Ford is recalling 259 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles for loose transmission cross member bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 259 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles because loose cross member bolts can leave the transmission improperly secured. An unsecured transmission can cause a loss of drive power and raise crash risk, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission crossmember is a structural support under the vehicle that helps hold the transmission in the correct position against the body. The crossmember bolts fasten that support to the vehicle structure. When those bolts are installed and tightened to specification, the transmission stays properly supported as the vehicle starts, shifts, and travels over rough pavement.
On affected 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles, the bolts securing the crossmember were not installed or tightened to specification during assembly. Ford traced the issue to a period when the primary bolt-installation tool was offline and a manual backup process was used. If a bolt was missed or left loose, the crossmember connection is less secure than designed.
Owners can notice a clunking noise while driving over bumps, when launching from a stop, during transmission gear engagement, or during gear shifts. That noise is the warning sign to report to the dealer.
Who's affected?
Ford tied both Explorer and Aviator to the same transmission crossmember bolt, with body structure and automatic transmission components named for each model.
| 2025 Ford Explorer | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | body or structural component |
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 259 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An improperly secured transmission can cause loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. A clunking noise over bumps, during launch, during gear engagement, or during shifts is a warning sign to schedule service soon and drive cautiously until inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free transmission cross-member bolt inspection and repair that secures the transmission.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V020 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the vehicle loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the transmission cross member bolts. If the bolts are loose, missing, or need replacement, the technician replaces the bolts as needed. If the cross member bolts are missing, the technician also replaces the cross member and installs new bolts. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall notice, Ford's reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| January 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 29, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 10, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 10, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V020?
Recall 25V020 covers 259 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with transmission cross member bolts that can be loose or missing. An improperly secured transmission can cause loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the bolts or cross member for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V020. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the transmission cross member bolt inspection. Reference Ford recall number 25S03 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the transmission cross member bolts and replace the bolts or cross member as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V020?
The safety risk is loss of drive power. Ford says loose or missing transmission cross member bolts can leave the transmission improperly secured, which can cause the vehicle to lose drive power and increase crash risk.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 25V020?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on January 29, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer or Aviator is included before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V020000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V020 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V020000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →