Explorer is more than just a car—it’s your trusty sidekick for family road trips, grocery runs, or maybe even some off-road adventures. But even the best vehicles hit a bump now and then, and Ford has flagged some issues with recent recalls. No need to panic—I’ve got you covered with the latest scoop on what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your ride safe. Let’s dive in!
Why Do Recalls Happen, Anyway?
Recalls sound scary, but they’re just Ford’s way of saying, “Oops, we found a glitch, and we’re fixing it for free!” They team up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spot potential safety issues and make sure your Explorer stays reliable. Whether it’s a loose part or a software hiccup, Ford’s got a plan to sort it out, and it won’t cost you a dime. The trick is staying in the know and acting fast when a recall pops up.
Below, I’ll walk you through the most recent Ford Explorer recalls in 2025, explain what’s going on, and share some easy steps to keep your SUV in tip-top shape.
The Latest Ford Explorer Recalls in 2025
1. 2016-2017 Ford Explorer: That Pesky Windshield Trim
Picture this: you’re cruising along, and suddenly the trim piece along your windshield decides to make a break for it. Not cool, right? Ford’s recalling 492,145 Explorers from 2016 and 2017 because the A-pillar trim retention clips (that’s the plastic piece by the windshield) might come loose and fly off. This could be a hazard for other drivers and up the risk of a crash.
What’s the deal? The clips holding the trim in place aren’t sticking as they should.
How’s Ford fixing it? They’ll check the trim and replace it for free at your local dealer.
What can you do? Ford will send you a letter, but you can get ahead of it by checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Ford’s recall site or the NHTSA website. Got questions? Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and mention recall 25S53. Easy peasy!
2. 2025 Ford Explorer: Engine Stalling Woes
If you’ve got a shiny new 2025 Ford Explorer, listen up. Ford’s recalling 24,655 vehicles because of a glitch in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—basically, the brain of your engine. This glitch could cause the engine to stall while you’re driving or mess with the parking system, which might let your car roll if you don’t use the parking brake.
What’s the issue? A software bug in the PCM can make it reset unexpectedly, stalling the engine or affecting the park gear.
What’s the fix? Dealers will update the PCM software and fix any transmission damage, all on Ford’s dime.
What should you do? Look out for a letter from Ford between May 26 and May 30, 2025. Until then, always use your electronic parking brake when you park. Check your VIN online or call Ford at 1-866-436-7332, mentioning recall 25S35. Better safe than sorry!
3. 2020-2022 Ford Explorer: Driveshaft Drama (Round Two)
Some 2020-2022 Explorers are getting a second look under recalls 23V-199 or 22V-255. The problem? A rear axle mounting bolt that might break, causing the driveshaft to disconnect. That could lead to your car rolling away or losing power while driving—definitely not what you want on a busy highway.
What’s going on? Earlier repairs didn’t fully fix the bolt issue, so Ford’s stepping in again.
How’s it getting fixed? A free PCM software update at your dealer should do the trick.
What can you do? Ford will mail letters by April 24, 2025. Until then, use that parking brake every time. Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and mention recall 25S22, or check your VIN online.
4. 2020-2021 Ford Explorer: Seat Belt Snag
Safety first, right? Ford’s recalling some 2020-2021 Explorers because the seat belt buckle anchor bolts might not be tight enough. If those bolts are loose, your seat belts might not do their job in a crash, and that’s a big deal.
What’s the problem? Loose bolts could weaken how well seat belts hold you in place.
What’s the fix? Dealers will check and replace any faulty seat belt parts for free.
What should you do? Expect a letter from Ford by March 31, 2025. In the meantime, check your VIN or call Ford at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall 25S09.
5. 2023 Ford Explorer: Camera and Engine Troubles
If you drive a 2023 Ford Explorer, you might be dealing with a couple of issues:
Rearview Camera Glitch: About 2,866 vehicles have a faulty wire harness that can make the rearview camera show a blank blue screen instead of what’s behind you. That’s not just annoying—it doesn’t meet safety standards. Dealers will inspect and fix the harness for free, with letters mailed on November 2, 2023.
Engine Fire Risk: A leaky turbocharger oil supply line in Explorers with 2.3L GTDI engines could cause a fire or stall your engine. Ford notified owners on September 8, 2023, and dealers will replace the line at no cost.
How to Check If Your Explorer Is Affected
Not sure if your Explorer’s on the recall list? No worries—it’s super easy to find out:
Grab Your VIN: This 17-digit code is on your registration, insurance card, or the driver’s side door jamb.
Check Online: Pop your VIN into Ford’s recall page or the NHTSA’s recall site to see if your vehicle’s flagged.
Call Ford: Dial 1-866-436-7332 or chat with your local dealer for help. They’re there to make this painless!
Tips to Keep Your Explorer Road-Ready
Don’t Wait Around: If you get a recall notice, book that dealer appointment ASAP. It’s free, and it keeps you and your passengers safe.
Hit the Parking Brake: For any recalls tied to rollaway risks (like the driveshaft or PCM issues), make it a habit to use your electronic parking brake every time you park.
Stay in the Loop: Recalls can pop up anytime, so check your VIN every few months on Ford’s or NHTSA’s websites. You can also sign up for alerts through the FordPass app.
Keep Track: Save records of any recall repairs, especially if you might sell your Explorer down the road.
Why This Matters to Us Explorer Fans
Your Ford Explorer is probably a big part of your life—whether it’s hauling kids to soccer practice or tackling a weekend adventure. These recalls are Ford’s way of making sure your SUV stays as dependable as you need it to be. From loose trim to engine hiccups, these issues are fixable, but it’s on us as owners to take action.
So, don’t let those recall notices gather dust in your mailbox. Check your VIN, make a quick call, or swing by your dealer to keep your Explorer running smoothly. Got a recall story to share? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you handled it! Let’s keep our Explorers safe and ready for the road ahead.
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