NHTSA lists 22 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer (including the hybrid).
Recalled components: seats, backover prevention and rearview camera, engine and cooling, seat belts, and 8 more. Most-reported area: electrical system (23 complaints, 23%). Excludes the Police Interceptor Utility (EPA lists its 3.3L flex-fuel engine as an Explorer from 2020).
Newest first. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for the fix and the full notice.
Seats
Jul 21, 2026
front assembly · power adjust
An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S53.
Seats
Jul 14, 2026
mid/rear assembly
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S52.
Backover prevention and rearview camera
Jun 30, 2026
warnings · external/pedestrian alert
A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Risk: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER HYBRID. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: warnings, external/pedestrian alert; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Ford campaign 26S51.
Engine and cooling
May 27, 2026
engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
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 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S35.
Backover prevention and rearview camera
Mar 18, 2026
software
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: software; Electrical system: adas. Ford campaign 26S21.
Seat belts
Mar 17, 2026
- Fails federal standard 210 (seat belt anchorages)
- NHTSA 26V-159
- 561 vehicles
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26C18.
Exterior lighting
Mar 3, 2026
headlights
- Fails federal standard 108 (lighting)
- NHTSA 26V-121
- 35,772 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."
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26C12.
Engine and cooling
Mar 3, 2026
exhaust system · emission control · gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S10.
Visibility
Oct 24, 2025
windshield
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."
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25C60.
Trailer hitch
Oct 10, 2025
The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25SA3.
Backover prevention and rearview camera
Oct 10, 2025
warnings · external/pedestrian alert
A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Risk: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 10, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER HYBRID. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: warnings, external/pedestrian alert; Forward collision avoidance: warnings, external/pedestrian alert. Ford campaign 25SA2.
Exterior lighting
Aug 22, 2025
tail lights
- Fails federal standard 108 (lighting)
- NHTSA 25V-543
- 213,121 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."
Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25C42.
Engine and cooling
Jun 13, 2025
engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S55.
Seats
Jun 13, 2025
mid/rear assembly
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.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S67.
Brakes
Jun 3, 2025
foundation components · disc · caliper
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.
Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S60.
Body structure
May 9, 2025
frame and members
A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S43.
Powertrain
Apr 11, 2025
automatic transmission · control module · software
The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.
Risk: A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S35.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S35.
Powertrain
Mar 14, 2025
automatic transmission · fluid/lubricant · valves/valve body
The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S19.
Powertrain
Jan 17, 2025
automatic transmission
The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Powertrain: automatic transmission; Body structure: frame and members. Ford campaign 25S03.
Equipment
Nov 8, 2024
labels
- Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection)
- NHTSA 24V-852
- 27,678 vehicles
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 24C39.
Backover prevention and rearview camera
Oct 25, 2024
software
- Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility)
- Fix: over-the-air update
- NHTSA 24V-801
- 391 vehicles
The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
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 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 24C34.
Fuel system
Aug 23, 2024
fuel injection system · injectors
The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix and full notice
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 24S54.
The areas named in the 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Explorer. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%.
The highlighted bars are the 2025 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659).
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.