2021 Ford Explorer service brakes problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2021 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I am reporting a safety concern involving a delayed transmission gear engagement and delayed rearview camera activation. Intermittently, when shifting the vehicle from Park into Reverse or Drive, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission actually engages the selected gear. During this…”
filed Jul 14, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH down a hill, the engine and powertrain were resistant when the brakes were applied. No warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was sent by a local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic…”
filed Jul 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 15 | 17% |
| 2023 Explorer | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2020 Explorer | 80 | 7% |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 21 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 17 | 1% |
| 2015 Explorer | 26 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 Explorer | 31 | 1% |
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.