Nearly 25,000 Ford Explorers Recalled for Power Loss Problems

100% or 24,655 2025 Ford Explorer SUVs equipped with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine are being recalled due to a software issue with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

This defect can cause the vehicle to lose power temporarily or even roll away when parked if the electronic parking brake is not engaged.

The 2025 Ford Explorer Power Loss Recall affects 24,655 units, and according to Ford’s report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 11, 2025, this issue impacts all models built between December 6, 2023, and September 6, 2025.

Affected owners will be notified by mail between May 26 and May 30, 2025, and can have the PCM software updated free of charge at any authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership.

What Is Wrong with the Ford Explorer Powertrain Control Module (PCM)?

The 2025 Ford Explorer has been identified with a problem in its Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is caused by a software bug.

This issue can cause the PCM to reset while driving, leading to a series of potentially dangerous problems.

• Parking Pawl Damage: If the PCM resets while the vehicle is in motion, it can cause the parking pawl to engage improperly. This can damage the pawl and other components of the parking system, potentially affecting the vehicle’s ability to stay securely in “Park” once stopped.
• Temporary Loss of Acceleration: Multiple resets in a short period could cause the Explorer to temporarily lose acceleration or even power entirely. This could make the vehicle difficult to control and lead to safety risks.
• Rollaway Risk: A malfunctioning parking system could prevent the transmission from engaging properly in “Park,” especially if the speed is over 10 mph when the reset occurs. If the electronic parking brake (EPB) is not engaged, either automatically or manually, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of accidents.

Ford is addressing the issue by offering a free software update to affected vehicles. Notifications will be sent to owners between May 26 and May 30, 2025, informing them of the recall and the necessary corrective actions.

The update will fix the software bug, and dealers will also inspect the transmission for any potential damage. If any damage is found, it will be repaired at no cost to the owner.

If the PCM resets while driving, the Explorer’s park pawl may ratchet, which can lead to damage if the vehicle is moving faster than 10 mph.

This could prevent the vehicle from shifting into Park, leaving it at risk of rolling away unless the EPB is engaged.

In some cases, drivers may also notice a temporary loss of power or acceleration if the PCM resets multiple times in quick succession.

As part of the recall, dealers have been notified, and affected owners will need to bring their vehicles in for the software update and a thorough inspection of the transmission. If any damage is found, it will be repaired free of charge.

Additionally, a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may appear on the instrument panel if the PCM experiences a reset, alerting the driver to potential issues with the vehicle.

How Do I Know If My Ford Explorer Is Affected?

To check if your vehicle is affected by the recall, you can use the NHTSA Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tool available on their website.

Ford will also send notification letters to affected owners between May 26 and May 30, 2025. Once you receive your notice, you can contact your local Ford dealer to schedule the necessary repair.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or suspect that your vehicle may be affected, it’s best to contact your local Ford dealer as soon as possible.

They will help schedule the necessary software update and inspect your vehicle for any other potential damage.

Ford’s Vehicle Controls Team identified the issue during the development of the original PCM software in mid-2024, initially believing the error would occur very infrequently, with minimal effect on the customer.

However, after further investigation in late 2024, it was found that the PCM resets could cause drivability problems, including the loss of power and improper engagement of the parking pawl.

As of February 2025, Ford had received 366 claims in the U.S. and Canada that may be related to this issue, although no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported.

Next Steps for the Ford PCM Problem

To schedule the recall repair for your 2025 Ford Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Wait for Notification: Ford will send recall notifications to affected owners between May 26 and May 30, 2025.
2. Contact Your Dealer: Once you receive the notification, contact your local Ford dealer to schedule an appointment for the recall repair.

The recall repair involves a free software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which will address the issues related to power loss and parking system malfunctions. This update will be performed at authorized Ford dealerships at no cost to you.

If you experience the same issues after the repair, promptly contact your dealer to report the problem.

The dealer may perform further diagnostics to ensure the PCM and related systems are functioning correctly.

If the issue continues, you may have to escalate to legal remedies, depending on your vehicle’s eligibility.

Repeat Problems? The Lemon Law Experts Can Help!

The recent recall involving the 2025 Ford Explorer highlights how even well-established automakers can face serious challenges when software issues affect critical vehicle systems.

As modern vehicles become increasingly dependent on digital controls, problems like unexpected power loss or parking system malfunctions are becoming more common—and more frustrating for owners who expect reliability and safety.

If your 2025 Ford Explorer continues to experience powertrain issues or related defects after receiving recall repairs, you may have legal options under state lemon law protections.

The Lemon Law Experts have helped countless vehicle owners pursue compensation for cars that repeatedly fail to meet performance or safety standards since 2009.

We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights—contact us today to find out if you may be eligible for a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.