorer has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2025 Ford Explorer VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Ford free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Ford dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
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