One of the better Explorer years
Owners filed about 69% fewer complaints than a typical Explorer year. The area owners reported most is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 46,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 455 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer. The most reported problem area is the transmission and drivetrain (128, 28% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the lights, wipers and visibility. That ranks 9th of 13 Explorer years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 26 recalls.
6 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 Ford Explorer before you buy.
Transmission and drivetrain
128 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
My vehicle was just diagnosed with trouble code P2888 (Park Lock Actuator Circuit/Open). This prevents the vehicle from shifting safely into Park. SHIFT SYS FAILURE was the error displayed in the dash readout. This matches the exact model, year, and dangerous symptoms outlined in Ford Safety Recall 26S48. My local Ford dealership has…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle ran over an object and a moment later, the vehicle suddenly jolted very hard and transmission was upshifting and downshifting erratically. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact became aware of a foul burning odor inside the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 69,000 miles
Engine and cooling
60 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
On October 21, 2026, after an approximately one-hour round trip in our 2021 Ford Explorer, we arrived home and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. When we opened the hood, we found oil spread throughout the engine compartment. The smoke and oil leak raised concerns about a possible fire and the safety of continuing to drive the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Ford Explorer XLT - 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 VIN: [XXX] Odometer: 127,824 Date of failure: [XXX] Complaint Description: I am reporting a complete engine failure due to coolant intrusion on my 2021 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost. This is the known defect affecting 2016-2024 Explorer 2.3L engines. Independent shop diagnosis from…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
59 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
My 2021 Ford Explorer is subject to safety recall 26S14/NHTSA 26V117. Ford announced this recall in March 2026, but as of November 3, 2026, Ford still identifies the remedy as unavailable. Authorized dealers cannot inspect, repair, or close the recall. The unresolved recall prevents lawful use of the vehicle on a car-sharing platform and…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
56 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (11), Automatic emergency braking (10), Rearview system braking (8).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle failed to connect or communicate with the computer and module. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The parking collision sensors started to act up. Its been replaced 3 or 4 times in the last year over the same problem and no one has tried to tell me how to fix the issue besides keep getting it replaced. People are at risk of getting hit or hitting a object that could be in the way of me reversing.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
48 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Ladder being shut off, I exited the vehicle. I shut the driver side door. The car locked itself after shutting . Locking the keys and entrapped my 1.5 year old for 30 minutes while I waited for police to come and assist.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Within a month of Purchasing the Vehicle, around end of June, the image on the back up camera would flip upside down when trying to reverse. This only happens occasionally but the times that it has happened I have backed into a ditch and ran over a child's bicycle. There has been no damage to my vehicle as of yet. Because this does not…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
28 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 55,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was pulled over safely and turned off; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with low-pressure fuel pump failure. The contact associated the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 78,209 miles
When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
26 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (18).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The right rear passenger door of my 2021 Ford Explorer ST repeatedly becomes unlatched and physically opens while the vehicle is in motion, including at highway speeds of approximately 72 mph. This occurs almost every time the vehicle is driven and creates a serious safety hazard. The door visibly separates from the vehicle’s body, which…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the fabric inside the cabin of the vehicle covering the sunroof was detaching from the frame and lowering down to obstruct the view of the rear-view mirror and rear glass. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the fabric needed to be replaced. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 75,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
25 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The brake pedal on my 2021 Ford Explorer intermittently sticks or fails to return to its upright position after being depressed. This mechanical binding and failure to release changes drastically with seasonal weather transitions and ambient temperature drops. When the vehicle or the outside air is cold, the pedal requires me to…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master warning, brake, battery, ABS, and brake system warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "STOP Safely Now" was displayed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode each time, but the vehicle failed to…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 54,230 miles
Seats and seat belts
21 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
About 3 months ago, every time I started the vehicle, I heard a whining noise coming from the 2nd row passenger seat that my [XXX] sits in with her car seat that We could not figure it out for awhile. I then took her car seat out of the car 2 weeks ago to clean underneath it and the seat automatically folded up with force. I jammed it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V451000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 119,000 miles
Suspension
15 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power.Owner complaint, filed 2026
2024 - 19k miles. Both rear shocks were leaking. Dealer replaced both at no charge. 2025 - 30k rear shock shows signs of leaking. Dealer states no leak. 2025 - 32k Tire shop says shock is leaking. I told them the dealer said it was not. they took pictures. 2025 - Arrive at dealer (2nd time same issue) Dealer states no warranty because I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Cruise control and acceleration
15 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
2021 Ford Exploer the RPM SHOOTS UP AND DOES NOT GO DOWN. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT VEHICLE OFF TO RESET.. This has been replaced in 2023 and I am having problems with same issue. VEHICLE WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED UPON Accelerating and when it finally picks up the transmission with jerk really hard. This happens 2x a week. At times I…Owner complaint, filed 2025
I have filled claims with Ford Motor Company as well as the BBB regarding my vehicle and not shifting and lunging into gear. Ford has replaced my transmission 3 times and denied my claim for a buy back under the Lemon Law and Magnuson Moss Warranty claim. Now I am reading Ford is recalling many 2021 Ford Explorers for the same issue that…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Steering
7 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into a concrete wall barrier. The vehicle sustained severe damages on the passenger-side…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 91,942 miles
NHTSA COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
6 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he was driving approximately at 55 MPH when a deer jumped out in front of his vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into the deer and the air bags did deploy, however when it did it was very aggressive. The contact stated that he and his wife were both sustained multiple…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 3,000 miles
On 11/25/2021, I started the vehicle and drove about 2 miles when I noticed that the airbag light was illuminated on the dash. Knowing that this is a safety concern, I pulled into a parking lot and shut off the vehicle. I let the vehicle sit for about 30 seconds and restarted the car. When restarted, the light did not come back on. Took…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Wheels and tires
6 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
All 4 tire TPMS sensor have failed. 2 at 67,057 on ~ 2/20/26, 2 at 71,024 miles on ~6/10/26. Car is a 2021. Sensors should not have failed within 5 years of owing the car. I have a 2012 Ford F50m only 1 has failed in over 14 years. Asking consideration for a recall to cover costs.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Two TPMS sensors have failed on this vehicle. Although these sensors are required under the TREAD act, Ford has advised through their dealer that this is not a safety issue and the TPMS sensor batteries failing less than 3 years from date of vehicle manufacture falls in the category of normal wear and tear. Note that the vehicle has…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Ford Explorer complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Explorer | One of the better years | 26 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | Among the worst years | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | About average | 10 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | About average | 5 |
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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- Risk
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
Windows, mirrors 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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 and cooling 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.
Full recall 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 system Traction battery
- Risk
- Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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."
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Control module
- 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
2021 Ford Explorer questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 Ford Explorer are the transmission and drivetrain (128 complaints), the engine and cooling (60 complaints) and the lights, wipers and visibility (59 complaints).
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a good year to buy?
One of the better Explorer years. Owners filed about 69% fewer complaints than a typical Explorer year. The area owners reported most is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 46,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 26 recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer. The most recent, from Jul 2026, covers the mid / rear assembly. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 46,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 64,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
The Explorer years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2021 Ford Explorer?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model