2025 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer, 15% of all complaints that year, including 1 crash and 1 injury. Three related recalls cover PCM resets, a mis-machined transmission valve body, and loose transmission cross member bolts. Median mileage at failure was 8,967 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 15
- 15% of 100
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 8,967 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle rolls or slides unexpectedly after Auto Hold or park engagement fails to hold the vehicle, in one case rolling into a garage.
- Gear shifter reportedly moves itself out of park into drive or reverse after the PCM software recall update was applied.
- Low-speed clunk or thud felt under about 12 mph in both forward and reverse, traced by dealers to a loose transmission mount.
- Harsh shifting from the 10-speed transmission along with engine shudder and hesitation between idle and 1500 RPM during acceleration.
- Sudden loss of power from an uncommanded shift from Drive to Neutral at highway speed, or a full engine shutdown showing a PCM hybrid control module fault code.
- Transmission slipping or momentary rollback when accelerating from a stop at a traffic light.
When 2025 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 7, 2024, latest Apr 30, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2025 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 25V239000Apr 11, 2025Transmission & Powertrain24,655 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 25V164000Mar 14, 2025Transmission & Powertrain269 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 25V020000Jan 17, 2025Transmission & Powertrain259 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2025 Explorer, which is 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: campaign 25V239000 for a PCM reset that can damage the park system or stall the engine, 25V164000 for an incorrectly machined transmission valve body, and 25V020000 for loose transmission cross member bolts.
- At what mileage do 2025 Explorer transmission problems show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 8,967 miles for this problem area.
- Did the 2025 Explorer transmission recall fix cause any new problems?
- Some owners reported the gear shifter moving itself out of park after the PCM software update tied to the recall was installed, though Ford dealers were unable to duplicate the issue in at least one case.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to transmission issues?
- NHTSA records 1 crash and 1 injury among the 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2025 Explorer.