Worst 2025 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brakes
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2025 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | 1,512 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | — | 8,967 mi | |
| Brakes | 12 | 3 | — | 4,000 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | 9,000 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Communication:Manufacturer Telematics | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Driver Monitoring:Camera/Sensor | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Interior Panels:Door | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2025 Ford Explorer
17 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~968,454 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.
+ 7 more recalls
Other Ford Explorer Years
2025 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2025 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2025 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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