Ford Explorer Recalls

The Ford Explorer has 198 recalls spanning the 1991 through 2027 model years; the most serious recent issue affects 2025 models where the transmission valve body can cause the vehicle to roll forward when reverse or neutral is selected, and a separate powertrain control module reset can damage the park system and allow an unintended rollaway.

The 2025 and 2026 Explorer carry a dense cluster of powertrain, engine, and safety issues. On 2025 models, the engine may fail outright on certain 2.3L-equipped vehicles due to connecting rod and bearing defects, and the EGR valve can fail and cut drive power without warning. Loose front brake caliper bolts on 2025 vehicles can cause total front brake loss. A transmission cross-member bolt may be loose on 2025 models, leaving the transmission improperly secured. The 2025 hybrid models also have a software error that can silence the pedestrian warning sound at low speeds. On 2026 models, engine piston circlips may be installed incorrectly, leading to engine failure, and a separate cylinder head defect can cause an oil leak near hot exhaust components, raising the risk of a fire. The 2026 windshield may not be properly bonded and can detach in a crash, and the HVAC system can fail and leave the defroster inoperative.

The 2024 and 2025 Explorer share a recall for loose trailer hitch bolts that can cause loss of vehicle control or trailer separation while towing. On 2024 models with the 2.3L engine and 10-speed transmission, a powertrain control module reset while driving can damage the park system and allow a rollaway. The 2024 hybrid has a 12-volt battery cable that can chafe against the starter-generator and short-circuit, raising fire risk. Multiple rearview camera failures affect 2020 through 2024 models, including a flipping or inverted image, a blank display, and a video output failure on 360-degree camera systems. The 2022 and 2023 Explorer can have a loose transmission bolt that prevents the gear from engaging park, and 2022 models have a fuel filler tube that can detach in a crash and leak fuel.

The 2020 through 2022 generation has a particularly heavy recall concentration. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture on 2020 to 2022 models, causing the driveshaft to disconnect, loss of drive power, and potential rollaway; this repair was attempted multiple times across separate campaigns because earlier fixes did not fully resolve the issue. The 2020 to 2022 high-voltage battery on plug-in hybrid models can develop an internal short circuit that causes battery failure, power loss, or fire. On 2020 to 2022 police-package vehicles, an engine failure can release oil and fuel vapor near hot components and cause an engine compartment fire. The 2020 to 2021 right motor mount fasteners may loosen over time, allowing the axle to disconnect from the engine. A wiring harness on 2020 models with 2.3L or 3.3L engines can contact the air conditioning compressor pulley and short-circuit against the battery positive wire, creating a fire risk. The 2020 engine fuel lines can chafe against each other when the protective sleeve is too short, and the driveshaft can fracture at the weld seam on 2020 all-wheel-drive models. Seat belt anchor bolts across multiple seating positions