KnownCarProblems2021 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 446 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer, most often about the transmission (28% of complaints, typically around 46,000 miles). It is 16th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints and has 26 recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission
127 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, axle hubs.
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving from a complete stop in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. A message indicating a transmission failure was displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was hard to shift and there was a delay while shifting from first gear. The vehicle hesitated while shifting. While at a stop, the vehicle hesitated and was slow to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was…
Other or unspecified
86 complaints · 19%Engine
58 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started shaking and vibrating before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a traffic light, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day. The dealer diagnosed that both exhaust flex pipes had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed…
Electrical
47 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 23,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, instrument panel.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that prior to the failure she observed a "transmission code" warning that flashed twice but did not illuminate again. The contact pulled off the roadway and…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally the front driverâs and front passengerâs side windows failed to respond while depressing the switch. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and was previously repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the same local…
Visibility and wipers
47 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, glass, side/rear, windshield, windshield wiper/washer.
The contact 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v455000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 26v117000 (visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v117000 (visibility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the…
Backup camera
36 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles. Parts named most often: rearview system braking, warnings, sensing system.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen display was inoperable. The contact stated that a blue screen was displayed creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting into reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact…
Fuel system
27 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and decelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred during the warmer weather months. The cause of the failure was not determined. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 25v455000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The…
Body and structure
25 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to close as needed. The contact was able to manually close the liftgate. Additionally, the roof was leaking near the sunroof and roof rails. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a 15x3/4-inch strip on the b-pillar trim of the driver's side rear door that was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who attempted to use adhesive to secure the trim piece; however, the temporary repair failed to fix…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Ford Explorer recalls
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed august 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in january 2027. Lincoln aviator owner notification letters were mailed august 21, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s52. This recall expands recall 25v393. Vehicle identificati
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 aviator and 2020-2026 explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed july 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in april 2027. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s48. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on june 26, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 navigator, expedition, 2020-2021 explorer, lincoln aviator, and 2021 f-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 30, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c18. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 19, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Backup camera: software
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 23, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c11. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 5, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape, lincoln corsair, 2020-2024 lincoln aviator, and explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed april 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in october 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s14. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 4, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer, escape, lincoln aviator, and lincoln corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed december 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated september 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sa4. Vehicle identification
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 lincoln mkc, 2016-2023 explorer, 2019-2020 fusion, 2019-2024 ranger, 2020-2022 lincoln corsair, escape, 2021-2024 bronco, bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 27, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s75.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 bronco, explorer, lincoln aviator, f-250 sd, f-350 sd, f-450 sd, f-550 sd, 2021-2022 lincoln navigator, mustang, f-150, and 2022 expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 4, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s72.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 transit connect, 2019-2020 mkz, mkx, edge, continental, f-150, nautilus, fusion, 2019-2023 ranger, mustang, 2020-2021 ecosport, expedition, navigator, 2020-2022 escape, f-250 sd, corsair, 2020-2023 aviator, transit, 2020-2024 explorer, 2021-2024 bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 7, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s67.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 aviator, and explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Backup camera: software
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 25, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s27.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 explorer, lincoln aviator, and 2020-2022 lincoln corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23v-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 25, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s22.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23v-199 or 22v-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 5, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 explorer and aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Equipment: labels
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 19, 2024. Owners may call ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 explorer, lincoln aviator, 2020-2024 escape, lincoln corsair, 2018-2024 f-150, expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 3, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s55.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco, f-150, edge, explorer, lincoln nautilus, and lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7l or 3.0l nano ecoboost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Engine
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 15, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for t
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer vehicles equipped with the police interceptor utility package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 19, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s55.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Electrical: traction battery
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (becm) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on april 8, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford motor company's number for this recall is 23s53.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 lincoln aviator and ford explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0l phev engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 10, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23v-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23v-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 explorer, lincoln aviator, and 2020-2022 lincoln corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Backup camera: display function
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the ics software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 27, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23c14.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer police interceptor utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch integrated computer screen (ics). When the display on/off button is used to turn the display to "off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Brakes: electrical
Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on may 31, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s16.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3l RWD, 3.3l gas, 3.3l fhev, or 3.0l st powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22v-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "park," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 28, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3l engine and 10r60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed april 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed february 13, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21v-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21v-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 explorer, lincoln aviator, and 2020-2022 lincoln corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Suspension: rear
Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 3, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s47.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 16, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s44.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 explorer, lincoln corsair, and lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 10, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21c19.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 214, "side impact protection".
Engine
Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began february 3, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s72.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
On july 22, 2022, the office of defects investigation (odi) granted a defect petition (dp22001) and opened a preliminary evaluation (pe22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7l ecoboost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During pe22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all my 2021-2022 ford and lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7
Rear axle bolt failure
Summary
On july 17, 2023, the office of defect investigation (odi) opened this recall query (rq) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (my) 2020-2022 ford explorer vehicles (subject vehicles). The rq was opened to focus on the effectiveness of the remedies of recalls 22v-255 and 23v-199 related to the alleged problem. Recall 22v-255 involved replacing the bushing and axle cover in the following subject vehicles: 3.3l fhev police built before october 14, 2020, and 3.3l gas police vehicle built before january 31, 2021. For 2.3l RWD, 3.0l phev, 3.3lfhev, and 3.0lst retail (non-police) vehicles, th
Questions about the 2021 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (127 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); other or unspecified (86 complaints); engine (58 complaints, typically around 64,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- 26 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 14, 2026 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 16th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 446 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.