Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall for nearly 25,000 units of its 2025 Ford Explorer due to a serious risk of sudden power loss and parking system failure. The issue stems from faulty powertrain control module (PCM) software, which could intermittently reset and lead to dangerous driving conditions. This recall affects 100% of 2025 Ford Explorers equipped with the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine built between December 6, 2023, and September 6, 2025.
According to the NHTSA Ford Explorer recall report submitted on April 11, 2025, a PCM reset can cause a range of problems—including transmission malfunctions and unexpected power loss while driving. In the most severe cases, the vehicle may be unable to shift into Park, creating a potential rollaway hazard. For families and individuals relying on this mid-size SUV for everyday safety and transportation, these issues present serious concerns that go beyond inconvenience.
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in holding automakers accountable when vehicle defects jeopardize driver and passenger safety. If you or someone you know owns a 2025 Ford Explorer, it’s critical to understand what this Ford Explorer power loss recall means for you—and how California’s Lemon Law may entitle you to legal protection and compensation.
What’s Causing the Ford Explorer Recall? 
The Ford Explorer recall 2025 centers around defective PCM (powertrain control module) software, which is responsible for regulating key vehicle functions including engine control, transmission behavior, and power delivery. In the affected vehicles, this software can intermittently reset without warning—sometimes eight or more times within an 18-second window. This may lead to a temporary loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, or full engine shutdown.
Another serious outcome is damage to the vehicle’s park pawl, a crucial component that locks the transmission when in Park. If a PCM reset occurs while the vehicle is moving faster than 10 mph, Ford warns that the pawl can ratchet and break. Once damaged, the transmission may fail to engage Park—even when the shifter says otherwise. Without the automatic or manually engaged parking brake, the SUV could roll away unexpectedly, increasing the risk of property damage or injury.
These kinds of Ford SUV powertrain issues are especially dangerous because they occur while the vehicle is in motion and may give drivers little to no warning. Sudden power loss in Ford SUVs not only puts occupants at risk but also endangers others on the road. With over 24,000 vehicles affected, the problem is widespread and could lead to further scrutiny or litigation, including a possible Ford Explorer class action recall if more complaints emerge.
Many drivers have also reported dashboard alerts or engine warning lights prior to experiencing a failure. In some cases, the vehicle has entered limp mode with no prior indication of malfunction. For an SUV marketed as safe and family-ready, these defects undermine consumer trust. The fact that the issue is tied to a software malfunction makes it harder for drivers to detect or prevent. Recalls tied to faulty PCM logic have historically resulted in long-term mechanical problems if not addressed early. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you may be facing a broader Ford recall powertrain malfunction issue than initially disclosed.
What Ford Owners Are Being Told to Do
Ford has begun notifying dealerships and will officially begin alerting owners via mail by May 30, 2025. If you drive a 2025 Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine, your vehicle is likely affected. Dealerships have been instructed to update the PCM software and inspect the transmission system for damage. If any transmission-related parts have been compromised due to a reset event, Ford says they will make the repairs free of charge.
However, many owners remain frustrated with delays, lack of information, or ongoing Ford Explorer stalling issues that may have been occurring before the official recall notice. Some drivers have already reported unexplainable stalling, hesitation, or gear-shifting delays—symptoms that now appear related to the PCM defect. Even if you haven’t received a formal notice, you may still be eligible for coverage if your Explorer falls within the production date window.
It’s also possible that some vehicles may be experiencing performance issues not directly recognized by Ford yet. Owners who have taken their Explorer in for multiple repairs or who continue to experience powertrain issues after a software update should maintain detailed service records. These records can be critical in filing a Lemon Law claim if the defect is not resolved. Many affected drivers have reported long dealership wait times and back-ordered parts, adding to their frustration. In some cases, loaner vehicles have not been offered, leaving families without reliable transportation. The impact on daily life—missed work, stranded travel, disrupted routines—can be severe.
If your Ford Explorer has lost power while driving, failed to shift properly, or continues to exhibit drivetrain issues, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. The recall may be the beginning of a larger mechanical problem—and you deserve answers and resolution.
Your Rights Under California’s Lemon Law 
If your 2025 Ford Explorer has experienced repeated problems, stalled unexpectedly, or failed to go into Park, you may have more than just a recall issue—you could have a legal claim under California’s Lemon Law. The law protects consumers who purchase vehicles with engine problems, safety defects, or repeat failures that impair use, value, or safety.
To qualify, your Explorer must:
- Be under the original manufacturer warranty when the issue first occurred
- Exhibit problems that persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts or remain out of service for a significant number of days (typically 30 or more) due to warranty-covered repairs
Symptoms of a Ford Explorer powertrain issue may include intermittent stalling, sudden loss of acceleration, failure to engage Park, or software warning lights tied to engine control systems. These issues are not only frustrating—they can compromise your safety and that of others on the road.
Many owners don’t realize that Lemon Law protections apply to electronic and software defects as well—not just mechanical failures. That means issues like the PCM reset or digital communication errors within your powertrain system may qualify. It’s also important to know that even if the dealer claims the problem is fixed, recurring issues after software updates still count toward your case. Time spent waiting for parts, backlogged service centers, or repeated misdiagnoses all strengthen your position. The law is on your side, and you have a right to a safe, functioning vehicle.
If you’ve taken your Explorer in for repairs multiple times, or if it has spent significant time in the shop for PCM or transmission issues, you may qualify for a vehicle replacement, a refund, or financial compensation. California law also requires that Ford pay your legal fees if you prevail—meaning you pay nothing out of pocket to pursue your claim.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we have 15 years of experience holding automakers accountable for vehicle defects and safety failures. If your 2025 Ford Explorer—or any Ford vehicle—has experienced powertrain failures, stalling, or unresolved problems, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Choose The Barry Law Firm?
- Lemon Law & Auto Defect Experts – We focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases.
- No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees if you win your case. And At The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
- Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If you believe your Explorer is affected by this Ford Explorer power loss recall, contact us today for a FAST & FREE consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you take the next step.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Ford Explorer recall is more than a routine service update—it’s a warning sign of deeper vehicle reliability issues. When SUVs lose power, fail to go into Park, or leave drivers stranded due to electronic resets, automakers must be held accountable. These are not minor glitches—they are safety recall Ford Explorer issues that can result in injury, property damage, or long-term performance concerns.
If your vehicle has been impacted, you do not have to settle for repeated dealership visits or uncertain answers. California law protects your right to a reliable vehicle, and The Barry Law Firm is here to enforce that protection. We’re ready to help you hold Ford responsible for any Ford Explorer engine problems that have disrupted your safety or peace of mind.
Vehicle defects should never be normalized—especially when they can create dangerous situations. As automakers increasingly rely on software and complex electronics, accountability must keep pace with innovation. If your Explorer’s performance has declined after multiple attempts to fix it, you could have a stronger claim than you realize. Our legal team is here to guide you through every step, with no out-of-pocket cost to get started. Don’t wait—reach out today and take back control of your case.
Email 
Facebook 
Twitter 
Pinterest 
