Research · 2 NHTSA variants

2025 Ford Explorer HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes (1). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2026
Owner complaints
2
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: external

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.

Back over preventionReported Jun 30, 2026NHTSA 26V415000

Back over prevention: external

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.

Back over preventionReported Oct 10, 2025NHTSA 25V691000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Service brakes1
  2. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20204
20217
20221
20232
20248
20252
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

1 report
“Brake system Fault - no power assist. While the Deputy was driving his vehicle every light on the dash lit up and it said all systems were not working. He stated that only brakes he had were the regenerative brakes for the electric motors. He stated that he turned the car off for 10 minutes and everything worked again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and they are looking to replace the ABS HCU on this vehicle. Additionally we have a second one that was purchased around the same time as this one with similar issues of no power assist brakes.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026Service brakesODI 11744180
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Explorer HEV SUV RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 20051Vehicle 20050
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2025 Explorer Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026