Recall 25V543 affects 213,121 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because trailer tail lights can fail. Repair is free at franchised Ford dealers.
Ford is recalling 213,121 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles under recall 25V543 because an improperly manufactured body control module can keep trailer tail lights from illuminating while towing. That failure reduces visibility to other drivers and raises crash risk; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Body Control Module C in the 2025 Ford Explorer and Aviator is an electronic control unit that helps run body features, including trailer lighting circuits. When a trailer is connected, the module sends the electrical commands that turn on the trailer tail lights, so drivers behind the trailer can see it in low light or braking traffic.
On affected vehicles, electronic components on the module's printed circuit board were not soldered properly at the supplier's plant. A weak solder joint can interrupt the circuit. When that happens during towing, the trailer tail lights do not illuminate even though the vehicle is connected to the trailer.
Owners have warning signs before the trailer-light problem. Power window or mirror switches can stop working, the air conditioning can blow warm air, or the DC/AC inverter, interior lights, horn alarm, rear defrost, USB charger, or 12V power point can act up. A trailer error message can also appear in the instrument cluster when a trailer is connected.
Who's affected?
Covers Explorer and Aviator SUVs from the same model year, with tail-light control handled through Body Control Module C.
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 213,121 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 21 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
Trailer tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended reduce visibility for drivers behind you and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, use extra caution when towing and treat a trailer error message as a reason to contact the dealer 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 or Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner letter, then contact a franchised Ford dealer for repair instructions tied to your VIN.
- Ask the dealer about the free body control module C inspection or replacement that fixes trailer tail lights that fail to illuminate while towing.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 25V543 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer at night or in low-visibility conditions until the dealer checks the trailer-light issue.
What happens at the repair
Ford has identified the dealer repair for the body control module C. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician replaces the module on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. On vehicles over 9,000 miles, the technician performs a functional check and replaces the module if it fails that check. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for a related repair, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep repair invoices and payment records for the service desk or Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 22, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 6, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 10, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| October 10, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 13, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 13, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V543?
Recall 25V543 covers 213,121 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with an improperly manufactured body control module C. When towing a trailer, the trailer tail lights can fail to illuminate, reducing visibility to other drivers and increasing crash risk. Ford will inspect or replace the module 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 25V543. If it is, contact a franchised dealer to schedule the body control module C inspection or replacement. Reference Ford recall number 25C42 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, and Ford says the body control module C inspection or replacement will be performed free of charge. Vehicles under 9,000 miles receive a replacement. Vehicles over 9,000 miles receive a functional check and replacement as needed.
Is it safe to tow with my 2025 Explorer or Aviator before the recall repair?
Use caution before towing. The defect affects trailer tail light illumination, which reduces visibility to other drivers and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, ask the dealer service desk for guidance before towing a trailer, then schedule the free body control module C repair.
When were owner letters mailed for recall 25V543?
Ford mailed 2025 Lincoln Aviator owner letters on October 13, 2025, and 2025 Ford Explorer owner letters on November 25, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 25C42 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V543000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V543 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V543000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →