2021 Ford Explorer problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 433 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer, filed between 2021-03-20 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the power train (123, 28%), engine (48, 11%) and electrical system (44, 10%). Owners reported 17 crashes, 5 fires and 19 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 26 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Ford Explorer complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 123 | 28% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 86 | 20% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine | 48 | 11% | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 44 | 10% | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 36 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 24 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 24 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 19 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 19 | 4% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 17 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 15 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 15 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 14 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 123 complaints
- 123 complaints of 433 (28%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 11 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 5 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford Explorer; the latest, campaign 26V402000, says: “The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.”
Engine: 48 complaints
- 48 complaints of 433 (11%) name the engine.
- 11 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford Explorer; the latest, campaign 24V635000, says: “The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.”
Electrical system: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 433 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 4 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 23V626000, says: “A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.”
Back over prevention: 36 complaints
- 36 complaints of 433 (8%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 3 of them also name the lane departure; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 7 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford Explorer; the latest, campaign 26V123000, says: “The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.”
Structure: 24 complaints
- 24 complaints of 433 (6%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 24 complaints
- 24 complaints of 433 (6%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 26V117000, says: “The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 90 |
| 2024 | 82 |
| 2025 | 103 |
| 2026 | 91 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names EXPLORER, EXPLORER HEV, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Ford Explorer recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Ford Explorer's most common problem areas are the power train (123 of 433 complaints), engine (48 of 433 complaints) and electrical system (44 of 433 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 433 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer, including 17 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer's problems?
NHTSA lists 26 recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer; 5 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.