Quick Facts at a Glance
- Recall Date
- May 1, 2026
- Hazard Level
- HIGH
- Brands
- Ford Motor Company, FORD
- Category
- Vehicles & Parts
- Sold At
- Unknown
- At-Risk Groups
- GENERAL, PREGNANT, PETS
What to Do Now
Use this page like a recall checklist: verify the product first, then act on the official remedy.
Immediate steps
- 1Stop using the product until you confirm whether it is included in the recall.
- 2Compare the product label, model number, UPC, color, size, and purchase location against the identifiers below.
- 3Follow the official remedy from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; save photos, receipts, labels, and correspondence before contacting the company.
- 4If the product could harm a child, older adult, pet, or patient, move it out of reach immediately.
Check these identifiers
- Brand
- Ford Motor Company, FORD
- Product type
- Automotive recall (transmission)
- Model numbers
- EXPLORER, LINCOLN AVIATOR
- Sold at
- Unknown
Recall Timeline
Key dates and source checks for this recall record.
Recall announced
May 1, 2026
Reported by NHTSA
May 1, 2026
RecallRadar source check
April 18, 2026
Consumer action
Use the official remedy and keep documentation.
Hazard Information
An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
What You Should Do
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.
About This Product
The recall covers 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models. The transmission cross member bolts may be loose, potentially causing loss of drive power.
Why This Is Dangerous
A loose or missing cross member bolt can allow transmission movement or separation, reducing drive power and increasing crash risk.
Industry Context
This recall is part of standard vehicle safety remedies for structural components.
Real-World Impact
Repairs are performed at no cost. Potential downtime while repairs are completed.
Practical Guidance
How to identify if yours is affected
- Check recall 25S03 status for your 2025 Explorer or Aviator
- Locate recall letter or VIN status via Ford/NHTSA sites
- Inspect for transmission issues described by dealer guidance
Where to find product info
Recall number 25S03; VIN lookup via Ford or NHTSA websites
What timeline to expect
Repair completed at dealer with no charge; timeline varies by dealer workload
If the manufacturer is unresponsive
- Document attempts to contact dealer
- File a complaint with NHTSA if necessary
- Seek Ford corporate help if local dealer unresponsive
How to prevent similar issues
- Keep vehicle up-to-date with recalls
- Avoid aggressive driving that stresses transmission
Documentation advice
Save all recall notices, service records, and correspondence with Ford or dealer
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Product Details
Year: 2025; Make: FORD; Models: EXPLORER, LINCOLN AVIATOR; Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; Component: POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; Recall number: 25S03; Recall date: January 29, 2025 (owner letters); Status: ACTIVE; Sold to: Unknown
Reported Incidents
No specific injury or crash counts are provided in the recall data.
Key Facts
- 25S03 recall number
- vehicles affected: Explorer and Aviator
- bolts may be loose or missing
- cross member replacement may be required
- repairs free of charge
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Safety Guide
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