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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2025 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2025 Ford Explorer has been recalled 14 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2025 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Android Auto

    "see issue with phone pairing. this only happens with Android phones. Apple based seem to work fine."

    Anonymous A., FL (2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Apple CarPlay

    "Apple Car Play continually DROPS OUT & unreliable. Have had to do a Soft System Reset to get it online again."

    Anonymous A., RI (2025 Ford Explorer Active 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Unable to connect to internet"

    Anonymous, ON (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Android based phones will not pair properly. if someone calls they can't hear the driver. Driver hears caller. requires driver to disconnect phone from Bluetooth and call back. Ford is aware and has a special service message claiming software update by "late q1 2025". Hasn't happened and no updates as to what will happen or when. I think this is a safety issue since most people won't stop to manipulate the phone which means they're taking eyes off the road to work the phone."

    Anonymous A., FL (2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Voice control commands

    "Unable to talk to system by voice control. ie to change radio stations."

    Anonymous, ON (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Engine nose and can't just shut off system that shuts off the engine at stop light. I don't like that the Air-conditioning comes on when you start the engine."

    Anonymous, MO (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    "Window rolls up and down"

    Anonymous, TX (2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    "Needed three new tires because the ones from the factory were out of round"

    Anonymous, TN (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    "The vehicle would not start or would start, then it would abruptly turn off while sitting at a car wash. The attendants disconnected the battery cable for several minutes, resetting the cars electronic system and thus allowing me to take it to the dealership. They said that they had heard of this issue but couldnt find the error. Not good. Not good at all"

    Anonymous A., TX (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "Supplier quality issue with First 1000 vehicles built...leaking seals."

    Anonymous, MI (2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    "Strut started knocking. Was replaced under warranty"

    Anonymous A., GA (2025 Ford Explorer Active 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Booth front wheel wells were not installed properly at the factory. The body shop at my dealership ordered the parts and replace them at about 45 minutes while I waited."

    Anonymous A., PA (2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    "Initially, I was told that computer settings were "stuck" in the car's computer and this led to bucking and a choppy ride. They said it was fixed. It (fortunately) happened again when they were working on the roof leak. They then said it was a wiring packet that was defective. They rigged-up something to make the car work. The part was ordered more than a month ago. Finally, they say it is in and the repair will take place on 8/11/25."

    Anonymous, NY (2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Other driveline problem

    ""Message on app stated power train problem. Vehicle just home from purchase with less than 100 miles on odometer. Dealer advised needed new rotary shift knob. Part unavailable at that time, vehicle out of service for 2 weeks.""

    Anonymous, WI (2025 Ford Explorer Active 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "After a heavy rain, there was water on the front passenger-side floor and the glove compartment was filled with water. Dealership blamed faulty channel installation. Fixed it (not sure how) and returned to me."

    Anonymous, NY (2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Turbo or supercharger

    "Factory forgot to install gasket between oil line and turbo charger causing major oil leak. It took more than a week to repair."

    Anonymous A., CA (2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    2025 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    VISIBILITY
    Oct 24, 2025
    Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V730000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 56841
    TRAILER HITCHES
    Oct 10, 2025
    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.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V687000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1364
    BACK OVER PREVENTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
    Oct 10, 2025
    A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V691000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 43438
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Aug 22, 2025
    Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator 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."
    What should you do:
    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 December 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V543000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 213121
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Jun 13, 2025
    A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V344000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 156
    SEATS
    Jun 13, 2025
    A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V393000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 304662
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Jun 03, 2025
    Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V371000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3
    STRUCTURE
    May 09, 2025
    A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V316000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 206
    POWER TRAIN
    Apr 11, 2025
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V239000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 24655
    POWER TRAIN
    Mar 14, 2025
    Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V164000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 269
    POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE
    Jan 17, 2025
    An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V020000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 259
    EQUIPMENT
    Nov 08, 2024
    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.
    Summary:
    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. 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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V852000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 27678
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Oct 25, 2024
    The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator 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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V801000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 391
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Aug 23, 2024
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V634000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 24
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