What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025-2025 Ford Explorer has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35), Hard / Dropping Brake Pedal and Loss of Braking Reported on 2025 Explorer, EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2025-2025 Ford Explorer has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35) and Hard / Dropping Brake Pedal and Loss of Braking Reported on 2025 Explorer and EGR Valve Poppet Head Detachment Causing Unexpected Loss of Drive Power (Recall 26V122). 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. The most critical issue, Powertrain Control Module Reset Damaging Park System, Causing Rollaway or Engine Stall (Recall 25V239 / 25S35), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 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 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 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) Headlight Turns the Wrong Way in Curves, Glaring Oncoming Traffic (Recall 26V121 / 26C12)?
Certain 2025-2026 Explorers were built with incorrect Headlight Control Module (HCM) software. The Dynamic Bending Light system can swivel the passenger-side headlight in the wrong direction when the vehicle drives through a curve, aiming the beam toward oncoming traffic. The mis… Repairs typically run $0-$0. 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.
