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Ford Explorer rear axle bolt can break, dropping driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 25V166000 · Reported 2025-03-14 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

This is serious because the vehicle could roll away or lose power and cause a crash, so until it is fixed always set the parking brake when you park, and schedule the free repair promptly.

What's wrong, in plain English

These Explorers were already repaired once under an earlier recall, but the repair was not done correctly. A bolt that holds the rear axle in place can break, which lets the driveshaft come apart. If that happens, the vehicle can roll away after you shift into park unless the parking brake is set, and it can also lose drive power while you are driving. Ford will reprogram the powertrain computer at no charge.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Explorer falls under recall 25V166000 (Ford number 25S22).
2. Book a service visit with a Ford dealer for the free powertrain control module software update.
3. Until then, always use the parking brake when parking; call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 with questions.

Affected vehicles (3)

2020 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford 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

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.