HIGH

Ford Explorer 2026 Recall for Transmission Valve Body Issue

Ford recalls 2024-2025 Explorer and other models for a transmission valve body defect. The valve body may have been machined incorrectly, causing reverse gear failure or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025; dealers will replace the valve body at no charge.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Recall Date
February 3, 2026
Hazard Level
HIGH
Brand
Ford
Category
Vehicles & Parts
Sold At
Unknown
At-Risk Groups
GENERAL

Hazard Information

Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do

Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

Get instant alerts for Vehicles & Parts recalls

Be the first to know. Free instant alerts to your inbox.

No spamUnsubscribe anytime

About This Product

These are automatic transmission-equipped SUVs and trucks. The valve body governs fluid pressure for gear selection and shifting.

Why This Is Dangerous

A machined valve body can misroute hydraulic pressure, leading to unintended gear engagement or loss of control, increasing crash risk.

Industry Context

This recall is not part of a broader industry pattern.

Real-World Impact

Owners may experience unexpected vehicle movement in gear, possibly requiring dealer service and temporary transport disruption.

Practical Guidance

How to identify if yours is affected

  1. Identify if your vehicle is among the affected models and model years listed in the recall.
  2. Find the VIN and check recall status using Ford’s recall lookup or the NHTSA website with the recall number 25S19.
  3. If affected, contact a Ford dealer immediately to schedule a free valve-body replacement.

Where to find product info

VIN is located on the driver-side dashboard and on the driver door jamb sticker. Use Ford or NHTSA recall lookup by VIN and reference recall 25S19.

What timeline to expect

Typically 4-8 weeks for the replacement process, depending on dealer scheduling.

If the manufacturer is unresponsive

  • Ask to escalate to a supervisor at the dealer.
  • File a complaint with the NHTSA if the dealer is non-responsive.
  • Consider seeking legal guidance if the recall remains unresolved.

How to prevent similar issues

  • Check recalls before purchasing a used vehicle and periodically verify status for owned vehicles.
  • Maintain access to recall contact numbers and VIN documentation for quick verification.

Documentation advice

Keep the recall letter, VIN, service appointment records, and any correspondence with Ford or the dealer.

Product Details

Models affected: 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, Aviator. Recall number 25S19. Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body at no charge. Recall status: Active.

Reported Incidents

No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Key Facts

  • 25S19 recall number
  • Affects 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, Aviator
  • Valve body machined defect may cause reverse gear failure or unexpected forward movement in reverse/
  • neutral
  • Free valve-body replacement by dealers
  • Owner letters mailed April 11, 2025

Safety Guide

Not sure what to do next? Our guide walks you through the process step by step.

Read: How to Report an Unsafe Product

Get Alerts for Vehicles & Parts Recalls

Get instant alerts for recalls that affect you. Free forever.

Safety Assessment

Risk LevelHIGH
Severity Score
7/ 10
Affected Groups
GENERAL
Injury Types
OTHER

Product Details

Brand
Model Numbers
F-150
Bronco
Ranger 2024
Mustang 2025
Explorer
+1 more
Report Date
February 3, 2026
Recall Status
ACTIVE

Related Recalls

Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

Ford 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recalled for Rear-View Camera Software Issue (2026)

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles due to a rear-view camera image that may fail when the vehicle reaches 10 mph or more. The defect could reduce rear visibility while reversing and raise crash risk. Letters to owners were mailed March 28, 2025, and Ford will provide a free APIM software update via OTA or at a dealer. Recall 24C34.

Ford
The loss
Read more
Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

Ford 2025 Explorer Recall for Engine Long-Block Defects

Ford is recalling 2025 Explorer SUVs, along with 2025 Transit and F-150 vehicles, due to defects in connecting rods and rod bearings. The issue can cause engine damage and failure. Owner notices were mailed August 15, 2025, and Ford recall number is 25S55. Dealers will inspect and replace the engine long block as needed.

Ford
A damaged
Read more
Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

Ford Recalls 2020-2025 Explorer and Aviator for Second-Row Seat Switch Bezel Issue (25S67)

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer and Aviator SUVs because the easy-entry second-row outer seat switch bezel may bind or stick, causing seats to unlatch, fold, or slide unexpectedly while driving. Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025; Ford can be reached

Ford
A seat
Read more
Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

FORD 2025 F-250 SD Recalled for Brake Pedal Pushrod May Disconnect

Ford Motor Company recalls 2025 F-250 SD and other SD models for a brake pedal pushrod retaining spring that may not be installed. The defect can cause a sudden loss of brake function and a crash risk. Owners should not drive the vehicle until repaired. Ford will inspect and repair the brake pedal assembly free of charge; letters were mailed June 20, 2025.

Ford
A sudden
Read more
Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

Ford Explorer 2025 Recalled for Powertrain PCM Software Issue (25S35)

Ford recalled certain 2025 Explorer SUVs due to a powertrain control module software fault. The PCM may reset while driving, potentially damaging the park system or causing an engine stall. Dealers will perform a free software update after owner letters were mailed on June 6, 2025.

Ford
A damaged
Read more
Vehicles & Parts
HIGH

Ford 2025-2026 F-Series Recalled for Instrument Panel IPC Start-Up Failure (25S88)

Ford is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150 vehicles because the instrument panel may fail at startup. The recall covers 2025-2026 models. Ford will provide an IPC software update via dealer service or OTA at no cost. Owner letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Recall number 25S88.

Ford
An instrument
Read more