Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility non-hybrid vehicles built on 06-Feb-2025 and through 13-Dec-2025 may exhibit various drivability symptoms including a rough idle or hesitation shortly after refueling. These symptoms may also be accompanied by liquid fuel in the fuel vapor lines and fuel vapor canister as well as an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0133, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, and/or P0306 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This condition may be due to an intermittently sticking fuel level vent valve on the fuel tank allowing fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system lines and evapor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Explorer | 105 |
| 2022 Explorer | 53 |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 |
| 2025 Explorer (this page) | 13 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be us
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 26-2112. Reason For Update: add 2026 model year vehicles, update LV fluid XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 description to add "Transfer Case Fluid 4WD Only", and update Step 4 to inspect/replace 7H351 and 7B177 outside of this article. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: - No upshift past second gear - Unable to achieve third gear ratio - Illuminated MIL with DTCs P0757 and P2701 This may be due to a damaged one-way clutch (OWC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * Engine misfire condition * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0301, P0302, P0303, and/or P0304 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) and L1MZ-3A331-E (Aviator front inner CV joint boot kit) have been released for service. Refer to WSM, Section 205-04 for Removal and Installation procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2025 Explorer's powertrain is showing a pattern of transmission and engine control failures across multiple owners. Most serious are uncommanded shifts—vehicles shifting out of Park on their own, dropping into Neutral at highway speeds (78 MPH in one case with no warning), and rolling backward when parked despite being in Park because the park pawl won't engage.
Owners also report engine shudder and hesitation between idle and 1500 RPM during acceleration, along with harsh 10-speed shifts. One owner experienced the Auto Hold feature failing completely, requiring a battery disconnect to restart. Another had the Automatic Return to Park feature fail entirely, causing a crash into a garage and injury.
On hybrid models, owners describe service charging system faults, hybrid battery codes, and PCM engine-disabled codes that shut the vehicle down completely while driving. One owner's 12-volt battery failed at only 70 CCA. Ford has issued multiple PCM software updates, but owners report the shifter still moves out of Park unintentionally after these updates, and dealers often cannot duplicate the problems. One owner is considering a lemon law claim after experiencing seven significant warranty issues in less than a year of ownership.
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine shudder and hesitation at low RPM
Engine shudders and hesitates between idle and 1500 RPM during acceleration; owner reports this is unusual compared to previous Explorer model and creates safety concern when pulling into traffic.
When: During acceleration at low RPM (idle to 1500 RPM)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudder; Hesitation during acceleration; Occurs between idle and 1500 RPM
Harsh transmission shifting
10-speed transmission shifts harshly at times during normal driving; owner reports this behavior concurrent with engine shudder issues.
When: Intermittent during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh shifts; Inconsistent shifting behavior
Auto Hold feature malfunction with transmission shift to Park and engine shutdown
Auto Hold feature activated but vehicle failed to respond. Opening driver door caused transmission to shift to Park and engine to turn off. Vehicle required battery disconnect/reconnect to restart.
When: At drive-thru at approximately 8,967 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Auto Hold feature did not respond; Transmission shifted to Park unexpectedly; Engine shut down; Vehicle would not restart without battery reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer updated SYNC module (APIM), gear shift module, PCM, and ABS module software; performed oil change.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised owner to file NHTSA complaint.
Uncommanded shift from Drive to Neutral at highway speed
At 78 MPH on highway, transmission suddenly shifted into Neutral without driver input, causing complete loss of motive power and forcing owner to coast across lanes to reach shoulder. No dashboard warnings or error messages displayed.
When: At highway speeds (78 MPH), March 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden shift to Neutral; Total loss of motive power; No warning lights or error messages; Had to coast to shoulder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports this as 7th significant warranty issue since May 2025 purchase; considering lemon law claim.
Transmission Park pawl disengagement on incline
While parked on snowy driveway, vehicle rolled backward despite being in Park. Front wheels rolled freely while rear wheels locked. Park pawl did not engage properly.
When: While parked on driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled backward when parked; Front wheels rolling, rear wheels locked; Park pawl failure to engage
Gear shifter exiting Park unintentionally after PCM software update
After Ford PCM recall software update, gear shifter turns itself out of Park into Drive or Reverse, even when vehicle is off. Has occurred multiple times; dealer unable to duplicate problem but owner reports continuing occurrence.
When: Following PCM recall software update
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves out of Park on its own; Shifts into Drive or Reverse without input; Occurs with vehicle off; Multiple occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not duplicate problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall software update performed for PCM reset issue.
Transmission slipping at traffic light
At green traffic light, vehicle rolled backward instead of forward when accelerator pressed. Transmission appeared to slip; vehicle barely accelerated through intersection.
When: At traffic light after stopping
Symptoms owners cite: Backward rollback at light; Transmission slipping sensation; Poor acceleration response
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to dealer for diagnosis.
Automatic Return to Park failure causing forward roll and collision
Automatic Return to Park safety feature failed to prevent vehicle from rolling forward, resulting in vehicle crashing into open garage. Driver's door struck garage frame, closing on driver's left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.
When: While parking
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic Return to Park failed; Vehicle rolled forward; Struck garage structure
Engine shutdown with PCM code during driving
Vehicle shut down while driving. Red triangle warning on instrument cluster with engine disabled message. Diagnostic code P1A0C:00:28 indicates Hybrid Powertrain Control Module engine disabled condition.
When: While driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutdown during operation; Red triangle warning light; Engine disabled message on cluster
Codes mentioned: P1A0C:00:28
Hybrid battery fault with low voltage codes
Multiple hybrid fault codes in engine restart, battery, and low voltage modules. Main 12-volt battery tested at 70 CCA, below spec. Replaced main battery and performed BMS reset to clear codes.
When: Service charging system fault displayed
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid fault warning; Service charging system fault message; Multiple codes in multiple modules
Codes mentioned: 11VBE9140L3K, HG1HR
Repairs/costs cited: Main 12-volt battery replaced due to failure at 70 CCA; BMS reset performed.
Starter/generator control module fault (Hybrid models)
Check Engine Light with powertrain code P0A1E:00:A8 indicating starter/generator control module fault on hybrid Explorer.
When: During normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light; Starter/generator control module fault
Codes mentioned: P0A1E:00:A8
Powertrain malfunction warning light
Wrench light displayed on dash indicating powertrain malfunction. Owner reports finding multiple other Explorer owners with same issue and notes possible TSB exists.
When: During operation
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench light on dashboard; Powertrain malfunction indicator
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Possible TSB exists but owner questions if issue is recall-eligible.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.
Stopped at traffic light when changed to green pushed on the gas started to roll backwards . Got it stopped and pushed on gas would barely go sounded like transmission slipping. Finally got it thru the stoplight and it started again. Got it home called local dealership took it in and have to take it back Friday morning at 8. Scary!
Had powertrain trouble with your 2025 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 8,967 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.