2021 FORD EXPLORER

481 complaints filed with NHTSA.

481
Complaints
21
Crashes
6
Fires
18
Injuries
0
Deaths

NHTSA Safety Rating

5/5
Overall
5/5
Front Crash
5/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN97
UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
ENGINE41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
BACK OVER PREVENTION18
VISIBILITY/WIPER17
SERVICE BRAKES16
SUSPENSION14
STRUCTURE:BODY14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
SEATS11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING9
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING8
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS7

Recalls (21)

23V30500028/04/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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 i

25V44200027/06/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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, 2021-2

23V19900024/03/2023

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

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

24V63500023/08/2024

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

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 p

21V65200023/08/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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 Mot

23V02200023/01/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

21V73500022/09/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

20V78800017/12/2020

ENGINE

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.

25V15900014/03/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

25V16600014/03/2025

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

25V09300014/02/2025

SEAT BELTS

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 a

25V39300013/06/2025

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

23V34200012/05/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

21V87000010/11/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

25V68500010/10/2025

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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 t

24V59800010/08/2024

ENGINE

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 exhaus

23V06900010/02/2023

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

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.

24V85200008/11/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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 requiremen

23V62600008/09/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

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.

25V45500007/07/2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

23V67500006/10/2023

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Recent Complaints

20260218POWER TRAIN

For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of inci

20260218SUSPENSION

For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of inci

20260218SEATS

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20260217POWER TRAIN

Transmission clutch failure. As a result my 2021 ford explorer needs a new transmission.

20260217BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

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.

20260213STRUCTURE:BODY

Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23S55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. i took the vehicle to a ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take re

20260213UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23S55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. i took the vehicle to a ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take re

20260213VISIBILITY/WIPER

Tiny specks in the windshield between laminate decreases visibility when in sunlight

20260207UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof shade cover has become unattached to the rollers on the sunroof track. This causes sagging of the sunroof sunshade, and limits visibility while driving.

20260206ENGINE

The vehicle has an ongoing oil leak originating from the engine/drivetrain area. The affected components include the intermediate shaft and related seals, which are subject to Ford technical service bulletins, and potentially the plastic engine oil pan and its sealing surfaces. The vehicle is currently operable and remains available for inspection upon request. he vehicle is actively leaking engine oil at approximately one drop per day. Oil leakage presents a safety risk due to the potential f

20260203POWER TRAIN

On [XXX], we sent a 2021 Ford Interceptor to J.C. Lewis Ford located at 309 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville, Georgia 31313 for a recall under 23S55. The recall is a safety issue related to a rear axle bolt and the possibility the bolt can fracture. We had the recall done and returned the vehicle to service. On or about [XXX], our fleet manager was called to the Liberty County Jail because this vehicle was making a loud noise from the rear end. Our fleet manager had the vehicle towed to the coun

20260203SUSPENSION

On [XXX], we sent a 2021 Ford Interceptor to J.C. Lewis Ford located at 309 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville, Georgia 31313 for a recall under 23S55. The recall is a safety issue related to a rear axle bolt and the possibility the bolt can fracture. We had the recall done and returned the vehicle to service. On or about [XXX], our fleet manager was called to the Liberty County Jail because this vehicle was making a loud noise from the rear end. Our fleet manager had the vehicle towed to the coun

20260203FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband, who was an independent mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle and discovered a failure with the emissions system. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ma

Mileage: 80,000

20260203ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband, who was an independent mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle and discovered a failure with the emissions system. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ma

Mileage: 80,000

20260202UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The drivers side door latch mechanism malfunctions and causes the door to unlatch or does not allow the door to latch. This is a safety hazard. I know two other ford owners with vehicles after 2021 that is having this same issue. This calls for a recall!

20260128UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sun roof fabric/covering came off tracks and is now sagging. Many forums on this issue. When driving if windows are down, the fabric flaps in the wind and sounds like it will fly off. I no longer drive with the windows down. If it continues to sag, could obstruct rear view.

20260123ENGINE

I was informed by the dealership that the engine issue with my 2021 Ford Explorer is the same issue for which a recall was issued. However, because my vehicle’s VIN was not included in the recall, I was required to pay for the engine replacement. I attempted to work with the dealership to have them coordinate with the manufacturer, but they declined to do so. I then contacted the manufacturer directly to file a complaint and request a review of the issue. I was advised that there was nothing t

20260123EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LED low beam headlight failures. Our 1st headlight failure occurred in January 2025 at 51,248 miles (Passengers Side), our 2nd failure occurred in December 2025 at 64,356 miles (Drivers Side). My claim is Ford decided to embrace LED technology with out properly performance testing it. LED headlights are new on the explorer platform since 2020, the platinum & ST trims are the only ones that utilizes LED's to my knowledge. The design intent was life of car which clearly is not occurring. Ford shou

20260120SERVICE BRAKES

While applying brakes coming to a stop light, the vehicle gave a message stating service brakes. The brakes still felt normal. Then after a few minutes, the brakes felt like they suddenly stopped working and then the rear tires started locking up and releasing. The frong brakes felt like they were not working at all. Stopping distance approximately tripled and not really any way to adjust braking pressure. Releasing the pedal would give a 2ish second delay before the brakes would reapply up

20260111SUSPENSION

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 did not pay for replacements. They stated had I payed for replacements I would have a 2 year warranty. Since it's been over a year I have to pay for it. Left d