Recall 25V687 covers 1,412 2024-2026 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with loose trailer hitch bolts. Repair is free at a franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,412 2024-2026 Explorer and Aviator SUVs under recall 25V687 because trailer hitch assembly bolts can be loose. While towing, loose hitch bolts can cause loss of vehicle handling and control or trailer detachment, increasing the risk of a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch assembly on 2024-2026 Explorer and Aviator vehicles is the metal structure mounted to the rear of the vehicle for towing. Its bolts clamp the hitch to the body structure so trailer loads stay controlled and the hitch remains fixed while the vehicle is moving.
On affected vehicles, the manufacturing line did not fully complete the bolt secure process. That leaves some trailer hitch bolts below the required torque, so the bolted joint can slip under towing loads. Ford says that slippage can increase stress in the attaching structure, reduce structural integrity over time, and lead to loss of trailer hitch attachment while towing.
Owners can notice a rattle noise from the rear of the vehicle. That sound is the warning sign Ford identified for loose trailer hitch assembly bolts.
Who's affected?
Covers Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 model years, all tied to trailer hitches.
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Explorer | Trailer hitches |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Trailer hitches |
| 2024 Lincoln Aviator | Trailer hitches |
| 2026 Lincoln Aviator | Trailer hitches |
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 1,412 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Loose trailer hitch bolts while towing can reduce handling and control or let the trailer detach, increasing crash risk. A rattle from the rear of the vehicle is the warning sign to stop towing and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner letter, which explains the trailer-hitch bolt inspection and repair path.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether recall number 25V687 is ready for scheduling for your VIN.
- Avoid towing until the dealer inspects and tightens the trailer hitch bolts, or replaces them, free of charge.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and give the dealer Ford recall number 25SA3 when you schedule.
What happens at the repair
Ford's repair plan is for a Ford technician to inspect the trailer hitch assembly bolts, tighten loose bolts, and replace bolts that need replacement. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related trailer hitch bolt repair before the recall notice, Ford's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Keep your repair invoice and payment records for the service desk or Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 10, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| October 15, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 15, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 29, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V687?
Recall 25V687 covers 1,412 2024-2026 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs with trailer hitch assembly bolts that can be loose. While towing, loose bolts can affect vehicle handling and control or allow the trailer to detach, increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts or replace them for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2026 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 25V687. If it is, contact a franchised Ford or Lincoln dealer and ask for recall 25SA3. The dealer will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts or replace them as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. For recall 25V687, dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts or replace them as necessary, with parts and labor covered.
Is it safe to tow with this recall open?
Do not tow until your VIN is checked and the dealer repair is complete. The issue involves loose trailer hitch bolts, and the official consequence says towing with loose bolts can affect handling and control or allow the trailer to detach, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 25V687?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on October 29, 2025. If you bought the SUV used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your specific Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V687000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V687 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V687000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →