There are 10 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorerin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
On March 2nd 2026, while operating my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speeds of approximately 78 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded shift from Drive into Neutral. This resulted in an immediate and total loss of motive power in live traffic, creating a life-threatening safety hazard as I was unable to maintain speed or accelerate away from surrounding vehicles. Notably, the dashboard displayed no warning lights, wrench icons, or error messages during or after the event. I was forced to coast across lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. This is the 7th significant warranty-related issue this vehicle has experienced since purchase in May 2025, representing a substantial impairment to the vehicle's safety, use, and market value under Wisconsin Lemon Law.
Parked vehicle on snowy driveway, went to back to unload personal items from liftgate, and vehicle began sliding backwards towards me. Ran to the driver‘s door, got in, put on brakes, started vehicle and pulled it forward. Put it in park, and as I was exiting the vehicle, it began sliding backwards again. Rear wheels were locked. However, the front wheels were rolling. Apparently the transmission park pawl did not engage. I took pictures of the tires after the last roll. Front tracks show clear tread in the snow (rolling); rear show lines and pushed show (sliding)
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!
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.
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.
As ZERO Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 shows Unrepaired Recalls associated with 2025 Explorer. Please BROADCAST...THE FOLLOWING.. 2025 Explorer Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete While the investor is being held up by the DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, he is awaiting in Ogden, UT for the release of funding to help fix this list of reported RECALL and alerts. By providing engineers with the held and pending release of notes/bills being paused without explanation by the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. As the close of stock options supports the claim for legitimate use and collect my MECCA EXPRESS INC TR, as trustee for collecting funding for these issues. Please BROADCAST..... and advise owners of this vehicle type to stop driving them ASAP as Powertrain control module pcm reprogram, and Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors. May cause engine failure at HIGH MPH during high RPM on highway and road ways. Potential stall is possible, PLEASE REPORT ASAP. For safety international!
VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility While the 2025 Ford Explorer is recalled,this model for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility has additional incomplete issues to be reported by NHTSA. As officers on duty should turn these models in to the nearest Ford dealer for competition of the following: 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete This RECALL is a IMMEDIATE Report for any on duty peace officer assigned to these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After the Ford recall software update, the gear shifter will turn itself out of park and either into drive or reverse. The software update was in regards to the PCM resetting itself. We took it to the Ford dealer and because they can not duplicate the problem, the truck was returned to us. it has happened to us more than once and it is very alarming. I have two children on top of other children in the neighborhood. I don't trust this truck to stay in park even with it off at this point.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed through a drive-thru, the Auto Hold feature was activated, but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The contact opened the front driver's side door, causing the transmission to inadvertently shift to park (P), and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle failed to restart until a tow truck driver had disconnected and reconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who updated the software for the SYNC module (APIM), gear shift module, powertrain control module (PCM), and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, as well as an oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 8,967.
We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026