Recall 25V316 covers 206 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles with an improperly tightened front subframe bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln recall 25V316 covers 206 2025 Aviator and Explorer vehicles because a front subframe mounting bolt was tightened improperly. A loose bolt can reduce crash performance and increase injury risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front subframe is the structural carrier at the front of the 2025 Aviator and Explorer. It supports major front suspension and steering attachment points, so its mounting bolts need the right clamp load to hold the structure tight against the body.
On these vehicles, one of the six front subframe mounting bolts was installed with a damaged torque tool. The tool had a cracked housing and faulty internal gearing, so it applied less torque than required while sending a passing reading to the plant's error proofing system. A bolt tightened below specification can loosen over time instead of staying locked in place.
If that happens, an owner can hear a clunking or rattle noise from the front suspension. That noise is the warning sign Ford identified before the bolt loosens further.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 related SUV lines tied to the same body or structural bolt and washer.
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 206 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2025 Aviator or Explorer does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose subframe bolt can reduce crash performance and increase the risk of injury. Listen for a clunking or rattle noise from the front suspension, then schedule the inspection soon and describe that noise when you call. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free subframe-bolt inspection and tightening that addresses the improperly tightened front subframe mounting bolt.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 25V316 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the inspection is complete before you leave, and confirm any loose subframe bolt was tightened.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the front subframe mounting bolts and tightens any bolts that were not properly tightened. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for this subframe bolt repair before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Contact Ford Customer Service or bring your repair paperwork to the service desk so the claim can be reviewed under the plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 9, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| May 12, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 21, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V316?
Recall 25V316 covers 206 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles with a front subframe mounting bolt that was tightened improperly. A loose subframe bolt can reduce crash performance and increase injury risk. Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V316. If it is, contact a franchised dealer for your vehicle brand and schedule the subframe bolt inspection. Reference Ford recall number 25S43 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. Dealers will inspect the front subframe bolts and tighten them as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced crash protection. If a front subframe bolt is loose, the vehicle's performance in a crash can be reduced, increasing the risk of injury. The remedy is a dealer inspection and bolt tightening if needed.
When were owners notified about recall 25V316?
Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Aviator or Explorer is included before calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V316000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V316 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V316000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →