2025 Ford Explorer Problems: 11 Known Issues
2025 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford Explorer has 11 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122) ($0-$0 repair), Hard / Dropping Brake Pedal and Loss of Braking Reported on 2025 Explorer, Trailer Tail Lights Fail to Illuminate — Improperly Manufactured Body Control Module C ($0-$0 repair), Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159, Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35) ($0-$0 repair) and Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35) ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 11 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls53 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
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."
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford Explorer has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2025 Ford Explorer has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122) and Hard / Dropping Brake Pedal and Loss of Braking Reported on 2025 Explorer and Trailer Tail Lights Fail to Illuminate — Improperly Manufactured Body Control Module C and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35) and Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2024-2026 Ford Explorer Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687?
Bolts attaching the trailer tow hitch may be below specified torque because the line operator did not complete the bolt secure. Towing handling can suffer and, in the worst case, the hitch can detach while towing; a rattle from the rear may be the warning. Applies to: 1,237 speci… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451?
The bezel around the second-row outboard easy-entry (tip-and-slide) switch can become misaligned or unseated, letting the switch bind or stick down. The seat can then tip or slide unexpectedly, possibly while driving, increasing injury risk in a crash. With the button stuck down,… Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122)?
On certain 2025 Explorers (and other Ford/Lincoln models), the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can fail because the valve's poppet head can detach due to an inconsistent weld during manufacturing. A failed EGR valve can cause an unexpected loss of drive power while driving. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer Hard / Dropping Brake Pedal and Loss of Braking Reported on 2025 Explorer?
Owners of the 2025 Explorer have filed NHTSA complaints describing brake and braking-assist anomalies. Reports include a hard brake pedal where the vehicle keeps moving and strikes another vehicle, a complete loss of the ability to slow the vehicle accompanied by multiple dashboa… Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer Trailer Tail Lights Fail to Illuminate — Improperly Manufactured Body Control Module C?
On 213,121 2025 Explorers and Aviators, an improperly manufactured Body Control Module C fails to drive the trailer lighting circuit, so a connected trailer's tail lights do not illuminate. Ford recalled these vehicles under NHTSA 25V543000 (Ford 25C42) in August 2025. The traile… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159?
On a small number of Explorers, the left and/or right second-row seat-belt lower anchor may not be secured to the body because of an incomplete repair at the assembly plant. A loose anchor may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash; a rattle may be the only warning. Applies… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35)?
Recall 26V343000 / Ford 26S35 concerns certain 2025-2026 Explorers with the 2.3L engine: 895 Explorers were identified. An incorrectly positioned camshaft roller finger follower can cause engine failure, no-start or loss of drive power. Ticking/tapping, a small engine leak or the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35)?
On certain 2025 Explorers built December 6, 2023 through September 6, 2024 with the 2.3L EcoBoost, the powertrain control module (PCM) can unexpectedly reset while the vehicle is operating. The reset can damage the transmission's park system or cause the engine to stall. A damage… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Windshield may have air bubbles in the laminate — recall 25V730?
Air trapped during windshield lamination can leave visible bubbles in the laminate layer, which can impair the driver's view and may not meet FMVSS 205. Applies to: Certain 2025–2026 Ford Explorers built July 7 to September 5, 2025 (recall 25V730, Ford 25C60; also Aviator and Cor… Severity: medium.
What is the 2025 Ford Explorer Image Processing Module (IPMA) Overload Reset Causing Loss of Rearview Camera and ADAS Features (Recall 26V165)?
On 2025 Explorers (and related Lincoln models), the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) can become overloaded when tracking a high volume of moving objects — such as in dense urban traffic — and unexpectedly reset. The reset causes loss of the rearview camera image and disables adva… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Passenger-side bending headlight swivels the wrong way — recall 26V121?
Incorrect headlamp control module software makes the passenger-side Dynamic Bending Light swivel away from the curve instead of with it. That increases glare to other road users and fails FMVSS 108; Ford lists no warning to the driver. Applies to: Certain 2025–2026 Ford Explorers… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.