CarModelProblems.com

2021 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
397Complaints
25Recalls
13Crashes
5Fires
15Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (26.4% of complaints) — is covered by 5 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Power Train complaints here are 3.1× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train105 · 26.4%RecalledRecall 23V069000 · Recall 23V199000 · Recall 23V675000 · Recall 25V166000 · Recall 26V402000
Engine44 · 11.1%RecalledRecall 20V788000 · Recall 24V598000 · Recall 24V635000
Electrical System38 · 9.6%RecalledRecall 23V626000
Visibility/wiper22 · 5.5%No official action
Service Brakes19 · 4.8%No official action
Back Over Prevention18 · 4.5%RecalledRecall 21V735000 · Recall 23V022000 · Recall 23V305000 · Recall 23V342000 · Recall 25V159000 · Recall 25V442000 · Recall 26V123000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN105 · 26.4%
Unspecified / other78 · 19.6%
ENGINE44 · 11.1%
SERVICE BRAKES19 · 4.8%
BACK OVER PREVENTION18 · 4.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY17 · 4.3%
SUSPENSION15 · 3.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14 · 3.5%

Percentages are the share of the 397 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 25 campaigns

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V870000 · 2021 · reported 11/10/2021

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V788000 · 2020 · reported 12/17/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 21V735000 · 2021 · reported 09/22/2021

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain

NHTSA campaign 21V652000 · 2021 · reported 08/23/2021

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 23V022000 · 2023 · reported 01/23/2023

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 23V069000 · 2023 · reported 02/10/2023

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 23V199000 · 2023 · reported 03/24/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 23V305000 · 2023 · reported 04/28/2023

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 23V342000 · 2023 · reported 05/12/2023

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

NHTSA campaign 23V626000 · 2023 · reported 09/08/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 23V675000 · 2023 · reported 10/06/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 24V598000 · 2024 · reported 08/10/2024

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

NHTSA campaign 24V635000 · 2024 · reported 08/23/2024

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 2024 · reported 11/08/2024

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 25V093000 · 2025 · reported 02/14/2025

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 25V159000 · 2025 · reported 03/14/2025

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 25V166000 · 2025 · reported 03/14/2025

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · 2025 · reported 06/13/2025

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 2025 · reported 06/27/2025

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 2025 · reported 07/07/2025

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · 2026 · reported 03/03/2026

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 2026 · reported 03/03/2026

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · 2026 · reported 03/17/2026

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · 2026 · reported 06/24/2026

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I bought a new Ford Explorer XLT in 2021. I was driving with my kids on highway 101 at 70mph on 08/13/2023, wrench symbol came…”NHTSA complaint 11538462 — filed 08/14/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“Numerous times over the recent 2 months, I have experienced different issues with my 2021 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was purchased used in 2022 with…”NHTSA complaint 11528839 — filed 06/26/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall…”NHTSA complaint 11516000 — filed 04/07/2023 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

272021652022124202310820241352025772026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 105 of 397 NHTSA complaints (26.4%), followed by unspecified/other issues (78), engine (44), electrical system (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?

397 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — 25 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V870000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Ford Explorer's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.