How many problems does the 2025 FORD Explorer have?

The 2025 FORD Explorer currently has 56 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2025 FORD Explorer?

The most common problems reported for the 2025 FORD Explorer are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2025 FORD Explorer problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2025 FORD Explorer comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2025 FORD Explorer Problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Ever since the last recall got resolved the car has failed to go into the gear it’s set to. Such as it fails to go in park when you shift it into park. This is a serious issue as I have now almost rear ended cars in parking lots a few times because of this issue.

Nov 08, 2025

The expansive and overly complicated electronic display has moving menu buttons. By that I mean when you use a feature such as the heated seats or radio source and make a choice, the next time you go there to change something the buttons are in a different order with the previous choice showing first. The radio source actually moves the entire menu to another part of the screen. You have to take your attention off the road for far too long to find what you are looking for. The 2025 Explorer has a very dangerous electronic display that requires far too much attention. As stated, some buttons change location, others are too small to see. The cruise control display is minuscule and mixed in with other display components when there is far more than enough unused space on the screen for larger graphics. I'm sure Ford will use the excuse to use voice controls, but the system is slow and gets it wrong half of the time. In my opinion Ford should be forced to change all of this and send software updates to all affected vehicles.

Sep 07, 2025

Instrument panel and center dash monitor: Multiple times, one and/or both have had a blacked out screen during power up and after engine start. The screens never come on or they go dark after powering up the vehicle. Safety concerns: This limits the HVAC system control during hot summer months in TX. The back up camera is not available. Navigation is lost. The Explorer is at the dealer now undergoing diagnostic testing.

Aug 05, 2025

Just before [XXX] on [XXX], I was driving [XXX] near Bakersfield, CA. I was going approximately 60 mph. The outside temperature was about 88° and I had the inside a/c set at 69°. I was the only vehicle on the road at the time. I first noticed the technology screen glitching which caught me off guard. It settled back to normal after several seconds. Then, within moments I heard a boom. I pulled off of the road to find the front portion of my panoramic sunroof exploded outward/upward. There were no holes in the glass or signs of impact. The cloth glass cover was open at the time. Some glass dust rained down into the vehicle but the glass was initially intact. I closed the inside cover to prevent more glass from falling into the vehicle. I contacted the dealer to see what to do and they instructed me to bring the vehicle to them. While driving the vehicle to the dealership some of the glass flew off the top of the vehicle leaving a hole in the glass. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 28, 2025

Rear panel of the sunroof exploded on the highway. Only 8200 miles on the vehicle. There were no other cars around to kick up a stone and I was not near any overpasses. Heard a loud popping noise followed by the sound of glass falling. Glass was down my back, in my hair and in my seat, as well as all over the back of the car. Luckily, children were not in the car.

Jun 16, 2025

+ 2 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

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!

Oct 29, 2025

Automatic Return To Park safety feature failed to stop vehicle from forward rolling causing vehicle to crash into open garage. The drivers door hit side of garage frame, closing onto my left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.

Sep 02, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed through a drive-thru, the Auto Hold feature was activated, but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The contact opened the front driver's side door, causing the transmission to inadvertently shift to park (P), and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle failed to restart until a tow truck driver had disconnected and reconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who updated the software for the SYNC module (APIM), gear shift module, powertrain control module (PCM), and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, as well as an oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 8,967.

Mar 26, 2025

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.

Dec 07, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated to 70 MPH. The contact stated that the unintended acceleration had occurred on Highway 70, even though the Speed Limit was 25 MPH. The contact stated that the incorrect Speed Limit was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact became afraid of driving the vehicle because the failure could be potentially harmful. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25.

Sep 02, 2025

Gateway module does not work. I've had my 2025 vehicle since 11/21/2024 (over 7 months) and it has never worked. I have not had a safety update since 05/2024 when it was at the factory. There has been many OTA updates and updates that need to be preformed at dealership and have not had any completed. I have a PCM safety recall that can't be preformed because of the gateway module not being available to dealerships. Ford Engineers know about the problem and still has not released any parts. It can cause many unsafe issues because codes do not show up on the mechanics machines.

