What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Explorer?

**Service Brakes** and **Powertrain** issues are critical concerns, with multiple complaints and recalls highlighting potential failures.

How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?

The 2025 Ford Explorer currently has 33 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a good buy used?

Verdict: Proceed with caution. **Service Brakes** and **Powertrain** issues are critical concerns, with multiple complaints and recalls highlighting potential failures. Electrical system glitches, including infotainment and instrument cluster failures, are frequent and can impact driver awareness. Despite a 5-star overall safety rating, early-life failures are common, suggesting a need for thorough pre-purchase inspections. With 33 recalls, buyers must meticulously verify that all outstanding safety campaigns, especially those affecting critical systems, have been addressed. The 'Below Average' reliability verdict suggests potential for higher-than-average repair costs and ownership headaches. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2025 Ford Explorer.

2025 Ford Explorer Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026Daniel Wilson3 Critical Recalls

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

Service Brakes and Powertrain issues are critical concerns, with multiple complaints and recalls highlighting potential failures.
Electrical system glitches, including infotainment and instrument cluster failures, are frequent and can impact driver awareness.
Despite a 5-star overall safety rating, early-life failures are common, suggesting a need for thorough pre-purchase inspections.
With 33 recalls, buyers must meticulously verify that all outstanding safety campaigns, especially those affecting critical systems, have been addressed.

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Overview

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer presents a mixed ownership proposition. While it earns a strong 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, its reliability is a notable concern, earning a 'Below Average' verdict. With 33 recalls and 89 complaints, potential buyers must be aware of recurring issues. The 3.0L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission offer adequate performance, achieving 20 MPG combined. However, the high number of recalls and frequent, severe complaints, particularly regarding braking, powertrain, and electrical systems, indicate potential long-term ownership risks and possible high repair costs.

Critical Failure Risk

Intermittent or complete failure of infotainment and instrument cluster screens. Malfunctions in the forward collision avoidance system.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$2,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls33

Service Bulletins0

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

Electrical System11

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Savvy shoppers who prioritize safety ratings and are willing to undertake rigorous pre-purchase inspections, particularly focusing on brake and electrical systems, might consider this model if priced attractively.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience or those unwilling to invest time and money in thorough inspections and potential repairs should look elsewhere.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Ford Explorer Reliability Analysis

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type: Regular
Transmission: Automatic (S10)
Drivetrain: Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Body Style: Suv
EPA Combined MPG: 20

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Most Common Issues

1. Electrical System

Most reported

Usage: 11 reports

2. Powertrain

Usage: 10 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter)

Est. shop cost: $125 - $175

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist

Complete maintenance schedule (7 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

33 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Full FAQ

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Ford Explorer is 5.5/10. Reliability score is 5.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 33. Owner complaints: 89.

How practical is the 2025 Ford Explorer for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Ford Explorer?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Ford Explorer is 6.2/10. Overall score is 6.2/10 (Mixed). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.4/10. Tuning 5.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Ford Explorer?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $800 - $1200. Repair prediction highlight: Infotainment System Screen (typical at 25,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $800 • Max: $1500).

What engine is in the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Engine specs list 6 • 3.0.

What transmission does the 2025 Ford Explorer use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Ford Explorer, transmission is Automatic (S10). The paired drivetrain is Part-time 4-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Ford Explorer?

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

13 standard and 3 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Ford Explorer?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Ford Explorer, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Ford Explorer use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Ford Explorer, drivetrain is Part-time 4-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S10).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer good for tuning?

Tuning potential is rated 5/10. The 2025 Ford Explorer, especially the ST and Tremor trims, presents a platform with some tuning capabilities, primarily through ECU remappi... Popular platforms: Explorer ST, Explorer Tremor.

What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

Top complaint category: electrical system (11 reports, 12.4% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

This model year has 33 official safety campaigns listed.