2025 Ford Explorer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2025 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 107 complaints for this model year. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2025 Ford Explorer Active, purchased new in April 2025. In approximately early October 2026, I noticed a significant and unexplained brightness difference between the rear taillights. The driver’s-side taillight is noticeably brighter than the passenger-side taillight when the exterior lights are illuminated. On October 19, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Ford Country in Henderson, Nevada, for diagnosis. My service advisor personally observed the difference in brightness. …”
NHTSA complaint #11772795, filed 2026-10“First, we took this vehicle to a dealer because the rear window buttons were not working. They wouldn't roll down. Second, the dome lamps inside only work part of the time, when we take the vehicle to the dealer or another Ford dealer that we decided to try, they say they can't do anything because they see no issue as the lights are working AT THAT TIME. Third, while connected to a trailer, an error message appears several times stating that the trailer has been disconnected. It just flashes and pings, and then disappears. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709936, filed 2026-01“My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the FordPass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. NHTSA still shows Recall 25V543 as incomplete, involving BCM soldering defects that can cause trailer taillamp failure, electrical malfunctions, HVAC issues, mirror/window failures, power outlet issues, and other safety-related electrical problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #11703494, filed 2025-12Related recalls
- 26V121000Mar 3, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side…Covers: Ford Explorer 2025–2026
- 25V543000Aug 22, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to…Covers: Ford Explorer 2025, Lincoln Aviator 2025
Related service bulletins
- 11032266May 1, 2026Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an inoperative dark car mode. The vehicle may exhibit at least one of the following features remaining…
- 11029352Feb 19, 2026"Quality improvements include: -Enhanced dynamic bending lights performance "
- 11020414Jul 2, 2025Some 2021-2025 F-150 non-Lightning, 2023-2025 F-Super Duty, 2024-2025 Ranger, and 2025 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a perceived improper functioning fog lamp(s). Customers may…
- 11008211Sep 25, 2024Some 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various driveability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp…
- 11007963Sep 18, 2024Some 2023-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine and up to 15,000 miles (24,140 km) may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2020 | 56 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 0% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 | 25 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 19 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 46 | 3% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2025 Ford Explorer
23 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsForward collision avoidance
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2025 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology