Short Answer: The biggest problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer are transmission problems, electrical system problems, and brake issues.
Transmission problems and brake issues are the most common, while electrical system problems aren’t as common.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the subject of 13 recalls, the majority of which involve structural problems like loose bolts or seats. Other recalls are for software errors, engine failure, and transmission issues.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a large SUV that should be capable and powerful. While many consumers get that experience, some unluckier ones get stuck with defective vehicles that might be dangerous to them or others on the road.
In this article, we have summarized the most common problems with the 2025 Explorer so that you can be a better-informed driver; continue reading to find out more!
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Common 2025 Ford Explorer Problems
2025 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems
Owners reported transmission issues including rolling in park, clunking noises, and unintended gear shifts.
These safety concerns led to Recall 25V-164 for a valve body defect, and affected vehicles should be repaired promptly to prevent unexpected movement.
Vehicle rolling
- Severity: Very high; potential unintended vehicle movement when parked/shifted incorrectly.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford issued Recall 25V-239 for a PCM software error that may disable the park system and Recall 25V-164 for valve body defects that can cause unintended gear engagement.
- Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software and inspect or replace the valve body as needed.
Clunking transmission
- Severity: Moderate; owners report harsh gear shifts and clunking noises, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford has not released a TSB or recall specifically addressing clunking transmission issues in the 2025 Explorer.
- Fix: Dealers should inspect transmission mounts, linkage, and fluid condition, and apply any applicable software updates.
Vehicle shifting gears on its own
- Severity: High; unintended shifting can create hazardous driving or parking situations.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford’s Recall 25V-164 addresses valve body machining defects that may lead to unintentional gear changes or improper engagement.
- Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmission valve body.
2025 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems
Reported electrical issues include warning lights turning on at once, cruise control accelerating unintentionally, and blank infotainment screens.
These problems limit driver awareness and safety. Recall 24V-801 was also issued for related rearview camera display failures.
Various warning lights coming on at once
- Severity: Moderate to high; multiple simultaneous warning lights may indicate control module errors or communication faults.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford has not issued a specific recall for this issue, though it may relate to PCM behavior already addressed in other service communications.
- Fix: Dealers will scan for diagnostic trouble codes, inspect control modules, and apply software updates as needed.
Cruise control accelerating without driver input
- Severity: Very high; unintended acceleration is a serious safety risk and can lead to collisions.
- Manufacturer’s Response: As of now, Ford has not released a TSB or recall addressing unintended cruise control acceleration in the 2025 Explorer.
- Fix: Dealers should inspect the cruise control and throttle-by-wire systems, and update or replace affected components.
Infotainment screen going blank
- Severity: Moderate; a blank screen affects visibility of navigation, backup camera, and vehicle settings.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Recall 24V-801 may apply, as it covers rear-view camera display failures that could overlap with broader screen blackouts.
- Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software or replace the display unit if necessary.
2025 Ford Explorer Brake Issues
Brake failure in the 2025 Ford Explorer has been widely reported, with some owners unable to stop and even experiencing crashes. Any brake warning signs should be taken seriously and addressed immediately for safety.
Brake failure
- Severity: Very high; complete or partial brake failure is a critical safety concern.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Recall 24V-801addresses potential loss of brake assist due to an electronic brake booster defect.
- Fix: If affected by the recall, dealers will inspect the brake booster module, reprogram or replace it as necessary, and verify brake assist function. Otherwise, dealers should inspect the entire brake system.
What Explorer Owners Say
“Automatic Return To Park safety feature failed to stop vehicle from forward rolling causing vehicle to crash into open garage. The drivers door hit side of garage frame, closing onto my left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.”
“Brakes failed while coming to a red light. Turned to the right and into rock landscaping and pushed the ebrake to stop. Antilock brake failure came up and pre collision assist said was no longer available. Had to have it taken to Ford dealership. They replaced brake booster and brake lines and tried to reprogram computer but brakes keep locking up.”
- Kelley Blue Book Complaint
“Junk suv dont buy. Been to the shop going on 10 times now. The suv has left my wife stranded on the interstate. Its so unreliable that im worried taking my kids anywhere with it. Its our only vehicle that will ruin us financially when the factory warranty runs out. I asked ford to replace it because of all the problems and they told me they wont do anything about it.”
What You Should Know About Car Defects and the Law
Lemon laws protect consumers who unknowingly purchase vehicles that turn out to be defective, offering a legal remedy when a manufacturer fails to fix recurring problems under warranty.
These laws recognize that buying a new car should come with peace of mind—not the stress of constant repair visits.
If a vehicle experiences repeated mechanical or electrical issues that substantially affect its safety, use, or value, it may qualify as a “lemon.”
The process typically begins when the owner notices that a problem persists despite multiple repair attempts by an authorized dealer.
Each repair visit should be carefully documented, as detailed service records are key evidence in proving a claim.
In most cases, the manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of chances to correct the defect. If they fail, the owner may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation depending on the circumstances and the state’s specific lemon law requirements.
An important part of pursuing a lemon law claim is understanding your rights under the warranty. Many consumers assume that once their warranty expires, they no longer have any recourse, but if the defect arose while the warranty was still in effect, you may still qualify for protection.
Additionally, most lemon law statutes require manufacturers to pay the consumer’s attorney fees if the case is successful, making it possible to pursue justice without worrying about legal expenses.
Ultimately, lemon laws serve as a safeguard for consumers, ensuring that auto manufacturers are held accountable for producing reliable vehicles and honoring their warranties.
They provide a clear legal path for drivers who have been let down by a defective car and ensure that no one is forced to live with an unsafe or unreliable vehicle.
Get Lemon Law Support with the Lemon Law Experts
Bringing a lemon law claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the frustrations of a defective vehicle.
Don’t worry: the Lemon Law Experts are here for you and here to help. Our team has worked with thousands of consumers and fought hard to get them the compensation they deserve.
If you are thinking of bringing a claim of your own, contact us by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out our contact form here.
