Recall 25V239 affects 24,655 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles because the PCM can reset while driving. Software repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 24,655 2025 Explorer SUVs because the powertrain control module can reset while driving, which can damage the park system or stall the engine. A damaged park system can let the vehicle roll away in park without the parking brake, and an engine stall can cause a sudden loss of drive power; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The powertrain control module software in the 2025 Ford Explorer is the vehicle's computer program for managing engine and transmission behavior. In these Explorers, it also communicates with diagnostic systems that watch for faults while the vehicle is running. That software has to keep the engine, gear selection, and park-related functions coordinated while you drive and shift.
On affected Explorers, an On-Board Diagnostics data-handling feature reacts incorrectly when it sees an unexpectedly small value. That error triggers the powertrain control module to reset while the vehicle is moving. A reset can stall the engine, and it can damage parts of the park system, which is the mechanism that holds or releases the vehicle when Park is selected.
Owners can see a malfunction indicator light, often called a check-engine light, in the instrument cluster. The vehicle can get stuck in Park, refuse to move after a gear is selected, or fail to go into Park; when that happens, the electronic parking brake applies and the wrench light appears.
Who's affected?
| 2025 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 24,655 |
Not every 2025 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged park system can let the Explorer roll away after it is placed in park if the parking brake is not applied. An engine stall while driving can cause a sudden loss of drive power. Watch for a malfunction indicator light, a wrench light, trouble shifting out of Park, or failure to enter Park. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free powertrain control module software update that fixes the PCM reset problem linked to park-system damage and engine stalling.
- Bring any Ford recall notice you received, and reference recall number 25V239 when you call.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park until the software update is complete.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the powertrain control module software on the Explorer. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Ford. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same software remedy before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented costs paid by owners before notification. Bring proof of payment and related repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 11, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 14, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 26, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 26, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 6, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V239?
Recall 25V239 covers 24,655 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles with powertrain control module software that can reset while driving. The reset can damage the park system or cause an engine stall, increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 25V239. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the powertrain control module software update. Reference Ford recall number 25S35 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will update the powertrain control module software free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Explorer before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but the defect creates crash risk. Use the parking brake every time you park. If the SUV stalls, loses drive power, or will not stay parked without the parking brake, stop using it and call a franchised Ford dealer.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 25V239?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on June 6, 2025. If you bought the Explorer used or never received the letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 25S35.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V239000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V239 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V239000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →