Ford Explorer and Aviator may not illuminate trailer tail lights
Ford is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because an improperly manufactured body control module may leave a towed trailer's tail lights unlit. This fails FMVSS 108.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 3 covers risk-of-harm where injury has not yet been reported: the trailer may be less visible to following traffic, while the towing vehicle retains control, propulsion and braking.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. About 213,121 units are potentially affected.
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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment".
NHTSA states that trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace 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 module and replace it as necessary. Repairs are free of charge. Owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, AVIATOR
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Exterior lighting
- Affected units
- 213,121
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (2)
- EXPLORER
- AVIATOR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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