NHTSA Recall 25V543000: Tail lights (exterior lighting)
Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 213,121 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Explorer.
| NHTSA campaign | 25V543000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 25C42 |
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING › TAIL LIGHTS |
| Report received | August 22, 2025 |
| Owner notification | October 13, 2025 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety risk
Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2025. Explorer 2025 owner letters were mailed November 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C42.
Vehicles covered by recall 25V543000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.