NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Ford Explorer recall: The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly

Recall published 1+ years ago

The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

The hazard

Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.

Recall details

Recall number
25V371000
Published
June 3, 2025
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Ford
Product type
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Ford Explorer
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 25V371000

Products covered by this recall

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

Vehicles in this campaign

What to do about this safety recall

Every NHTSA safety recall is repaired free of charge, for as long as you own the vehicle, with no mileage or age limit. Dealers cannot charge you for recall work, and they cannot refuse it because you bought the car elsewhere.

  1. Check your own vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A campaign listed here covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is what confirms whether yours is included.
  2. Read the risk note above. If the notice says to park the vehicle outdoors or to stop driving it, that instruction exists because the failure can occur with the engine off.
  3. Call any franchised dealer for that brand and give them the campaign number from this page. Ask them to confirm that parts are on hand before you book — the commonest delay on a fresh recall is part supply, not labour.
  4. If the remedy is an over-the-air software update, make sure the vehicle is connected and left on long enough to install it, then confirm in the vehicle menu that the version changed.
  5. Keep the repair order the dealer gives you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers are required to run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge you a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line first, then to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.
  • Unrepaired open recalls can affect a sale or trade-in. Closing the campaign out costs nothing and protects the value of the vehicle.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.

Company contact: Ford Motor Company

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

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