Jul 04, 2025

The system control display (radio screen) and the digital instrument cluster reboot (screens go black) approximately every 10-minutes while driving. During the screen going black, driver is unaware of speed, condition of vehicle. It is unknown if safety features such are active during these periods. The vehicle has been at dealer since January 2nd, 2025. Today in Feb 13, 2025 Dealer is working with Ford engineering, and they determined the main computer module needed replacing. No other issues were detected prior to the issue identified.

Feb 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the infotainment screen intermittently went blank. The failure persisted and the contact stated that the instrumental panel partially went blank at start-up and while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and several unknown software updates were performed. The contact stated that due to the software updates performed on the vehicle in such a short while, the contact was concerned about the safety of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a claim. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

Feb 04, 2025

STEERING

3 complaints

When making a turn or going around curves the steering does not return to center and sticks in whatever direction you are turning

Dec 05, 2025

-EPAS malfunctioning and is available for inspection. -Steering sticks in turns and requires too much effort to return to center causing me to overcorrect which causes the steering to stick in the opposite direction and so on. This is not consistent or predictable Also The car is constantly drifting left to right and requires constant corrections to maintain center. -I replicated the issue with the dealer in the car. Dealer said the other car drove the same so there was nothing they could do. -only the dealer has looked at it -no warning lamps present at this time -i have videos that show the car taking turns on a mountain pass and I am able to let go of the wheel and the car continues to turn. Without steering assist features activated. It should at least try to center on its own.

Nov 29, 2025

Steering drifts to left and will not return to center with out darting to the right when correcting , a constant movement back and forth to keep it in your lane !

Nov 25, 2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Driving to park in garage and camera system came on the display screen, non-functional, displaying a black screen and message with "There's an issue with your camera system" - please see dealer for service. *This has happened twice, once on [XXX] at 9pm and a 2nd time [XXX] at 840pm. So far, as of writing this on 10/2 it has not repeated. Took car to dealership to inspect and codes were evident in system. Dealership investigating (10/2/25 at 1004 AM) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 02, 2025

Bought my new 2025 explorer an 2 days laterits been parked I noticed a craked on the windshield there is no rock ship nor nothing hit it but i did notice theres 2 cracks on the top black part of windshield where it just out of nowhere keeps cracking down took it to safelite an they said thats a Defect on the windshield

Sep 08, 2025

When raining water droplets accumulate on the 2025 Explorer rear view camera lens obscuring the image and in some cases rendering it completely useless. Earlier models such as the 2014 Ford Explorer had the camera positioned in a manner where this did not happen and it stayed clean. Later Explorer models had the ability to clean the lens by activating the rear wiper's washer which squirted washer fluid on it.

Jun 08, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

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 applied the brakes I had absolutely no brakes and the car bumped into the building. No damage to the building but my license plate bracket was broken and the bumper had minor damage.

Dec 14, 2025

We purchased a 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD and had a couple of issues with it. Twice when starting the car, foot on brake and when putting it into D the brake pedal drops a notch. It had some error codes as well and OF Course the dealer could find anything wrong. So we trade it in in less than a month for this model 2025 Ford Explorer Active 4WD. The brake has done the same thing to me twice. We purchased this second vehicle on 10/31/2025. Today was the second time this happened. It happened approximately a week ago as well. It's always when putting it into Drive. I have never ever owned a vehicle where the brakes fall a bit...has a rough notch as it falls!! It does not fall to the floor, it is as though a firm brake pedal just falls an inch or so and it's rough, like it's broken. After it happens I drive very slowly and carefully to make sure my brakes are still working. Not normal by any circumstances and the best I can describe this. We drove three Explorers before choosing this one and all three, four with other one purchased the brakes felt different! Brakes should not feel softer or firmer on new vehicles. Our dealer is about 50 miles away and I can almost guarantee they will not find anything because they can't or won't be able to reproduce it as it only happens once in a great while. Like I mentioned, today 12/8/2025 is the second time this has occured on this second Explorer. They would need to drive it everyday for weeks on end and only while putting it Drive as it hasn't happened in Reverse on either vehicle. I do use the park brake while at home, but all times this occured the park brake was not being used and on a flat level surface. Very scary driving a new vehicle around not knowing what is going to go wrong with it especially with brakes! We should feel SAFE in our newly.purchased vehicles. I sure hope Ford figures these issues out before someone gets hurt or dies.

