Last night around [XXX], a police officer was operating a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility cruiser #[XXX] near the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX]. While operating the vehicle, the officer smelled something burning and observed the dashboard lights flickering before the instrument panel went completely dark. Shortly thereafter, smoke and fire were observed originating in or near the vehicle's dashboard area. The officer safely exited the vehicle before the fire became fully involved. Fire and rescue personnel responded and extinguished the fire. The officer reported no injuries; however, medical personnel at Mount Vernon Hospital evaluated her as a precaution. Cruiser #[XXX] sustained extensive fire damage. Two fire marshals responded to assist with the preliminary origin-and-cause investigation. Based on preliminary information, the fire marshals advised that the fire most likely originated from an electrical issue in or around the dashboard area. This may have caused a secondary fire in the vehicle's left rear. The left rear could have also been the initial point of failure. The dashboard and the front interior were completely burned and destroyed. The fire was internal to the vehicle and melted the windshield inward. The firewall protected the engine, which showed almost no sign of damage. The final origin-and-cause determination remains pending completion of the fire marshal investigation, further inspection of the vehicle, and review of all relevant maintenance, repair, manufacturer, and upfit records. The vehicle was towed to Jermantown, where the Fire Marshal will follow up in the morning. We will also follow up with our Ford representative. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes1
Recalls 2
Forward collision avoidance: warnings: external/pedestrian alert
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
- Risk
- A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning July 7, 2026.
Recall number 26V415000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
- Risk
- A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 10, 2025.
Recall number 25V691000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Previously set a "Procedure Unsuccessful" message in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool...
- "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement...
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in...
- Multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp...
What 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Brake system Fault - no power assist. While the Deputy was driving his vehicle every light on the dash lit up and it said all systems were not working. He stated that only brakes he had were the regenerative brakes for the electric motors. He stated that he turned the car off for 10 minutes and everything worked again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and they are looking to replace the ABS HCU on this vehicle. Additionally we have a second one that was purchased around the same time as this one with similar issues of no power assist brakes.
Compare the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid
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Questions about the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid, close to a typical Explorer Hybrid model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Brakes, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid have?
2 recalls, covering forward collision avoidance and back over prevention.
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