YearToAvoid

2025 Ford Explorer Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer, 16% of all complaints for the year, including 4 crashes and 2 injuries at a median failure mileage of 12,000. A related recall (25V371000) covers loose front brake caliper bolts.

Brakes complaints
16
16% of 100
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
12,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of braking or a hard, unresponsive brake pedal while approaching intersections or stop lights, sometimes ending in a rear-end or intersection crash.
  • Several complaints describe warning alarms and dashboard alerts appearing while driving, followed by reduced braking pressure or complete brake failure.
  • Some drivers report the vehicle rolling away after being placed in park, causing property damage.
  • ABS-related fault codes (including a possible ABS hydraulic control unit fault) are cited in at least one complaint after a loss of power brake assist.
  • One owner reports repeated dealer visits where the brake booster and brake lines were replaced, but the brakes continued to lock up after repairs.
  • A software and brake system issue was reported shortly after purchase, with the dealer unable to resolve it.

When 2025 Ford Explorer brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 2, 2025, latest Aug 11, 2026.

2025 Ford Explorer brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2025May 2025Jul 2025Oct 2025Feb 2026Jul 2026
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2025 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2025 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer

  1. NHTSA 25V371000Jun 3, 2025Brakes3 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    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.

    Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: 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.

Brakes complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201016 (14%)
  2. 201157 (5%)
  3. 201240 (5%)
  4. 201388 (4%)
  5. 201446 (3%)
  6. 201551 (3%)
  7. 201638 (2%)
  8. 201726 (2%)
  9. 201812 (2%)
  10. 20194 (1%)
  11. 202088 (7%)
  12. 202124 (6%)
  13. 202213 (5%)
  14. 20236 (6%)
  15. 20240 (0%)
  16. 202516 (16%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2025 Explorer, which is 16% of all 100 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Yes. Recall 25V371000, reported June 3, 2025, covers front brake caliper bolts that may not be tightened properly, which can cause loss of front brake function and wheel damage. Dealers inspect and tighten the bolts, or replace the caliper and pads if bolts are missing.
At what mileage do brake problems show up on the 2025 Explorer?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2025 Explorer is 12,000 miles.
Have the 2025 Explorer's brake problems caused crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 2 injuries linked to the 16 brake complaints filed for the 2025 Explorer.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.