2021 Ford Explorer problems & reliability
407 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer, alongside 26 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
14 complaints report injuries (16 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Ford Explorer vehicles were involved in 67 fatal crashes with 22 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 112 | 28% |
| Unknown OR Other | 80 | 20% |
| Engine | 44 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 40 | 10% |
| Back Over Prevention | 36 | 9% |
| Structure | 23 | 6% |
| Visibility/wiper | 23 | 6% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 19 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 19 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 16 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 42,000 miles (middle 50% between 27,000 and 68,188 miles), based on 93 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I previously reported my rear view camera not working despite ford having many recalls for that problem. Now my shade for my sunroof when opened drops into my car & blocks my view from my rear view mirror. So now I have no camera view or physical view of what's behind me. I also have the same peeling metal on my…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Aug 3, 2026
“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.”
Wheels · filed Jul 29, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his spouse was attempting to retract the moonroof shade, the shade failed to retract and sagged down, obstructing the driver's visibility of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the moonroof shade…”
Visibility · filed Jul 28, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Loss of Motive Power
Engineering Analysis EA23002 · opened Sep 29, 2023 · closed Oct 31, 2024 · led to recall 24V635
- Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Recall Query RQ23002 · opened Jun 20, 2023 · closed Feb 15, 2024 · led to recall 23V675
Technical service bulletins
289 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. The 10 most recent:
Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine…
SSM55059 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 3, 2026
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module…
26E04 · Emissions · issued Jul 9, 2026
This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids…
TSB 26-2287 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026
Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement, if Required After Dealer…
26N09 · Other · issued Jun 11, 2026
For 2020 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum…
SSM 54902 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 5, 2026
2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger…
SSM 54857 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 21, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and…
TSB 26-2242 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 19, 2026
Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 >…
SSM 54827 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 15, 2026
Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model…
25B51 · Other · issued May 9, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates…
TSB 26-2226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 8, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Ford Explorer?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 42,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.