Dec 08, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the FordPass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. NHTSA still shows Recall 25V543 as incomplete, involving BCM soldering defects that can cause trailer taillamp failure, electrical malfunctions, HVAC issues, mirror/window failures, power outlet issues, and other safety-related electrical problems. The dealer has not scheduled the repair despite parts being listed as available. Ford Motor Company and the dealer have not provided any recall history, OASIS report, repair documentation, or explanation for why multiple recalls disappeared. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may have unresolved electrical or lighting defects that were not properly repaired or were prematurely marked as closed after a software update. The issue has not been resolved, and Ford has not responded to multiple requests.

Dec 06, 2025

“I rented vehicle VIN [XXX] from Budget Rental Car in Panama City Beach, FL (Reservation #XXX, Rental Agreement XXX). I later discovered the vehicle had an unrepaired federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V543 / Manufacturer Recall 25C42) involving the Body Control Module. Budget never informed me of the recall at any time. On November 11, 2025, when I attempted to extend my rental, the representative told me the vehicle had been ‘sold’ and must be returned within two days. When I attempted to exchange it on November 12–13 at three different Budget locations in Lansing, MI, they refused to take the vehicle, stating it had a safety recall and should not have been rented out. Only after this did I check the VIN myself and learn of the safety recall. The recall affects multiple electrical and visibility-related components: trailer lights, interior lights, mirrors, windows, rear defroster, USB/12V ports, and HVAC systems. These issues can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash. While driving the vehicle, I experienced visibility problems. The windows fogged up severely, and the defroster did not operate properly. As a result, I was unable to see an animal that entered the roadway and unfortunately struck it. There is now damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle. This visibility impairment aligns with the Body Control Module recall defects described by NHTSA. This vehicle should not have been rented to any customer, especially with the remedy unavailable until late 2025. I am reporting this because an unrepaired safety recall vehicle placed into active rental service directly resulted in a visibility hazard and an unavoidable collision while I was driving.” I did not make it back in time to return the vehicle yesterday 11/14/2025 I am finishing up this report and on my way to Budget in Panama City Beach Florida to return it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Nov 15, 2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

See Attached Repair Order

Nov 03, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after his wife had pulled into the parking spot at the residence and shifted into park(P) to turn off the vehicle, the contact stated that the cameras activated on the display screen and then went black before the engine revved up and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the residence before coming to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. During the failure, there were two teenagers and a toddler in a car seat during the failure. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle remained at the residence and the contact was waiting on the Insurance Company to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the Insurance Company for assistance and then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 400.

Jan 14, 2025

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

As ZERO Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 shows Unrepaired Recalls associated with 2025 Explorer. Please BROADCAST...THE FOLLOWING.. 2025 Explorer Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete While the investor is being held up by the DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, he is awaiting in Ogden, UT for the release of funding to help fix this list of reported RECALL and alerts. By providing engineers with the held and pending release of notes/bills being paused without explanation by the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. As the close of stock options supports the claim for legitimate use and collect my MECCA EXPRESS INC TR, as trustee for collecting funding for these issues. Please BROADCAST..... and advise owners of this vehicle type to stop driving them ASAP as Powertrain control module pcm reprogram, and Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors. May cause engine failure at HIGH MPH during high RPM on highway and road ways. Potential stall is possible, PLEASE REPORT ASAP. For safety international!

