NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer[1]. The electrical system is the biggest group, with 23 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here is how the owner complaints on file split up by part of the car.
- Electrical System. 23 complaints[2]. Owners describe the center screen and the digital gauge display going dark or restarting while they drive. Others describe warning chimes and a car that would not start.
- Brakes. 20 complaints[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe a stiff brake pedal, brake warning messages, and an SUV that rolled after being put in park.
- Unknown Or Other. 19 complaints[7]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
- Power Train. 16 complaints[8]. Owners describe a wrench warning light, a clunk at low speed, and a gear shifter that moved on its own.
- Forward Collision Avoidance. 15 complaints[9]. Owners describe automatic braking that reacted when nothing was ahead, and warnings that seemed to come late.
- Visibility/Wiper. 10 complaints[10].
- Engine. 9 complaints[11].
- Steering. 9 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2025 Explorer is necessarily included.
- Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust (26V470), July 2026. About 76,748 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (26V451), July 2026. About 387,911 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert (26V415), June 2026. About 66,383 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical (26V343), May 2026. About 1,536 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Electrical System › Adas (26V165), March 2026. About 254,640 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[17]
- Seat Belts (26V159), March 2026. About 561 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[18]
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights (26V121), March 2026. About 35,772 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[19]
- Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) (26V122), March 2026. About 47,804 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[20]
- Visibility › Windshield (25V730), October 2025. About 56,841 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[21]
- Trailer Hitches (25V687), October 2025. About 1,412 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[22]
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert (25V691), October 2025. About 43,438 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[23]
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights (25V543), August 2025. About 213,121 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[24]
- Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical (25V344), June 2025. About 156 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[25]
- Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly (25V393), June 2025. About 304,662 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[26]
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper (25V371), June 2025. About 3 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[27]
- Structure › Frame And Members (25V316), May 2025. About 206 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[28]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software (25V239), April 2025. About 24,655 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling, reduced braking, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[29]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body (25V164), March 2025. About 269 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[30]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission (25V020), January 2025. About 259 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[31]
- Equipment › Other › Labels (24V852), November 2024. About 27,678 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[32]
- Back Over Prevention › Software (24V801), October 2024. About 391 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[33]
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors (24V634), August 2024. About 24 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[34]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[35] | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[36] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[37] | 20 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[38] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[39] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer RWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] | 20 / 29 / 24 | $2,800 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer with 2.3L 4-cylinder[41] | 300 hp |
| 2025 Ford Explorer with 3.0L 6-cylinder[42] | 400 hp |
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2025 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 843 | 5 |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 6 |
| 1997 | 1,773 | 7 |
| 1998 | 2,085 | 9 |
| 1999 | 1,441 | 9 |
| 2000 | 1,026 | 10 |
| 2001 | 730 | 8 |
| 2002 | 3,572 | 7 |
| 2003 | 1,274 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1,408 | 0 |
| 2005 | 568 | 0 |
| 2006 | 635 | 1 |
| 2007 | 308 | 1 |
| 2008 | 171 | 1 |
| 2009 | 39 | 0 |
| 2010 | 146 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 6 |
| 2012 | 829 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 11 |
| 2014 | 1,682 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1,815 | 8 |
| 2016 | 2,483 | 14 |
| 2017 | 1,712 | 14 |
| 2018 | 737 | 7 |
| 2019 | 299 | 6 |
| 2020 | 1,245 | 35 |
| 2021 | 455 | 27 |
| 2022 | 272 | 25 |
| 2023 | 113 | 15 |
| 2024 | 21 | 10 |
| 2025 | 108 | 22 |
| 2026 | 42 | 15 |
NHTSA's counts for the Explorer show 108 complaints and 22 recalls for 2025[3]. Among the 33 model years listed, 4 have fewer complaints than 2025 and 28 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2002 (3,572)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2025 Explorer?
The 2025 Explorer has a real list of owner complaints on file, and electrical and brake reports sit at the top[2][6]. These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part[1]. The complaint and recall counts for this year are in the by-year section of this page[3]. If you are shopping for one, check that every recall repair has been done and ask the dealer how the screens and brakes behave on a test drive.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA[1]. The electrical system has 23 reports[2], and brakes have 20[6].
- Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- Yes. The count is 22[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Ford Explorer?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Owner complaints are one signal, with 108 on file[1]. Read the complaint groups above, then check the Recalls and Safety sections before you decide.
- Is 2025 a good year for the Ford Explorer?
- The by-year section on this page puts the complaints and recalls for each year side by side. This year has 108 complaints[3].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
Compare all model years of the Ford Explorer
Other Ford models from 2025
Similar cars from 2025: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Explorer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Explorer RWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V470, filed July 21, 2026: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V451, filed July 14, 2026: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V415, filed June 30, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V343, filed May 27, 2026: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V165, filed March 18, 2026: Electrical System › Adas. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V159, filed March 17, 2026: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V121, filed March 3, 2026: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V122, filed March 3, 2026: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V730, filed October 24, 2025: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V687, filed October 10, 2025: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V691, filed October 10, 2025: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V543, filed August 22, 2025: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V344, filed June 13, 2025: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V393, filed June 13, 2025: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V371, filed June 3, 2025: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V316, filed May 9, 2025: Structure › Frame And Members. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V239, filed April 11, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V164, filed March 14, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid / Lubricant › Valves / Valve Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V020, filed January 17, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V852, filed November 8, 2024: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V801, filed October 25, 2024: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V634, filed August 23, 2024: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Explorer AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer AWD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Explorer RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2025 Ford Explorer with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2025 Ford Explorer with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 400 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 4DR SUV: length 199 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,458 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EXPLORER 4DR SUV HYBRID: length 199 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,969 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov