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Ford Explorer Rear Axle Bolt May Fracture
high How serious is it? About this label
A vehicle that rolls away on its own, or that loses drive power while being driven, has an increased risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 25V166000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Mar 14, 2025 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2022 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
On certain 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles that were already repaired once under earlier recalls, the fix did not work correctly. A bolt that holds the rear axle in place horizontally may fracture, which can cause the driveshaft to disconnect from the vehicle. If this happens while the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, the vehicle can roll away on its own. A disconnected driveshaft can also cause the vehicle to lose drive power.
What you should do
2. Contact a Ford dealer, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, to schedule the software update.
3. The repair is free of charge.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 25V166000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Powertrain Recalls Involving Fluid Leaks and Wheel Detachment · all 56 Ford recalls in this area
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- May 27, 2026Ford Explorer Engine May Fail Suddenlyhigh
Official notice
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Safety risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.