2025 Ford Explorer Problems

An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start. Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced.

The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge.

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. 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.

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.

The bolts that hold the outer second-row seat belts to the car may not be properly secured. In a crash, a loose belt may not restrain a passenger properly, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and repair or replace them as needed, at no cost to you.

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." A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge.

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." Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.

The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose. 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge.

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." Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge.

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

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced.

A mounting bolt that holds the front subframe may not have been tightened correctly at the factory. If it is loose, the vehicle may not protect occupants as well in a crash, which raises the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the front subframe bolts and tighten them as needed, at no cost to you.

The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall. 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.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge.

The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, so reverse gear can fail or the car can move unexpectedly while in reverse or neutral. That sudden movement raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will replace the transmission main control valve body free of charge.

The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts. An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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." 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.

Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

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." The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Some fuel injectors may have been built without the support discs that hold their O-rings in place, so fuel can leak out. Leaked fuel near an ignition source can cause a fire.

Fix: The dealer will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs at no cost to you.