2025 Ford Explorer Recall: Sudden Power Loss and Rollaway Risk Raise Safety Alarms

Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall affecting 24,655 units of the 2025 Ford Explorer, all of which are equipped with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The recall is due to a defective Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software that can lead to sudden engine power loss while driving or cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly when parked.

What’s the Defect?

Ford’s PCM software may reset without warning, disrupting engine function. This can result in:

  • A temporary but dangerous loss of power while driving

  • A rollaway risk when the vehicle is parked and the electronic parking brake is not engaged

In either scenario, the consequences can be serious—especially in high-traffic areas or on hills.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Ford reported to NHTSA that 100% of 2025 Ford Explorers produced between December 6, 2023, and September 6, 2025 may be affected. If you drive a 2025 Explorer, you should:

  • Contact your local dealership

  • Provide your VIN to verify recall eligibility

  • Get the free software update that Ford has issued as a fix

What If Repairs Don’t Work?

If your Explorer continues to suffer from performance issues, rollaway events, or other driveability problems—even after recall repairs—you may be dealing with a defective vehicle.

Under California’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:

  • A repurchase (buyback) of your defective Ford Explorer

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Or substantial cash compensation

How to Proceed

Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.

Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."

Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.

Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.

🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If you are one of many Ford Explorer owners dealing with dangerous software glitches or repeated power loss, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.

Compensation may include:

  • A complete repurchase of your defective Explorer

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect

If you’re in California and your 2025 Ford Explorer is showing signs of persistent defects, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.

Joshua Valero