NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford Explorer scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 20 recalls, and 83 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford Explorer achieved a Safety Index score of 76 out of 100, positioning it in the Average safety band. This score represents a notable four-point decrease from the 2024 model year's 80 out of 100 Strong rating. While the Explorer maintains strong crash-test results, its safety profile is significantly impacted by 18 recall campaigns.
The 2025 Ford Explorer holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford Explorer ranks 146 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 20 |
| Owner complaints | 83 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 146 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Eighteen recall campaigns severely impacted the 2025 Ford Explorer's overall safety standing, dropping its Safety Index to 76/100. This places it four points below the 2024 model year's 80/100 Strong rating. While the vehicle achieved 5-star ratings from NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side crash protection, earning 66 out of 70 points for crashworthiness, and its standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control secured a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, the defect record received 0 out of 20 points. These recalls address significant structural and safety concerns, including potential engine failure, second-row seat belt anchor integrity, and headlight software affecting the Dynamic Bending Light system. Additionally, 83 owner complaints were filed, with 12 specifically citing issues within the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a feature rated as standard equipment. The decline in the 2025 Ford Explorer's Safety Index is directly attributable to its extensive recall and defect record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Explorer perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford Explorer achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection categories. Frontal and side impact tests both yielded perfect 5-star scores. The vehicle's rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars indicates a 15 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip-test recorded no tip. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20051
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes, the 2025 Ford Explorer carries 18 recall campaigns. Named component areas include internal engine hard parts with a potential engine failure risk, back-over prevention software, second-row seat belt anchor bolts, Dynamic Bending Light headlight software, and an EGR valve emissions-control issue. Shoppers should verify remedy status for all 18 campaigns by VIN before purchase or operation.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST26V470000
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Reported 2026-07-21
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notif
Reported 2026-07-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V343000
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became
Reported 2026-05-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V165000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/
Reported 2026-03-19
SEAT BELTS26V159000
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS26V121000
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)26V122000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD25V730000
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-24
TRAILER HITCHES25V687000
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS25V543000
Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may co
Reported 2025-08-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V344000
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.
Reported 2025-06-13
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Reported 2025-06-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Owners have filed 83 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Explorer. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (16 reports), Unknown or Other (15), Power Train (15), Service Brakes (13), Forward Collision Avoidance (12), and Visibility and Wipers (8). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
83 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Explorer?
Any used 2025 Explorer shopper should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With 18 open campaigns spanning engine, seat belt, headlight, and software systems, confirming which remedies have been completed at a Ford dealership is the single most important safety step for this model year.
- The 2025 Explorer's Safety Index dropped four points to 76/100 Average from the 2024 model year's 80/100 Strong, driven entirely by a defect record score of 0 out of 20 points tied to 18 recall campaigns.
- A recall covering certain 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles targets second-row seat belt anchor bolts, making this a safety-critical campaign that spans a broad production range and applies directly to the 2025 model year.
- A separate recall addresses potential engine failure in certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles, which represents a risk serious enough that shoppers should confirm remedy completion before driving any unverified example.
- Twelve of the 83 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA specifically allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a notable concentration in a component category that is listed as standard safety equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Explorer places
The 2025 Ford Explorer qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford Explorer safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford Explorer crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford Explorer, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Ford Explorer crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Ford Explorer earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 20 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Explorer?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 83 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Explorer years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20051), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 146 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.