2021 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

44Engine complaints

11.1%Of all 397 complaints

#3Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

POWER TRAIN105 · 26.4%

Unspecified / other78 · 19.6%

ENGINE44 · 11.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38 · 9.6%

VISIBILITY/WIPER22 · 5.5%

Share of the 397 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Ford Explorer overview page.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The…”NHTSA complaint 11535412 — filed 07/31/2023

“Last month out of the blue, my 2021 Ford Explorer ST with 15,500 miles would not start. Attempts to jump it were futile. I then…”NHTSA complaint 11516973 — filed 04/13/2023

“Defective Starter - car will not start, battery, alternator check off ok.”NHTSA complaint 11510693 — filed 03/07/2023

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have engine problems?

Engine is the #3 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Ford Explorer: 44 of 397 complaints on file (11.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have in total?

397 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 13 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 15 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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.