Ford Explorer Complaints (2025)

95 consumer complaints on file.

#11703761December 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
We purchased a 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD and had a couple of issues with it. Twice when starting the car, foot on brake and when putting it into D the brake pedal drops a notch. It had some error codes as well and OF Course the dealer could find anything wrong. So we trade it in in less than a month for this model 2025 Ford Explorer Active 4WD. The brake has done the same thing to me twice. We purchased this second vehicle on 10/31/2025. Today was the second time this happened. It happened approximately a week ago as well. It's always when putting it into Drive. I have never ever owned a vehicle where the brakes fall a bit...has a rough notch as it falls!! It does not fall to the floor, it is as though a firm brake pedal just falls an inch or so and it's rough, like it's broken. After it happens I drive very slowly and carefully to make sure my brakes are still working. Not normal by any circumstances and the best I can describe this. We drove three Explorers before choosing this one and all three, four with other one purchased the brakes felt different! Brakes should not feel softer or firmer on new vehicles. Our dealer is about 50 miles away and I can almost guarantee they will not find anything because they can't or won't be able to reproduce it as it only happens once in a great while. Like I mentioned, today 12/8/2025 is the second time this has occured on this second Explorer. They would need to drive it everyday for weeks on end and only while putting it Drive as it hasn't happened in Reverse on either vehicle. I do use the park brake while at home, but all times this occured the park brake was not being used and on a flat level surface. Very scary driving a new vehicle around not knowing what is going to go wrong with it especially with brakes! We should feel SAFE in our newly.purchased vehicles. I sure hope Ford figures these issues out before someone gets hurt or dies.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703576December 7, 2025
SEATS
My wife found an article about this, so I guess it happens to other people as well. I will leave the link that she sent to me in this report. To put it very simple there seems to be a problem with the seat, memory module in the door of some Ford Explorers. So many times when my wife has had to move my car from the driveway she gets in the car. She pushes the number two button for her seat settings, and she begins to drive the car. While the car is in motion, at any random interval, the seat will reset to my position without any notice. This means the seat begins to move while the car is in motion. In our case, I am about a foot and a half taller than her so when the seat goes back to my position, even though she’s driving, she can no longer reach the brake. Several times while in motion she has had to just hit the power button and shut the car off. This is bad for the car, but it is also best for her safety. I can see this situation causing an accident. It seems Ford knows about it, and they have fixed it in some cars, however until it happens to you I don’t think you’re going to be aware of the problem if you’re moving quickly, it could be a huge problem. I think this is something that Ford needs to address with expediency Here is the article where she found a similar experience of another customer online [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703494December 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the FordPass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. NHTSA still shows Recall 25V543 as incomplete, involving BCM soldering defects that can cause trailer taillamp failure, electrical malfunctions, HVAC issues, mirror/window failures, power outlet issues, and other safety-related electrical problems. The dealer has not scheduled the repair despite parts being listed as available. Ford Motor Company and the dealer have not provided any recall history, OASIS report, repair documentation, or explanation for why multiple recalls disappeared. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may have unresolved electrical or lighting defects that were not properly repaired or were prematurely marked as closed after a software update. The issue has not been resolved, and Ford has not responded to multiple requests.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703488December 6, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a large black box on the interior windshield surrounding the rearview mirror. This box blocks the defrost on the windshield, causing ice buildup on the windshield in this area thus causing ice buildup on the windshield wipers. This causes the windshield wipers to be ineffective at removing water, snow, slush, - whatever debris is on the windshield from being removed greatly decreasing visibility in freezing temperatures. I first noticed this when it started to get cold and my windshield wipers were making a strange noise. I got out of the car to see what was going on with the windshield and noticed the ice building up at the top middle of the windshield. As I drove, and the temperatures dropped, the top half of my windshield where this black box is iced up causing my windshield wipers to be ineffective on about the top half of my windshield. This greatly reduced visibility in already reduced visibility driving conditions. This was not just ice on the windshield. It was very obviously accumulating where this box is, due to ineffective defrost of the windshield.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703370December 5, 2025
STEERING
