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ProblemsByVin File / 2025-FORD-EXPLORER
2025 · ford

ford Explorer problems

15 safety recalls. 76 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.0 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
15
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
13 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
12 reports · avg $850
moderate
visibility
8 reports · avg $350
moderate
steering
6 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
5 reports · avg $450
severe
body
3 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
cruise control
3 reports · avg $600
severe
suspension
3 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2025 Explorer · body
I brought my 2025 Explorer in on 12/19/2025 for a recall check. I mentioned to the Service Advisor that the left rear inner wheel well skirt was detached from the quarter panel. After the car was looked at, he came to me and said that they can be replaced at a cost of…
12/29/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707558.0
2025 Explorer · other
Software for phone has failed 6 times. In the repair shop at dealer 7 out of 9 weeks owned. Dealer couldn't replicate until this visit. Couldn't use law required hands free system because people could not hear me while I could hear them perfectly
12/28/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632855.0
2025 Explorer · airbags
Front and side curtain air bags failed. Was side swiped and hit a guard rail head on at 60-70 mph. I was going on the far left lane on the interstate 85. When a lady in the center lane hit the side of my car not paying attention that I was in my lane.
12/20/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11706328.0
2025 Explorer · other
Hands free connection from cell phone to vehicle speakers and mic won't work properly. I consider this a safety issue as it requires me to pickup phone and turn off Bluetooth and work phone manually, looking at it, rather than hands-free. Dealer says corporate has no resolution.…
12/20/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11631832.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 3 of 15

severe NHTSA 24V801000 25/10/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles

The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 25V730000 24/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 24V634000 23/08/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.
View all 15 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2025 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 13 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2025 Ford Explorer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 76 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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