My 2025 Ford Explorer Won’t Start 3,000 Miles In, After Two Weeks the Dealer Still Doesn’t Know What’s Wrong, Should I Keep It Until They Lemon Law It?

Are there electrical issues with the 2025 Ford Explorer?

As I looked through the Ford SUV owner's forums, I ran across a story from Jamie Michelle (@xoxojamieshelle) saying her 2025 Ford Explorer is having problems with the push-button ignition switch. 

She says,

"My 2025 Ford Explorer was towed to the dealership with only 3,000 miles on it. The Ford dealer says they have no clue what's wrong with it after having it for two weeks. They said it's running great and that nothing is wrong. Here is video proof," as she shows the car not starting.

Jamie doesn't have the new Ford Explorer Hybrid but has a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology. For 2025, the Explorer got a new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and enhanced connectivity options. 

So, it did not receive a complete remodel, where more issues could exist. However, Ford did not reveal whether they had changed the push-button ignition. It came standard with Ford's Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start feature. 

Ford's Intelligent Access is a system that allows you to access your Ford vehicle without using your key. It uses radio frequency signals to communicate with your key fob, which can be kept in your pocket or purse. 

Here is Jamie's account of the problem.

"This is what happens when I try to start it," she says as she pushes the Explorer's push-button start. "The car doesn't do anything." She tries it again. "The same thing happens again, nothing. The dash notice says my full accessory power is active." 

Ford says, To start your Ford Explorer, press and hold the brake pedal and press the Start/Stop button, which Jamie does. 

"See, I am making sure that my foot is on the brake pedal, and it still doesn't work."

Also, Jamie Did Get the Remote Start System upgrade.

Jamie says there's another way to start her car. She is resourceful and keeps trying to start her new Explorer. She pulls out her key fob and pushes the remote start button twice. "I can use my key fob and auto-start it. Yeah, it stays running. I put it into drive, and everything works."

However, Jamie doesn't want to use the remote start feature whenever she gets in the car. Something is obviously wrong with her new Ford Explorer.

"Does anyone have any ideas?" she asks, reaching out to the community for advice and support. "I really just want advice from other Explorer owners to see if anyone else has had this problem."

Another Problem Surfaces

"It was so weird because as soon as I tried to switch the gear from park to any other gear, the car would cut off, and the gearshift would lock."

So, "I texted the service tech in charge of the Explorer and told him I wanted a whole new battery. Guess we'll see what happens there. However, after I begged and pleaded to replace the battery, he said it was reading fine and that until there is a recall, they can't/won't replace it."

Now, the Ford Explorer Is Back At the Dealer Again

Jamie says, "The dealer says they can't replicate the issue. They basically told me that until they have a bulletin or recall, they don't know good luck and have it towed back if it breaks down again."

"Should I just keep taking it until they lemon law it?" she says, frustrated with her new car.

Update From Jamie

Jamie says, "It's running right now; I got it back from Ford yesterday. It's still glitchy, but at least it starts."

What are other 2025 Ford Explorer owners saying? 

In the comments, Krista Weaver says, "I am having this exact same issue with my 2025 Explorer ST trim!! I got it two days before Christmas, and today, it returned to the dealer for the 3rd time."

A Reddit user said, "Ok. We love these new cars, but it is hard to figure out how to fix them when things go wrong! Tonight, my wife and a friend were traveling out of state and stopped for gas. upon returning to our Ford Explorer, I hit the start button, and all the dash lights came on, as did the radio, but it did not start, and they reported that the ignition button was blinking green. No matter what I did, the vehicle would not start."

What Does Ford Say About the Push Button Start Ignition?

Ford now uses an "Intelligent Access" key with the push-button start ignition feature. Could it be too smart?

Ford says, "An Intelligent Access key allows you to access your vehicle without having to reach for your keys. The Intelligent Access system communicates with your vehicle via a radio frequency signal."

When the key is within a 3-foot range of your vehicle, it will allow you to:

• Unlock your doors: Grab a front door handle and pull.
• Lock your doors: Press the sensor on the driver's door for about half a second until you hear it click. 
• Start your vehicle: Press and hold the brake pedal while you push the Start/Stop button. The key must be inside the car to start the vehicle.
• Turn off your vehicle: Press the brake pedal, shift into Park, and push the start button.
• Open the trunk: Press the soft button switch located either above or below the license plate.

However, in the notes it says,

"If there is excessive radio frequency interference near your vehicle, or if your key fob transmitter battery is low, you can unlock the driver door with a mechanical key blade housed inside your Intelligent Access key."

Final Thoughts and Questions

Could these "excessive radio frequencies" pose a safety risk by interfering with the Ford Explorer's push-button start ignition? 

Do you own a Ford Explorer? Have you experienced any issues with starting your car? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your experience could be valuable to other Ford Explorer owners who might be facing similar issues.

Check out another one of my Ford stories titled; My 2024 Ford Bronco With 600 Miles On It Died In Rural Arkansas With My Fiancé Driving, I Was a Big Ford Fan, But Not Any Longer

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jamie Michelle