HIGHNHTSA

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.

Official notice
FordVehicles & PartsF-150BroncoRanger 2024

Source-backed recall notice

No product image was available from the source feed.

Official source
NHTSA
Recall date
February 3, 2026
Status
ACTIVE
Severity
7/10

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

What to Do Now

Use this page like a recall checklist: verify the product first, then act on the official remedy.

Immediate steps

  1. 1Stop using the product until you confirm whether it is included in the recall.
  2. 2Compare the product label, model number, UPC, color, size, and purchase location against the identifiers below.
  3. 3Follow the official remedy from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; save photos, receipts, labels, and correspondence before contacting the company.
  4. 4If the product could harm a child, older adult, pet, or patient, move it out of reach immediately.

Check these identifiers

Brand
Ford
Product type
Transmission valve body
Model numbers
F-150, Bronco, Ranger 2024, Mustang 2025, Explorer, Aviator
Sold at
Unknown

Recall Timeline

Key dates and source checks for this recall record.

  1. Recall announced

    February 3, 2026

  2. Reported by NHTSA

    February 3, 2026

  3. RecallRadar source check

    April 18, 2026

  4. Consumer action

    Use the official remedy and keep documentation.

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.

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.

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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/
  • 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

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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

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