How many recalls does the 2021 FORD Explorer have?

The 2021 FORD Explorer has 21 recalls issued by NHTSA.

2021 FORD Explorer

Name: 2021 FORD Explorer Consumer Complaints Data
Creator: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Published: 2026-01-10T11:48:43.119Z
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

21RecallsNHTSA Verified 100ComplaintsNHTSA Data 7InvestigationsNHTSA Data

Expert Verdict

🚨Requires Careful Review

This 2021 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting back over prevention and power train.

Key Factor:multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability

📊

Expert Analysis

📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Warning
⚖️
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.8)
📝
Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-168

Complaint Impact-5

Investigation Impact-35

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 FORD Explorer

Model Year2021

MakeFORD

ModelExplorer

Fuel TypeGasoline

Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →

Jan21

NEWProduction

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan21

RECALLRecall Issued

Oct21

RECALLRecall Issued

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Apr23

INVInvestigation Opened

Jun23

RECALLRecall Issued

Aug23

RECALLRecall Issued

Oct23

RECALLRecall Issued

Dec23

RECALLRecall Issued

Aug24

RECALLRecall Issued

Oct24

RECALLRecall Issued

Jan25

ISSUEFirst Report

Jul25

RECALLRecall Issued

Oct25

RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

30 complaints (30% of total)

➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable

No trend data

✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High

5(5%)

🟡Medium

11(11%)

🟢Low

84(84%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 60k-80k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 70,765 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 30 of 100 complaints (30% coverage)

0-20k

0 reports (0%)

20k-40k

6 reports (20%)

40k-60k

5 reports (17%)

60k-80k

8 reports (27%)

80k-100k

7 reports (23%)

100k+

4 reports (13%)

* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SUSPENSIONENGINEBACK OVER PREVENTIONAIR BAGSPOWER TRAINELECTRICAL SYSTEMENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEQUIPMENTSEAT BELTSSEATSFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official Safety Recalls (21)

Campaign: 21V870000

SUSPENSION:REAR

10/11/2021

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.

Consequence

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 20V788000

ENGINE

17/12/2020

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Campaign: 21V735000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

22/09/2021

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.

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 21V652000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

23/08/2021

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".

Consequence

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V022000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

23/01/2023

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.

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V069000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

10/02/2023

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.

Consequence

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V199000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

24/03/2023

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V305000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

28/04/2023

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V342000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

12/05/2023

Summary

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V626000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

08/09/2023

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 23V675000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

06/10/2023

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 24V598000

ENGINE

10/08/2024

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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 this recall is 24S52.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Campaign: 24V635000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

23/08/2024

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.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

08/11/2024

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 25V093000

SEAT BELTS

14/02/2025

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.

Consequence

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 25V159000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

14/03/2025

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.

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 25V166000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

14/03/2025

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Campaign: 25V393000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

13/06/2025

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.

Consequence

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

27/06/2025

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Campaign: 25V455000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

07/07/2025

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.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Campaign: 25V685000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

10/10/2025

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.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. 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 February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

NHTSA Investigations

7 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Explorer.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 26,441

INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 21,168

INV-2021-1002🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 42,641

INV-2021-1003🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 12,462

INV-2021-1004🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 44,610

INV-2021-1005🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 40,896

INV-2021-1006🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 28,012

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Explorer.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning30%

Acceleration Issues9%

Accident5%

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure shortly after the vehicle was serviced. The contact stated that after shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed back to another local dealer, Sutton Ford (21315 Central Ave, Matteson, IL 60443); where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear axle bolt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Electrical🔵 Low

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Adaptive Headlamps keep going out causing a safety issue.

Other🔶 Medium

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sliding roof mechanism for the sunroof failed and droops into the backseat impairing vision. This can be triggered accidentally while driving causing zero rear visibility. This is part of the sun roof that is the shade keeping the sun out of the car. With extremely little use on my 2021 ford explorer this mechanism has failed causing this dangerous malfunction. I found may posts in Facebook describing this same issue. [XXX] There’s just one example of many people having this issue. There’s component was taken to the Ford dealership where I was provided a verbal quote of more than $4,000 to fix, which is not feasible. There were no warning signs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V598000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted and declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Other🔵 Low

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof shade is sagging. It broke from one day to the next, and it’s blocking my rear view.

Other🔵 Low

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunshade is sagging. For the 2nd time.

Other🔵 Low

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Panaromic sunroof blind became lose and is sagging, causing an unsafe driving experience, making it difficult to see out rear view mirrors.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low

ENGINE

My explorer is only 4 years old and it suddenly suffered catastrophic engine failure due to low engine oil. The engine started knokcing and clattering BEFORE any warning lights came on the dash. This could also be due to premature bearing failure which is common in the 3.0 ecboost engines.

Other🔵 Low

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof sunshade snapped a clip off and now hangs down blocking the rear view. It is impossible to see out the back window. I have read on multiple sites that this is happening to many of these SUVs and it's an extremely expensive and difficult fix. It's very dangerous and I won't even let my girlfriend drive it anymore.

Electrical🔶 Medium

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

vehicle low beam headlights went out all of the sudden. Would not come back on after car was turned off and restarted. Drove home with high beams on. Next day, just the driver side low beam came back on. Took to dealer, they reprogrammed and headlights worked for three days, then went passenger low beam went out again. Took back to dealer and now they are telling me both headlamp control modules on both sides need replacing. The cost is very expensive and I am doubting this is the problem. This is a safety issue and I am reading blogs and the Platinum version of the Explorer seem to have issues. This could cause an accident and Ford could be liable. This issue needs to be looked at, as this should not be an issue for a car with 50K miles on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 FORD Explorer?

Yes, the 2021 FORD Explorer has 21 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SUSPENSION:REAR, ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE.

Is the 2021 FORD Explorer safe to drive?

The 2021 FORD Explorer has 21 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 FORD Explorer has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local FORD dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V73500023V02200023V30500023V34200025V15900025V442000

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:23V06900023V19900023V67500025V166000

Engine

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm engine recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all engine recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:20V78800024V598000

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

Verify all 21 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your FORD dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.

🛒

If You're Buying Used

Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.

⚖️

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This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

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Safety Alert

📋Why This Matters

Expert Analysis

Safety & Reliability Score

Score Breakdown

Technical Specifications

Safety History Timeline

Consumer Complaint Analysis

Most Reported Issue

Complaint Trend

Safety Incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Mileage Failure Analysis

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Primary Risk Areas

Official Safety Recalls (21)

SUSPENSION:REAR

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

ENGINE

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

Additional Notes

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Summary

Consequence

Remedy

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BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

Consequence

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POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Summary

Consequence

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POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Summary

Consequence

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BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Summary

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BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Summary

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POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary

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ENGINE

Summary

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Additional Notes

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary

Consequence

Remedy