Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Apr 30, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
16%
of 92 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1
What this page shows
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2025 Ford Explorer submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming powertrain
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 30, 2026
Hybrid Fault - Service charging system fault displayed. Verified concern. Hooked up IDS and checked for codes. Multiple codes in multiple modules present for engine restart, battery, and low voltage conditions. Hooked up Ford battery tester and performed battery test on both the 12-volt main and auxiliary batteries - main 12-volt battery failed at 70cca. Received warranty code: 11VBE9140L3K and ACES code: HG1HR. Replaced 12-volt main battery and reassembled vehicle. Performed BMS reset, cleared codes, and retest, OK.
NHTSA ID
11734783
Incident
Mar 26, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 30, 2026
2025 Hybrid PIU/Explorer) for a CEL with PCM codes P0A1E:00:A8 for a starter/generator control module fault.
NHTSA ID
11734781
Incident
Mar 31, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 30, 2026
Vehicle shut down while driving. Stop safely now, red triangle on IC, and engine disabled. PCM code P1A0C:00:28 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module - Engine Disabled.
NHTSA ID
11734777
Incident
Mar 18, 2026
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 3, 2026
On March 2nd 2026, while operating my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speeds of approximately 78 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded shift from Drive into Neutral. This resulted in an immediate and total loss of motive power in live traffic, creating a life-threatening safety hazard as I was unable to maintain speed or accelerate away from surrounding vehicles. Notably, the dashboard displayed no warning lights, wrench icons, or error messages during or after the event. I was forced to coast across lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. This is the 7th significant warranty-related issue this vehicle has experienced since purchase in May 2025, representing a substantial impairment to the vehicle's safety, use, and market value under Wisconsin Lemon Law.
NHTSA ID
11721660
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 2, 2026
Parked vehicle on snowy driveway, went to back to unload personal items from liftgate, and vehicle began sliding backwards towards me. Ran to the driver‘s door, got in, put on brakes, started vehicle and pulled it forward. Put it in park, and as I was exiting the vehicle, it began sliding backwards again. Rear wheels were locked. However, the front wheels were rolling. Apparently the transmission park pawl did not engage. I took pictures of the tires after the last roll. Front tracks show clear tread in the snow (rolling); rear show lines and pushed show (sliding)
NHTSA ID
11708298
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Dec 2, 2025
I would need to change many more of the points on the top, see report.
NHTSA ID
11702573
Incident
Nov 10, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 29, 2025
Stopped at traffic light when changed to green pushed on the gas started to roll backwards . Got it stopped and pushed on gas would barely go sounded like transmission slipping. Finally got it thru the stoplight and it started again. Got it home called local dealership took it in and have to take it back Friday morning at 8. Scary!
NHTSA ID
11696347
Incident
Oct 29, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 14, 2025
My 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is up to date on recalls as of October 7, 2025. However, I am still experiencing engine "shudder" and hesitation at low RPMs (between idle and 1500 RPM) when accelerating. The 10 speed transmission is also continuing to shift harshly at times. I am very concerned that the hesitation and shudder could be an issue when pulling out into traffic. By comparison, my previous 2017 Explorer did not exhibit this behavior, whichh I consider disconcerting. Also, this car (and all 2025 Explorer models ) injects Fake Engine Noise into the audio speakers to make the 2.5L engine sound more powerful. These fake "bass tones" are disturbing to some passengers with hearing aides, and per Ford's website there is no way to disable the fake noise. Thus, some people with a hearing disability cannot ride in my car without removing their hearing aides. It should be unacceptable to not be able to disable that feature. Note updated form dated 8/1/25 states Fake Noise cannot be turned off.
NHTSA ID
11693380
Incident
Oct 7, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 2, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported
Automatic Return To Park safety feature failed to stop vehicle from forward rolling causing vehicle to crash into open garage. The drivers door hit side of garage frame, closing onto my left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.
NHTSA ID
11684602
Incident
Aug 29, 2025
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 9, 2025
VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility While the 2025 Ford Explorer is recalled,this model for 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility has additional incomplete issues to be reported by NHTSA. As officers on duty should turn these models in to the nearest Ford dealer for competition of the following: 2025 Police Interceptor - Utility Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete This RECALL is a IMMEDIATE Report for any on duty peace officer assigned to these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11679493
Incident
Aug 8, 2025
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 9, 2025
As ZERO Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 shows Unrepaired Recalls associated with 2025 Explorer. Please BROADCAST...THE FOLLOWING.. 2025 Explorer Safety Recalls* Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors Recall incomplete Accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image Recall incomplete Missing dashboard air bag warning label Recall incomplete Transmission cross member bolt torque Recall incomplete Powertrain control module pcm reprogram Recall incomplete Front subframe bolt torque check Recall incomplete Front brake caliper bolt inspection Recall incomplete Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Connecting rod inspection Recall incomplete While the investor is being held up by the DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, he is awaiting in Ogden, UT for the release of funding to help fix this list of reported RECALL and alerts. By providing engineers with the held and pending release of notes/bills being paused without explanation by the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. As the close of stock options supports the claim for legitimate use and collect my MECCA EXPRESS INC TR, as trustee for collecting funding for these issues. Please BROADCAST..... and advise owners of this vehicle type to stop driving them ASAP as Powertrain control module pcm reprogram, and Missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors. May cause engine failure at HIGH MPH during high RPM on highway and road ways. Potential stall is possible, PLEASE REPORT ASAP. For safety international!
NHTSA ID
11679479
Incident
Aug 8, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 18, 2025
After the Ford recall software update, the gear shifter will turn itself out of park and either into drive or reverse. The software update was in regards to the PCM resetting itself. We took it to the Ford dealer and because they can not duplicate the problem, the truck was returned to us. it has happened to us more than once and it is very alarming. I have two children on top of other children in the neighborhood. I don't trust this truck to stay in park even with it off at this point.
NHTSA ID
11667778
Incident
May 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jun 3, 2025
Vehicle has 5700 miles on it. At roughly 3000 miles I noticed a clunk or tension thud at speeds under 12 mph, both moving forward and in reverse. Brought the vehicle to the dealer and was told it was unsafe to drive. Thus far they have replaced strut mount bushings and have told me the transmission mount was loose and that they have not been able to determine why. My impression is the transmission mount is a significant safety issue in that the vehicle could loose power and subsequent control at any time if the connection worsened or just happened again.
NHTSA ID
11664553
Incident
Apr 9, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed through a drive-thru, the Auto Hold feature was activated, but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The contact opened the front driver's side door, causing the transmission to inadvertently shift to park (P), and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle failed to restart until a tow truck driver had disconnected and reconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who updated the software for the SYNC module (APIM), gear shift module, powertrain control module (PCM), and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, as well as an oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 8,967.
NHTSA ID
11650709
Incident
Mar 20, 2025
Mileage
8,967 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2024
We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.
NHTSA ID
11629443
Incident
Nov 23, 2024
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own