Aug 09, 2025

VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility While the 2025 Ford Explorer is recalled,this model for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility has additional incomplete issues to be reported by NHTSA. As officers on duty should turn these models in to the nearest Ford dealer for competition of the following: 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete This RECALL is a IMMEDIATE Report for any on duty peace officer assigned to these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 09, 2025

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal windy sound coming from the driver's side-view mirror. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where it was determined that the turbulence was caused by the mirror. The contact was informed that the molding was different from the passenger's side-view mirror molding. The dealer determined that driver's side-view mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the doors and windows. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.

Mar 03, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Brakes failed while coming to a red light. Turned to the right and into rock landscaping and pushed the ebrake to stop. Antilock brake failure came up and pre collision assist said was no longer available. Had to have it taken to Ford dealership. They replaced brake booster and brake lines and tried to reprogram computer but brakes keep locking up . So there are keeping for now to figure out the problems

Jul 18, 2025

I bought the car in December and I was only able to take it out on the road in January, when it started to have problems with the software and brake system. I brought it to the dealer's workshop where I bought it, but they haven't solved anything and they say that the faults the car presents are normal.

Apr 15, 2025

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

My 2025 Ford Explorer has a wind noise that Ford has admitted to having an issue with. My case number is CXH04811376. In the upper corner of both the drivers and passenger side front window there is a loud wind noise that begins at speeds of 40 mph and more. A Customer Experience Specialist admitted there is a problem but they will not fix it until there is a recall.

Jul 16, 2025

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 inspected. The contact was advised to wait for several days before a solution could be provided. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,600.

Dec 09, 2024

SEATS

1 complaint

My wife found an article about this, so I guess it happens to other people as well. I will leave the link that she sent to me in this report. To put it very simple there seems to be a problem with the seat, memory module in the door of some Ford Explorers. So many times when my wife has had to move my car from the driveway she gets in the car. She pushes the number two button for her seat settings, and she begins to drive the car. While the car is in motion, at any random interval, the seat will reset to my position without any notice. This means the seat begins to move while the car is in motion. In our case, I am about a foot and a half taller than her so when the seat goes back to my position, even though she’s driving, she can no longer reach the brake. Several times while in motion she has had to just hit the power button and shut the car off. This is bad for the car, but it is also best for her safety. I can see this situation causing an accident. It seems Ford knows about it, and they have fixed it in some cars, however until it happens to you I don’t think you’re going to be aware of the problem if you’re moving quickly, it could be a huge problem. I think this is something that Ford needs to address with expediency Here is the article where she found a similar experience of another customer online [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 07, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

There is a large black box on the interior windshield surrounding the rearview mirror. This box blocks the defrost on the windshield, causing ice buildup on the windshield in this area thus causing ice buildup on the windshield wipers. This causes the windshield wipers to be ineffective at removing water, snow, slush, - whatever debris is on the windshield from being removed greatly decreasing visibility in freezing temperatures. I first noticed this when it started to get cold and my windshield wipers were making a strange noise. I got out of the car to see what was going on with the windshield and noticed the ice building up at the top middle of the windshield. As I drove, and the temperatures dropped, the top half of my windshield where this black box is iced up causing my windshield wipers to be ineffective on about the top half of my windshield. This greatly reduced visibility in already reduced visibility driving conditions. This was not just ice on the windshield. It was very obviously accumulating where this box is, due to ineffective defrost of the windshield.