When making a turn or going around curves the steering does not return to center and sticks in whatever direction you are turning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703309December 5, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 V Battery continues to die and I've had the car less than a year. On [XXX] the battery was dead. Our neighbor put it on his supercharger. On [XXX] the 12V battery low light came on while I was driving 30 miles away. It went off the next day and reappeared on Thursday [XXX] disappeared on Friday and back on Saturday. I called the Future Ford on Monday and technician [XXX] said it only showed 15% charge. I took it in to the dealership and it was kept over night and the next day he said it was charged to 90%. I was not happy with the "you can come and get it". I told him I'm a [XXX] and bought this car so I wouldn't breakdown and now I don't feel safe with it. He checked the charge again while we were on the phone and he said it dropped to 80%. He said thats not good it will probably need a new battery. That evening he text and said it is fully charged and I can come get it without a new battery. I was not happy as I've received no reason for why it was losing charge. So I did some research on my on and text him back that evening. I told him about my research and found this was an ongoing problem and that they need to find out what is causing the draining issue. I'm sure the dealership had to know as there was a recall for this issue. I suggested a Parasitic test, or software glitch issues to check. He said they would run the parasitic test.. He said it would take several days. I checked back on 12/4/25 and he said No Progress today. I told him I want a copy of all the test run. Wouldn't you know it he gets right back to me saying a handful of modules need updated software. That they will attend them this morning. I think they were trying to get out of the fix as my warranty runs out this month. Why are only certain vehicles being recalled (mine not one of them), when they all should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702573December 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN, STEERING, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I would need to change many more of the points on the top, see report.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701973November 29, 2025
STEERING
-EPAS malfunctioning and is available for inspection. -Steering sticks in turns and requires too much effort to return to center causing me to overcorrect which causes the steering to stick in the opposite direction and so on. This is not consistent or predictable Also The car is constantly drifting left to right and requires constant corrections to maintain center. -I replicated the issue with the dealer in the car. Dealer said the other car drove the same so there was nothing they could do. -only the dealer has looked at it -no warning lamps present at this time -i have videos that show the car taking turns on a mountain pass and I am able to let go of the wheel and the car continues to turn. Without steering assist features activated. It should at least try to center on its own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701444November 25, 2025
STEERING
Steering drifts to left and will not return to center with out darting to the right when correcting , a constant movement back and forth to keep it in your lane !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699522November 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
“I rented vehicle VIN [XXX] from Budget Rental Car in Panama City Beach, FL (Reservation #XXX, Rental Agreement XXX). I later discovered the vehicle had an unrepaired federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V543 / Manufacturer Recall 25C42) involving the Body Control Module. Budget never informed me of the recall at any time. On November 11, 2025, when I attempted to extend my rental, the representative told me the vehicle had been ‘sold’ and must be returned within two days. When I attempted to exchange it on November 12–13 at three different Budget locations in Lansing, MI, they refused to take the vehicle, stating it had a safety recall and should not have been rented out. Only after this did I check the VIN myself and learn of the safety recall. The recall affects multiple electrical and visibility-related components: trailer lights, interior lights, mirrors, windows, rear defroster, USB/12V ports, and HVAC systems. These issues can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash. While driving the vehicle, I experienced visibility problems. The windows fogged up severely, and the defroster did not operate properly. As a result, I was unable to see an animal that entered the roadway and unfortunately struck it. There is now damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle. This visibility impairment aligns with the Body Control Module recall defects described by NHTSA. This vehicle should not have been rented to any customer, especially with the remedy unavailable until late 2025. I am reporting this because an unrepaired safety recall vehicle placed into active rental service directly resulted in a visibility hazard and an unavoidable collision while I was driving.” I did not make it back in time to return the vehicle yesterday 11/14/2025 I am finishing up this report and on my way to Budget in Panama City Beach Florida to return it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698333November 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ever since the last recall got resolved the car has failed to go into the gear it’s set to. Such as it fails to go in park when you shift it into park. This is a serious issue as I have now almost rear ended cars in parking lots a few times because of this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697145November 3, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
See Attached Repair Order
