A brand new SUV should not need weekly service appointments. Yet some 2025 Ford Explorer owners find themselves on a first-name basis with their dealership’s repair shop. The same problems keep coming back. The frustration builds with each visit.
South Carolina lemon Law sets clear eligibility rules
South Carolina law protects buyers who receive defective vehicles. But not every car qualifies. The owner must have purchased the vehicle new from a dealer in the state of South Carolina. The car also needs a current SC registration. One more requirement: A claim for the vehicle’s must be brought within three years from the date of purchase. A 2025 model fits well within this window.
A SC Lemon Law claim requires a substantial defect. That means a substantial defect or condition affecting the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. A misaligned trim piece probably will not qualify. But brake failure? Complete electrical shutdowns at highway speeds? Those trigger protection.
The manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle. This occurs when there have been three or more repair attempts for the same issue or the vehicle has spent more than 30 total days in the shop.
A SC Lemon Law claim requires a substantial defect. That means a substantial defect or condition affecting the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. A misaligned trim piece probably will not qualify. But brake failure? Complete electrical shutdowns at highway speeds? Those trigger protection.
The manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the vehicle. This occurs when there have been three or more repair attempts for the same issue or the vehicle has spent more than 30 total days in the shop.
What Federal Data Reveals About This Model
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of consumer complaints. For the 2025 Ford Explorer, the reports paint a concerning picture. Multiple owners describe sudden brake failure. The pedal goes hard. The SUV does not respond. One driver narrowly avoided crashing into the car ahead.
Car complaints also highlight electrical nightmares. Screens go black without warning. Warning lights flash randomly. One owner lost their entire instrument cluster mid-drive. No speedometer. No fuel reading. No idea what the engine was doing.
Consumer Reports placed this model on its “10 SUVs to Avoid” list. The predicted reliability score landed at 1 out of 5. That ranking places the Ford Explorer among the worst cars for long-term dependability.
Car complaints also highlight electrical nightmares. Screens go black without warning. Warning lights flash randomly. One owner lost their entire instrument cluster mid-drive. No speedometer. No fuel reading. No idea what the engine was doing.
Consumer Reports placed this model on its “10 SUVs to Avoid” list. The predicted reliability score landed at 1 out of 5. That ranking places the Ford Explorer among the worst cars for long-term dependability.
safety recalls add to owner headaches
NHTSA recall 25S35 addresses a serious transmission defect. The powertrain control module may reset while the vehicle moves. This action can disable the Park function entirely. The SUV may roll away even when the driver shifts into Park and removes the key. For SC families, that creates a real danger.
Ford issued at least nine separate recalls for the 2025 Explorer as of early 2026. Each recall means another dealership visit. Another day without the vehicle. Another stack of paperwork.
Ford issued at least nine separate recalls for the 2025 Explorer as of early 2026. Each recall means another dealership visit. Another day without the vehicle. Another stack of paperwork.
when to contact steve moskos
Each repair attempt matters under SC Lemon Law. Even when the service writer says “we cannot replicate the problem,” that visit still counts toward the three-attempt threshold. Keep every repair order. Write down each service date. Document every conversation with the dealership.
Steven Moskos helps SC consumers pursue Lemon Law claims. Read about auto fraud cases involving undisclosed vehicle damage. Or check the consumer law overview for additional protections.
Do not wait for the warranty to expire. Contact us today and let us help you navigate the SC Lemon Law.
Steven Moskos helps SC consumers pursue Lemon Law claims. Read about auto fraud cases involving undisclosed vehicle damage. Or check the consumer law overview for additional protections.
Do not wait for the warranty to expire. Contact us today and let us help you navigate the SC Lemon Law.
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