Dec 06, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

12 V Battery continues to die and I've had the car less than a year. On [XXX] the battery was dead. Our neighbor put it on his supercharger. On [XXX] the 12V battery low light came on while I was driving 30 miles away. It went off the next day and reappeared on Thursday [XXX] disappeared on Friday and back on Saturday. I called the Future Ford on Monday and technician [XXX] said it only showed 15% charge. I took it in to the dealership and it was kept over night and the next day he said it was charged to 90%. I was not happy with the "you can come and get it". I told him I'm a [XXX] and bought this car so I wouldn't breakdown and now I don't feel safe with it. He checked the charge again while we were on the phone and he said it dropped to 80%. He said thats not good it will probably need a new battery. That evening he text and said it is fully charged and I can come get it without a new battery. I was not happy as I've received no reason for why it was losing charge. So I did some research on my on and text him back that evening. I told him about my research and found this was an ongoing problem and that they need to find out what is causing the draining issue. I'm sure the dealership had to know as there was a recall for this issue. I suggested a Parasitic test, or software glitch issues to check. He said they would run the parasitic test.. He said it would take several days. I checked back on 12/4/25 and he said No Progress today. I told him I want a copy of all the test run. Wouldn't you know it he gets right back to me saying a handful of modules need updated software. That they will attend them this morning. I think they were trying to get out of the fix as my warranty runs out this month. Why are only certain vehicles being recalled (mine not one of them), when they all should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 05, 2025

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I would need to change many more of the points on the top, see report.

Dec 02, 2025

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Three times in 5 months since purchasing our 2025 Ford Explorer, all dash lights will come on while driving and vehicle will come to a stop. Braking pressure is reduced greatly and then vehicle will not continue in forward or reverse. Multiple restart attempts will allow the vehicle to move under 5 MPH but will brake hard to a stop if it goes over 5MPH. Two different dealerships have inspected and preformed the same software updates Ford is recommending and its not fixing the issue. Ford is refusing to do anything about it at this time because they claim the software update is as far as they are allowed to go in diagnoses. I have a Ford Case #XXX

Oct 28, 2025

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

My 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is up to date on recalls as of October 7, 2025. However, I am still experiencing engine "shudder" and hesitation at low RPMs (between idle and 1500 RPM) when accelerating. The 10 speed transmission is also continuing to shift harshly at times. I am very concerned that the hesitation and shudder could be an issue when pulling out into traffic. By comparison, my previous 2017 Explorer did not exhibit this behavior, whichh I consider disconcerting. Also, this car (and all 2025 Explorer models ) injects Fake Engine Noise into the audio speakers to make the 2.5L engine sound more powerful. These fake "bass tones" are disturbing to some passengers with hearing aides, and per Ford's website there is no way to disable the fake noise. Thus, some people with a hearing disability cannot ride in my car without removing their hearing aides. It should be unacceptable to not be able to disable that feature. Note updated form dated 8/1/25 states Fake Noise cannot be turned off.

Oct 14, 2025

WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

The carpet on the wheel wells is not functional. We live out on a ranch on a dirt road and when it rains the mud gets stuck on the carpet and weighs is down. This can cause more damage to the vehicle. We took it in to a dealership and they said there was nothing they could do until the carpet gets ripped off. When we bought an expensive 4x4 vehicle we expected it to be sturdy enough to not have to worry about mud (especially when the car has a built in mud feature).

Oct 12, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

While traveling down the road - not turning or braking - several alerts and alarms started flashing on the driver dashboard on my 2025 Explorer. At this time, I completely lost the ability to slow the car down. The digital emergency brake made no changes to the braking ability. I was able to eventually able to get the vehicle to slow down by engine torquing and turning. I reached out to my local dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they told me to call Ford Roadside Assistance immediately. They contracted a local towing agency, and they promptly towed the vehicle to that dealership. I was able to take a movie of the incident.

Oct 05, 2025

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

On October 24, 2024, my 2025 Ford Explorer ST experienced a sudden steering column lock and complete loss of braking while I was driving, leading to a crash and injuries. The vehicle had approximately 800 miles and was a warranty replacement provided weeks earlier. Prior to delivery, the dealer referenced a Quality Assurance hold of about two months on this vehicle, which was not disclosed to me in any detail. The simultaneous loss of steering and brakes suggests a potential common cause safety defect that may affect other 2025 Explorer ST vehicles. My insurer State Farm is currently conducting a Cause and Origin inspection. I request NHTSA review for a potential defect trend.

