Makes›Ford›Explorer›2025

2025 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV, 4dr SUV Hybrid
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
Length
198.8 in
Curb weight
4,458–4,969 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
22 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • 22 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2025 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 14% better than the 2025 standard SUV average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 22 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2025

  • Engine dropped: 3.3L 6-cyl

Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Explorer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.0L turbo 6-cyl
Engine–2.3L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD

Trims

STActiveST-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV198.8 in78.7 in70.1 in119.3 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,458 lb50/50
4dr SUV Hybrid198.8 in78.7 in70.1 in119.3 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,969 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24+14%$2,800377
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+16%$2,900394
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+6%$3,200428
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 210%$3,200425
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 210%$3,200420
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+1%$3,350439
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2025 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.1%
2025 Ford Explorer SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2025 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2025 Ford Explorer (this car)24 MPG★★★★★22
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser23 MPG★★★★★4
2025 Toyota 4Runner23 MPG★★★★★1
2025 Toyota Highlander35 MPG★★★★★4
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPG★★★★★5
2025 Kia Telluride22 MPG★★★★★3
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe36 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (22)

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V470000 · 76,748 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jul 14, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Jun 30, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V415000 · 66,383 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Risk
A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · May 27, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Electrical System › Adas · Mar 18, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V165000 · 254,640 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Risk
Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.
Seat Belts · Mar 17, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · 561 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V121000 · 35,772 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Visibility › Windshield · Oct 24, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V730000 · 56,841 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Risk
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Trailer Hitches · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Risk
While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V691000 · 43,438 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Risk
A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 10, 2025.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Aug 22, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V543000 · 213,121 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Jun 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V344000 · 156 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jun 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · 304,662 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 3, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V371000 · 3 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.
Risk
Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.
Structure › Frame And Members · May 9, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V316000 · 206 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
Risk
A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software · Apr 11, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V239000 · 24,655 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.
Risk
A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S35.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V164000 · 269 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Risk
Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Structure › Frame And Members · Jan 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V020000 · 259 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
Risk
An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Oct 25, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V801000 · 391 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C34.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors · Aug 23, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V634000 · 24 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2025 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

109Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
3,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System22
Unknown Or Other19
Service Brakes19
Power Train16
Visibility/Wiper10
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking9
Steering9
Engine8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 124/12: 425/01: 125/02: 325/03: 425/04: 125/05: 225/06: 625/07: 725/08: 425/09: 425/10: 625/11: 525/12: 1026/01: 426/02: 526/03: 226/04: 726/05: 226/06: 826/07: 326/08: 726/09: 626/10: 724/1025/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2025 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 22 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Service Brakes — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484
2015 Explorer23197.2 inNot rated81,815

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →