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Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator transmission bolts loose

NHTSA campaign 25V020000 · Reported 2025-01-17 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

Losing drive power raises your chance of a crash, and while the notice does not tell owners to park the vehicle, you should have it inspected soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles have loose bolts on the cross member, the brace that holds the transmission in place. Because of those loose bolts, the transmission may not be properly secured, and the vehicle can lose drive power while you are on the road. Dealers will inspect and replace the bolts as needed. If any bolts are missing, they will replace the cross member and install new bolts. All of this is free. Ford mailed owner letters on January 29, 2025.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your vehicle is included. 2. Contact your Ford or Lincoln dealer about recall 25S03, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. 3. Have the dealer inspect and replace the bolts or cross member — free of charge.

Affected vehicles (2)

2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Lincoln Aviator

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford transmission, driveshaft and wheel recalls: which ones are urgent? · all 55 Ford recalls in this area
Lincoln transmission and axle recalls: rollaways and lost drive power · all 12 Lincoln recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
Safety risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S03.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.