- The 2025 Ford Explorer is being recalled due to faulty powertrain control module (PCM) software that could reset and cause issues.
- Along with a potential power loss, it could damage the SUV’s parking pawl, which could prevent the transmission from going into Park.
- Owners will need to have their vehicles inspected by a dealer, who will update the PCM software and fix the transmission if necessary.
Ford is recalling 24,655 copies of the 2025 Explorer due to an issue that can cause the mid-size SUV to lose power or not go into park. The problem stems from faulty powertrain control module (PCM) software, which can cause the module to intermittently reset and potentially cause multiple problems.The recall affects 2025 Ford Explorers equipped with the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to the recall report Ford submitted on April 11, 2025, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem involves 100 percent of the aforementioned models built between Dec. 6, 2023, and Sept. 6, 2025.Michael Simari|Car and DriverIf the PCM resets while driving, Ford says the SUV’s park pawl can ratchet, which could damage the pawl and other parking-related components if the vehicle speed is over 10 mph. That type of damage could prevent the transmission from going into Park, and unless the electronic parking brake is engaged (it does so automatically but can be manually disengaged), the Explorer could roll away. Another possible issue is that the driver could momentarily not be able to accelerate or even lose power altogether if there are eight or more consecutive resets within 18 seconds. Ford has already notified its dealerships about the recall, and owners will be notified via mail by May 30, 2025. Owners will need to take their vehicle into the dealer to have their PCM software updated. The dealer will also inspect the transmission, and if there’s any damage, it will be fixed free of charge.Other Ford RecallsEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: caranddriver.com
