2021-2022 Ford Explorer Driveshaft Recall (25V166)
Ford Motor Company · 4,247 vehicles · Reported March 14, 2025
Ford Motor Company is recalling 4,247 2021-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will make the repair free of charge.
Recall 25V166 at a glance
| NHTSA campaign number | 25V166000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer recall number | 25S22 |
| Date reported to NHTSA | March 14, 2025 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Vehicles | 2021-2022 Ford Explorer |
| Units affected | 4,247 |
| Component | Power Train > Driveline > Driveshaft |
| Safety risk | A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| Fix | Available at dealers |
What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford Explorer in recall 25V166?
The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 Explorer with recall 25V166?
NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA describes the risk this way: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the driveshaft.
Which vehicles are included in recall 25V166?
Recall 25V166 covers 4,247 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford Explorer.
NHTSA lists 4,247 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Ford | Explorer |
What is the fix for the Explorer driveshaft recall?
Yes. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
When was recall 25V166 announced?
Ford Motor Company reported recall 25V166 to NHTSA on March 14, 2025. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as April 25, 2025.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2025 | Ford Motor Company filed the defect report with NHTSA; NHTSA assigned campaign 25V166000. |
| April 25, 2025 | Owner notification letters mailed (per NHTSA). |
This recall was filed 18 months ago. If your Explorer was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.
How do I check if my Explorer is part of recall 25V166?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 25V166 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there.
Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 25V166000 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 25S22. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.
What should Explorer owners do about recall 25V166?
Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 25V166000 applies to your Explorer.
- Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
- Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
- Keep a simple log of any driveshaft symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
- Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
- If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.
What are Explorer owners reporting to NHTSA?
Owners have filed 697 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 175 of them about the transmission.
Since recall 25V166 was reported on March 14, 2025, owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about the transmission on these vehicles. 10 of them (18%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt.
How we counted: we matched NHTSA owner complaints for the model years in this recall that list the transmission and were received on or after March 14, 2025, then flagged narratives that describe a repeat failure or a problem returning after a dealer repair, recall service or software update. Data from NHTSA, accessed October 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports and may involve a related transmission issue rather than this exact defect; automated text matching can miss or misread some reports.
NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 697 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 175 of them involve the transmission. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.
- 2021 Ford Explorer: 430 complaints in total, 117 about the transmission
- 2022 Ford Explorer: 267 complaints in total, 58 about the transmission
Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):
When driving or on neutral the vehicle shakes between 1000rpm-1500rpm. During driving or stationary you can feel the vehicle vibrating when in that rpm range. Under load the car does feel a bit hesitant and tampers acceleration. They're is a TSB 22-2377 which may be related to this issue as well.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, MD, NHTSA complaint 11633774, filed January 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power train warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to exit the highway and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, LA, NHTSA complaint 11638709, filed January 27, 2025
the rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. the problem has been confirmed by Baytown Ford Dealership service dept. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521. it has been inspected by the Service Dept at Baytown Ford.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11650614, filed March 25, 2025
Can recall 25V166 make my Explorer a lemon in California?
Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.
Recall 25V166000 does not automatically make your Explorer a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Act asks two questions: does a warranty defect substantially impair the vehicle's use, value or safety, and did the manufacturer fail to fix it in a reasonable number of tries (Civ. Code 1793.2(d))?
Transmission problems tend to come back. Harsh shifts, slipping, delayed engagement and sudden loss of drive power often return after a dealer reflashes software or replaces a part, and each return trip to the dealer is another repair attempt on the record.
This campaign follows an earlier recall for the same issue. A second recall can mean the first remedy failed, and repeated repair attempts on the same defect are the core of most lemon law claims.
Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 22V255000, 23V199000, 23V675000.
Civil Code 1793.22(b) sets out a presumption that applies in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for the same defect, or more than 30 total days out of service for repairs. Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases. Owners outside that window can still have a claim.
An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
A typical pattern: an owner reports the transmission slipping, and the dealer can't verify it. Six months later, NHTSA issues a recall for the same problem. Because the recall confirms the defect, the mileage offset goes back to that first visit.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Has your Explorer been back to the dealer for this problem?
Call 877-536-6620Other Ford Explorer recalls
Frequently asked questions about recall 25V166
Did the recall 25V166 fix work?
Since recall 25V166 was reported on March 14, 2025, owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about the transmission on these vehicles. 10 of them (18%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt. If your vehicle still has the problem after the recall repair, go back to the dealer, get a repair order, and talk to a lemon law attorney.
When will owners be notified?
According to NHTSA, owner notification letters were or are scheduled to be mailed April 25, 2025.
Is the 25V166000 recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
How do I know if my Explorer is part of recall 25V166000?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card and the lower corner of the windshield.
Will a transmission software update fix the problem for good?
Sometimes. Many owners report that shifting problems return after an update. If yours does, go back to the dealer and make sure the visit is written up.
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 25V166000 (recall report and owner letters are posted there)
- NHTSA complaints and recalls data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.2 and 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page is general information, not legal advice. America’s Lemon Lawyer is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.