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2025 Ford

Explorer RWD

Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2025 Ford Explorer RWD
2025 photoKevautoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026
Transmission
Automatic 10-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026

Engine & performance

HP
300
Power to weight
0.067 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.58

Efficiency

Smog score
6/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
22
Owner complaints
104 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
5

Feature availability

Comfort

  • Heated rear seats
    Package only
  • Heated seatsUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Heated steering wheelUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Leather seatsUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Memory seatUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Panoramic sunroofUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Ventilated seats
    Package only

Audio

  • Bang & Olufsen audioUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Bose audioUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Premium audio (any brand)Unconfirmed
    Package only

Cameras & visibility

  • 360 surround-view camera
    Package only
  • Backup camera
    Standard
  • Head-up display
    Package only
  • Parking sensorsUnconfirmed
    Package only

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise controlUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of Ford Co-Pilot360.
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitorUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Android Auto
    Standard
  • Apple CarPlay
    Standard
  • Keyless entry
    Standard
  • Navigation system
    Standard
  • Power liftgateUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Push-button start
    Standard
  • Remote startUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Third-row seatingUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
    Standard
  • Wireless phone chargingUnconfirmed
    Package only

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlightsUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Roof railsUnconfirmed
    Package only
  • Tow package
    Standalone option

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
  • SERVICE BRAKES11%
  • POWER TRAIN10%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 157 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

161 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54902

    For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous

  • May 30, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2263

    This bulletin supersedes 26-2112. Reason For Update: add 2026 model year vehicles, update LV fluid XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 description to add "Transfer Case Fluid 4WD Only", and update Step 4 to inspect/replace 7H351 and 7B177 outside of this article. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: - No upshift past second gear - Unable to achieve third gear ratio - Illuminated MIL with DTCs P0757 and P2701 This may be due to a dam

  • May 29, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54882

    Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a no crank/no start/discharged battery condition with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) B144D:29, B144E:29, B1555:29, B1556:29 and/or U3003:16 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). The power liftgate may also be inoperative. This may be due to water intrusion into the left and/or right power liftgate motors caused by a loose grommet on the electrical harness at the body pass-through. To correct this condition, install a new power liftgate

  • May 28, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2210

    Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * Engine misfire condition * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0301, P0302, P0303, and/or P0304 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM)

  • May 21, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54857

    2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actu

  • May 19, 2026SUSPENSIONTSB 26-2242

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due

  • May 16, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYSSM 54829

    Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power autofold exterior mirrors may exhibit concerns with the passenger mirror not automatically folding in or out at times, while the driver side mirror automatically folds properly. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM and PDM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool.

  • May 15, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54827

    Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) an

  • and 153 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.