2021 Ford Explorer Problems & Complaints

Most common 2021 Ford Explorer problems

• Transmission & drivetrain~46,000 miles
  12728%
• Other / not specified~75,000 miles
  9020%
• Engine & cooling~69,000 miles
  5913%
• Driver assistance~32,000 miles
  5613%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~45,000 miles
  4811%
• Electrical system~23,000 miles
  4711%
• Fuel & propulsion system~55,000 miles
  276%
• Body & structure~65,000 miles
  256%
• Brakes~37,000 miles
  245%
• Seats~77,000 miles
  174%
• Suspension~12,000 miles
  153%
• Speed control & acceleration~10,000 miles
  153%
• Lights
  82%
• Steering~23,000 miles
  61%
• Wheels & tires~0 miles
  61%
• Air bags~10,000 miles
  61%
• Seat belts~66,000 miles
  31%
• Equipment & accessories~42,000 miles
  20%
• Locks & latches~55,000 miles
  10%

Share of the 447 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Explorer complaints by model year

Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →

2021 Ford Explorer recalls (26)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2021 Ford Explorer:

What 2021 Ford Explorer owners say

Transmission & drivetrain all 127 →

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after his wife set the vehicle to "Park" while the engine was running, as she exited, the vehicle lurched forward and crashed into the garage back wall. There was no damage to the vehicle, however, there was damage to the garage back wall. The contact stated his wife saw no warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife got back into the vehicle and observed that the gear shift lever was still in "Park" and she shut the vehicle off. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer, or an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated as if the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred and became a persistent failure. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle bucked, with an abnormal burning oil odor. The transmission independently shifted into park. …

Engine & cooling all 59 →

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH he depressed the brake pedal to slow for a traffic signal and the vehicle experienced brake failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove over the median to avoid crashing into vehicles directly in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal however, the vehicle seemed to accelerate independently. The contact stated that he attempted to shift the vehicle into neutral(N) however, the shifter dial would not move. The contact stated he had attempted to turn the vehicle off but could not turn off the vehicle. The contact stated he was finally able to stop the vehicle prior to crashing into traffic directional poles. The contact stated that the Police arrived on the scene and wrote a report. …

[redacted] after driving less than 10 min. warning signs flashed on screen. I immediately pulled off the road where the vehicle completely shut down and realized my 2021 Ford Explorer was on fire. Bystanders attempted to put the fire out with fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. My passenger and I opened our doors, I exited and attempted to open trunk to remove wheelchair but could not (because door is electrical). My passenger flung himself onto the ground until bystanders came with a rolling office chair to remove him away from the burning vehicle. Had the bystanders not been there I do not know how I would have been able to move my passenger (25 year old, 200 lb male) away from the burning vehicle. Fire Marshall could not determine cause of fire because vehicle was completely melted/too damaged. …

Driver assistance all 56 →

The contact leases a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 25 MPH with Co-pilot 360 assist mode and the evasive steering assist engaged, she lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that his wife could not feel the connection between the steering wheel and the front tires of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle made a sharp right turn and crashed into a telephone pole. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. The contact 's wife sustained bruises and lesions on the ankle, knee cap, arms and on her left breast but did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to another tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. …

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the adaptive cruise control and the collision avoidance systems would malfunction. The vehicle would suddenly deactivate the cruise control and the collision avoidance would detect a non-existing object and stop the vehicle from also turning to avoid the crash. The contact stated that while idled at a stop light when the vehicle suddenly accelerated rear-ending the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy however the acceleration did not reach high enough speeds for such a response. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.

2021 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.