Most common 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer Hybrid complaints by model year
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the body & structure (1) and steering (1).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, the most recent from April 14, 2022 (axle assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.