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ProblemsByVinFile / 2025-FORD-EXPLORERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2025 · Ford
Ford Explorer problems
79 owner complaints and 16 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
4.8 / 10
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
16
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2025 Explorer?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average
16 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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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…
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.
My remote start would not work from inside of a restaurant so I went out to manually start the car. It started fine. It was very cold out so I thought that I would drive up next to the building to get close to the entrance. The parking lot was not slippery at all , when I…
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, while attempting to exit the vehicle, the front driver’s side door panel separated from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was…
Had a problem with your 2025 Ford Explorer?
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Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 10 based on 79 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.
Should you avoid the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average; 16 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
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. Typical failure occurs around 8,967 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 8,967 miles. 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 79 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/Ford/Explorer.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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