Recall 25V344 affects 156 2025 Ford Explorer, F-150, and Transit vehicles for defective connecting rods. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 156 2025 Explorer, F-150, and Transit vehicles because connecting rod and rod bearing defects can damage the engine and lead to engine failure. A failed engine can stall the vehicle and increase crash risk, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The connecting rod in an affected 2025 Ford Explorer, F-150, or Transit with the 3.5L engine links a piston to the crankshaft. As the piston moves, the rod transfers that force so the crankshaft can turn. The rod bearing helps that movement stay smooth, while the rod cap and bolts hold the assembly together under engine load.
On these engines, a machining tool was installed incorrectly during connecting rod production. The tool made the bolt seating area, called the spot face, out of specification. If the bolt head does not have enough clearance, the rod cap can deform over time and the rod assembly can fatigue. The bearing, bolts, or cap can fail and cause engine damage or engine failure.
Owners would hear a bottom-end knock after a connecting rod bearing failure. That is a heavy knocking sound from low in the engine. If the rod cap or bolts fail first, there is no audible or visual warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers Ford SUV, pickup, and van lines built with the same machined connecting rod.
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford F-150 | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| 2025 Ford Transit | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| Units affected | 156 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Engine damage can lead to engine failure and a stall, which increases the risk of a crash. A bottom end knock can follow a connecting rod bearing failure, but a rod cap or bolt failure gives no warning the driver can see or hear. Schedule the inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford Explorer, F-150, or Transit is included in this recall.
- Use Ford's owner letter mailed August 15, 2025 for repair instructions, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if you did not receive it.
- Ask a franchised Ford dealer about the free connecting-rod inspection and engine long-block replacement that addresses engine damage, engine failure, and stall risk.
- Reference recall number 25V344 and Ford recall 25S55 when you call the dealer.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection or repair is complete. Pull over safely and contact a Ford dealer if the engine stalls or shows signs of failure.
What happens at the repair
Ford has identified the dealer work for this recall. Once the repair opens, a Ford technician will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly if the inspection shows replacement is needed. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related connecting rod, rod bearing, engine damage, or engine failure repair before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts and repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 27, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 27, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 9, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 13, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 15, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V344?
Recall 25V344 covers 156 2025 Ford Explorer, F-150, and Transit vehicles with connecting rod and rod bearing components that have manufacturing defects. Engine damage can lead to engine failure and a stall, increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford Explorer, F-150, or Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V344. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the connecting rod inspection. Reference recall 25V344 or Ford recall 25S55 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to perform the recall repair at no cost. A franchised Ford dealer will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine stall while driving. Ford says damaged connecting rod and rod bearing components can lead to engine damage and engine failure, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.
When were Ford owner letters mailed?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on August 15, 2025. Used vehicles and changed addresses can cause missed mail, so the VIN check is still the deciding step. You can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with recall 25S55.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V344000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V344 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V344000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →