2021 Ford Explorer fuel/propulsion system problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Ford Explorer — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic. No check engine light is or has been on. I’ve been to 2 different ford…”
filed Aug 15, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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, 20262020-2026 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
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 Explorer | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 Explorer | 21 | 8% |
| 2020 Explorer | 40 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 14 | 5% |
| 2018 Explorer | 19 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 44 | 3% |
| 2016 Explorer | 104 | 4% |
| 2015 Explorer | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 62 | 4% |
| 2013 Explorer | 120 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.