VehicleVerdict

2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Explorer Hybrid years?

Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted7 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 3 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1100%

Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V415000Driver AssistanceJune 30, 2026 · 66,383 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. The remedy is currently under development for all other Nautilus and Explorer Hybrid vehicles affected by this recall. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 03, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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.

25V691000Driver AssistanceOctober 10, 2025 · 43,438 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Brake system Fault - no power assist. While the Deputy was driving his vehicle every light on the dash lit up and it said all systems were not working. He stated that only brakes he had were the regenerative brakes for the electric motors. He stated that he turned the car off for 10 minutes and…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2026

2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.