2025 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 Explorer years
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a Complaint Index of 27, ranking 12th out of 16 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other Explorer years. It has 100 complaints, 20 recalls, and 7 crashes reported to NHTSA, with Electrical System issues topping the list at 23% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 100
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25 hwy
Top 2025 Ford Explorer problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System23 (23%)
- Other18 (18%)
- Brakes16 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (15%)
- Engine14 (14%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers13 (13%)
- Structure & Body10 (10%)
- Steering9 (9%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report unintended acceleration after shifting into park, with the display cameras going black just before the engine revved and the vehicle moved on its own.
- Brake pedals reportedly feel hard when depressed and fail to stop the vehicle, leading to low-speed collisions at intersections.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle rolling backward after being placed in park, damaging garages or other property.
- Blue Cruise driver-assist system has been reported to fight steering input and drift toward a shoulder or exit ramp, in one case colliding with a traffic cone.
- A dashboard wrench light tied to a powertrain malfunction has been reported by multiple owners.
- Door panels have reportedly separated from the door frame while parked, requiring dealer inspection.
2025 Ford Explorer recalls
20 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V470000Jul 21, 2026Structure & Body76,748 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driverâs seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 26V451000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body387,911 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 26V343000May 27, 2026Engine1,536 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
2025 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2025 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Compared to other Explorer model years, 2025 ranks 12th out of 16 with a Complaint Index of 27 and a "Good" verdict. It has fewer complaints (100) than many earlier years like 2016 (2,451 complaints).
- What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System issues lead with 23% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 16% and Transmission & Powertrain at 15%. The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints is 3,500.
- Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 20 recalls for the 2025 Explorer, covering areas including Structure & Body, Engine, Electrical System, and Seat Belts. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2025 Explorer compare to the worst Explorer years?
- The 2025 Explorer's Complaint Index of 27 is well below the worst year, 2016, which has a Complaint Index of 100 and an "Avoid" verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- The EPA rates the 2025 Explorer at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.