— Ford has recalled its 2025 Explorers because of problems with the powertrain control modules which can reset while driving.
More than 26,000 Explorers are recalled in the U.S. and Canada.
The Explorer can stall while driving, or the park system can be damaged.
Ford says this about the powertrain control module (PCM) problems:
"A PCM reset while driving may result in the vehicle’s park pawl ratcheting while the vehicle is in motion, potentially damaging the pawl or other park system components if the vehicle is traveling at speeds greater than 10 miles per hour. Customers may also experience temporary loss of vehicle acceleration during a reset, or a loss of motive power in the event of 8 consecutive resets in the span of 18 seconds."
According to Ford, an Explorer could roll away if the electronic parking brake is not engaged.
In December 2024, Ford found 293 warranty claims about a diagnostic trouble code being set in 2025 Explorers, and some of the claims referenced problems driving and incidents of reduced power.
As of February 26, 2025, Ford is aware of 366 Explorer warranty claims that may relate to this issue in the U.S. and Canada. But there are no known reports about transmission park system damage, and no crash or injury reports.
Ford expects to mail Explorer recall letters May 26, 2025, then dealers will update the powertrain control module software.
Ford Explorer owners may contact Ford at 866-436-7332 and ask about powertrain control module recall number 25S35.