The Ford Explorer Hybrid, introduced in 2020, is facing another safety recall. Ford has determined that a cable issue could lead to a short circuit, potentially causing a check engine light and difficulties starting the vehicle. This issue is due to a positive cable from the 12-volt battery that may chafe against the belt-integrated starter generator.
To address this problem, dealers will be installing a tie strap to secure the cable and prevent chafing. Owners can check if their vehicles are affected by the recall through Ford’s or the NHTSA’s recall portals.
Simply enter the 17-character VIN of their vehicle to see if it is included in the recall. It is important to note that the recall only affects vehicles manufactured in the United States and China and that the Explorer Hybrid is a police-only model starting from the 2024 model year.
Ford’s 2024 Explorer Hybrid SUV recall has raised questions about the exclusion of the Police Interceptor Utility model. Despite being part of the same Explorer family, the Police Interceptor Utility wasn’t mentioned in the recall documents filed with the NHTSA. The affected vehicles were manufactured between May 1, 2023, and March 28, 2024.
The 2025 Police Interceptor Utility, introduced in August 2024, features a hybrid powertrain combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine and a 44-horse electric motor. Both the civilian Explorer and the Police Interceptor Utility use a 10-speed automatic transmission with a disconnect clutch. The electric motor operates on a high-voltage battery located under the rear seat. The combined system output is 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque.
The 3.3-liter V6 engine, which can run on regular unleaded fuel, produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque on its own. For those seeking more power, the Police Interceptor Utility is available with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, which prefers premium fuel. Unlike the civilian Explorer, the Police Interceptor Utility doesn’t offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 engine.
It’s worth noting that while the Police Interceptor Utility wasn’t included in the 2024 Explorer Hybrid recall, future investigations or recalls might involve this model as well. Given the similarities between the two vehicles, it’s reasonable to assume that they share components or systems that could be affected by the same issues.
Additionally, the 2025 Police Interceptor Utility’s hybrid powertrain is a significant departure from the traditional gasoline-only engines used in previous generations of police vehicles. This new technology offers potential benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, performance, and emissions reduction, but it also introduces new potential points of failure or maintenance concerns.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about recalls, safety issues, and technological advancements. By understanding the differences between models like the Explorer and the Police Interceptor Utility, consumers can make more informed decisions about their vehicle purchases and maintenance.