Aug 29, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

On a brand new 2025 Ford Explorer the 2nd row seatbelt was never bolted in. The seatbelt was hooked into the bottom so at a glance it looked correctly installed. But after having to remove a car seat the plastic covering looked like it was detaching. After gently pulling the plastic covering came up and the metal bottom of the seatbelt came out. Brought it to a Ford dealer and they confirmed that there is no bolt holding the seatbelt in and there were no threads, meaning there was never a bolt.

Jul 30, 2025

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 MPH and pulling into the garage, the liftgate opened unintendedly, scraping the garage door. The contact worked on the vehicle and temporarily repaired the liftgate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case due to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

Jul 10, 2025

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V157000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jul 07, 2025

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

After the Ford recall software update, the gear shifter will turn itself out of park and either into drive or reverse. The software update was in regards to the PCM resetting itself. We took it to the Ford dealer and because they can not duplicate the problem, the truck was returned to us. it has happened to us more than once and it is very alarming. I have two children on top of other children in the neighborhood. I don't trust this truck to stay in park even with it off at this point.

Jun 18, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

6/2/25 tried to start vehicle, codes coming up and car would not start 6/6/25 car was in park running, starting chiming with alarms, the same alarms that came up a few days before.

Jun 09, 2025

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

Vehicle has 5700 miles on it. At roughly 3000 miles I noticed a clunk or tension thud at speeds under 12 mph, both moving forward and in reverse. Brought the vehicle to the dealer and was told it was unsafe to drive. Thus far they have replaced strut mount bushings and have told me the transmission mount was loose and that they have not been able to determine why. My impression is the transmission mount is a significant safety issue in that the vehicle could loose power and subsequent control at any time if the connection worsened or just happened again.

Jun 03, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at an intersection at a stop light attempting to make a turn at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was hard when depressed, and the vehicle continued to move. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The front camera was not operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, fire, or police reports filed. The contact was able to continue to drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who test-drove the vehicle and was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another dealer, J. O. Williams Motors419 E Broadway Ave, Gladewater, TX 75647, and reported the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred him to another local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

May 02, 2025

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the front struts needed to be replaced. The front shocks were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the front struts had been replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,289.

Mar 07, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Put car in park. sUV rolled back & damaged my garage door. Also damaged my trunk of SUV.

Mar 02, 2025

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

While driving on an interstate with my children, my automatic braking system decided their was something in front of my car when there wasn't and slammed on the brakes. There was a semi truck behind us and it almost hit us. Took it to the dealer and all they did was shut the feature off for automatic braking. The interior screens have been reprogrammed twice to fix glitches. the rear hatch has been reprogrammed. The windows continue to randomly roll up and down on their own. My engine decided to not start for an hr before randomly turning on for no reason. And to top it all off the windshield washer fluid no longer wants to work.

Feb 27, 2025

COMMUNICATION

1 complaint

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

Dec 28, 2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I am concerned that the Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking are not working sensitive enough to assist in preventing a collision. I had a 2021 Explorer with these features on it and it would give an audible warning at least 8-10 feet if a vehicle was slowing down ahead, this new Explorer does not give an audible warning until about 4 feet near a vehicle slowing down and no braking for at least 3 feet before a collision. I believe anyone in my vehicle are at risk of a collision. I have taken it to the dealer with this concern, it was put on the diagnostic and they found nothing wrong. The sales manager took my vehicle out to verify this problem, following another vehicle that had stopped to make a left turn and if we would have been going any faster we would have hit them, the audible went off and the braking worked at the same time , within 3-4 feet of hitting that car. I drive this car everyday and have never had any kind of warning given to me . I believe the settings are NOT sensitive enough to work properly. I am to the point as to why did I order and pay for these features if I don't get the benefit of them. I have become very fearful for my family with the way these features aren't working as they did on my prior Explorer. I asked the technician at the dealership if they could change the sensitivity and he said no , unless Ford said to do this. I think the warning should be sooner.

Oct 22, 2024

2025 FORD Explorer Problems & Complaints

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