2025 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2025 Explorer
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (23 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 23 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (16 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 16 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (15 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 15 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (13 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 13 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (10 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 10 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
9 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
20
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Back Over Prevention Check
The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Power Train Check
An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
Structure Red flag
A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Exterior Lighting Check
Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Trailer Hitches Red flag
While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach.
Visibility Red flag
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Exterior Lighting Check
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2025 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 20 recalls for the 2025 Explorer. The most serious involve Fuel System, Gasoline (24V634000) and Equipment (24V852000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2025 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (23 complaints) and Unknown or Other (17 complaints), out of 100 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2025 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 23 complaints for this model-year.