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696347October 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Stopped at traffic light when changed to green pushed on the gas started to roll backwards . Got it stopped and pushed on gas would barely go sounded like transmission slipping. Finally got it thru the stoplight and it started again. Got it home called local dealership took it in and have to take it back Friday morning at 8. Scary!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696173October 28, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Three times in 5 months since purchasing our 2025 Ford Explorer, all dash lights will come on while driving and vehicle will come to a stop. Braking pressure is reduced greatly and then vehicle will not continue in forward or reverse. Multiple restart attempts will allow the vehicle to move under 5 MPH but will brake hard to a stop if it goes over 5MPH. Two different dealerships have inspected and preformed the same software updates Ford is recommending and its not fixing the issue. Ford is refusing to do anything about it at this time because they claim the software update is as far as they are allowed to go in diagnoses. I have a Ford Case #XXX
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693380October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is up to date on recalls as of October 7, 2025. However, I am still experiencing engine "shudder" and hesitation at low RPMs (between idle and 1500 RPM) when accelerating. The 10 speed transmission is also continuing to shift harshly at times. I am very concerned that the hesitation and shudder could be an issue when pulling out into traffic. By comparison, my previous 2017 Explorer did not exhibit this behavior, whichh I consider disconcerting. Also, this car (and all 2025 Explorer models ) injects Fake Engine Noise into the audio speakers to make the 2.5L engine sound more powerful. These fake "bass tones" are disturbing to some passengers with hearing aides, and per Ford's website there is no way to disable the fake noise. Thus, some people with a hearing disability cannot ride in my car without removing their hearing aides. It should be unacceptable to not be able to disable that feature. Note updated form dated 8/1/25 states Fake Noise cannot be turned off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692908October 12, 2025
WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The carpet on the wheel wells is not functional. We live out on a ranch on a dirt road and when it rains the mud gets stuck on the carpet and weighs is down. This can cause more damage to the vehicle. We took it in to a dealership and they said there was nothing they could do until the carpet gets ripped off. When we bought an expensive 4x4 vehicle we expected it to be sturdy enough to not have to worry about mud (especially when the car has a built in mud feature).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691497October 5, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While traveling down the road - not turning or braking - several alerts and alarms started flashing on the driver dashboard on my 2025 Explorer. At this time, I completely lost the ability to slow the car down. The digital emergency brake made no changes to the braking ability. I was able to eventually able to get the vehicle to slow down by engine torquing and turning. I reached out to my local dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they told me to call Ford Roadside Assistance immediately. They contracted a local towing agency, and they promptly towed the vehicle to that dealership. I was able to take a movie of the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690936October 2, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driving to park in garage and camera system came on the display screen, non-functional, displaying a black screen and message with "There's an issue with your camera system" - please see dealer for service. *This has happened twice, once on [XXX] at 9pm and a 2nd time [XXX] at 840pm. So far, as of writing this on 10/2 it has not repeated. Took car to dealership to inspect and codes were evident in system. Dealership investigating (10/2/25 at 1004 AM) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685659September 8, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Bought my new 2025 explorer an 2 days laterits been parked I noticed a craked on the windshield there is no rock ship nor nothing hit it but i did notice theres 2 cracks on the top black part of windshield where it just out of nowhere keeps cracking down took it to safelite an they said thats a Defect on the windshield
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685537September 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The expansive and overly complicated electronic display has moving menu buttons. By that I mean when you use a feature such as the heated seats or radio source and make a choice, the next time you go there to change something the buttons are in a different order with the previous choice showing first. The radio source actually moves the entire menu to another part of the screen. You have to take your attention off the road for far too long to find what you are looking for. The 2025 Explorer has a very dangerous electronic display that requires far too much attention. As stated, some buttons change location, others are too small to see. The cruise control display is minuscule and mixed in with other display components when there is far more than enough unused space on the screen for larger graphics. I'm sure Ford will use the excuse to use voice controls, but the system is slow and gets it wrong half of the time. In my opinion Ford should be forced to change all of this and send software updates to all affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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