Ford Recalls SUV Twins For Bad Body Controls
Ford is issuing a recall for certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models after discovering a defect in the body control module that could prevent trailer taillights from working properly while towing.
Key Points
- Ford is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs because a defective body control module may prevent trailer taillights from illuminating while towing.
- Vehicles with fewer than 9,000 miles will receive a new module, while higher-mileage vehicles will be inspected and repaired if needed, with all fixes performed free of charge.
- Owner notification letters will begin October 13, 2025, with a final remedy expected by April 2026; the recall is identified as Ford number 25C42.
The issue stems from improperly manufactured body control modules with insufficient solder joints at the terminals of electronic components. The defect poses a risk because a trailer’s taillights may fail to illuminate, reducing visibility and increasing the chance of a crash when towing. Affected vehicles do not comply with federal safety standards covering lighting and reflective devices.
According to NHTSA documents, if the body control module issue is present, the customer may experience other signs— inoperative power window/mirror switches, or the vehicle’s air conditioning system blowing warm air. Ford says they may also experience operability issues with the vehicle’s DC/AC inverter, glove box light, vanity lights, or dome lamps, alarm portion of the horn, rear defrost, the USB charger, and/or 12V power point. Customers may receive a trailer error message in the instrument cluster when a trailer is connected.
In total, the recall captures 213,121 of the SUV siblings—189,879 Ford Explorers produced between November 2023 and June 2025, along with 23,242 Aviators produced during the same time frame.
The recall covers vehicles with varying remedies depending on mileage. For those with fewer than 9,000 miles, dealers will replace the body control module outright. Vehicles with more mileage will undergo a functional check, and if necessary, the module will be replaced. Ford says a statistical analysis performed by its Six Sigma Black Belt team
indicates that the condition will not occur if a vehicle has reached 9000 miles without occurrence.
Ford plans to begin notifying owners with interim letters on October 13, 2025, warning them of the safety risk. A follow-up notice with details on the permanent remedy is expected in April 2026. No accidents or injuries have been reported.
This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.
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