Dealer visit checklist
2025 Ford Explorer checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2025 Ford Explorer problems to check
- EcoBoost 2.3L turbocharged engine can develop oil consumption issues and occasional turbo lag complaints after 50,000+ miles
- 10-speed automatic transmission has a known history of shuddering and hesitation — a concern Ford has addressed via software updates but worth monitoring
- Infotainment system (SYNC 4) has received mixed reviews for responsiveness; some owners report occasional freezes requiring resets
- Third-row access and seating comfort remain cramped for adults — not a defect, but a real-world limitation that affects resale to larger families
- Fuel economy of roughly 21 MPG combined in real-world driving falls short of EPA estimates for many owners, especially in city stop-and-go conditions
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $37,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away