2021 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 378 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Ford Explorer SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ford Explorer has 378 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 24 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 378
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Ford Explorer?
The 2021 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Test the back over prevention system for proper operation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Test the back over prevention system for proper operation.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, with over 100 reports. Engine and electrical issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, though the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems and electrical faults are also commonly reported.
- Back over prevention and structural problems are less frequent but notable.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 104 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 75 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 51 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 38 | 3 | 4 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 34 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seat belt on the passenger’s side failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the seat belt components were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V…
I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warn…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds in the rain, the windshield wip…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in heavy rain, the windshield wiper motor started to operate at an excessively high speed. The contact attempted to change the setting; however, the wipers continued to operate ve…
My car has 68,908 miles on it and the sunroof sunshade has drooped down now when I attempt to open it. When it does this it completely blocks the rearview window/3rd row seating which is a safety concern. There are no warning lamps at all for this issue. It sounds like it is o…
While I drive my vehicle down the road the car all of a sudden sounds like you throw it in park, it screeches and grinds in the front and will not let you push the gas pedal down even when on the highway. This causes sever risk to the people around me as well as my children who d…
The contact 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 M…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master warning, brake, battery, ABS, and brake system warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "STOP Safely Now" was displayed. The vehicle then w…
Passenger low-beam headlight failure. Dealer replaced headlight module but did not resolve. Next suggestion is replacing headlight for more than 2,000. Quite common issue on the Platinum model.
Interior panoramic roof shade roller broke and is not retracting the liner anymore
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle unexpectedly jolted, and there was a dragging sound coming from the rear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and det…
The third-row seat headrest in my 2021 Ford Explorer is stuck in the upright position and will not fold down, preventing the seat from fully collapsing. This affects rear visibility and cargo use, which may create a safety concern while driving. The issue appears to be a mechanic…
Sunshade has fallen off the tracks and the fabric is falling. This is a known issue amongst Ford Explorers with a sunroof; rear visibility is completely blocked. Ford requesting $1800 just to repair shade.
Car turns on but the engine will not turn over due to the electrical. And locks the car and not able to check or fix anything. If I was driving in the busy roads it would have been very dangerous as it stopped suddenly after starting the last time.
I am reporting a persistent and escalating electrical safety defect in a 2021 Ford Explorer. On February 28, 2022 (at approximately 10,542 miles), I formally reported a strong burning metal smell and the engine would be loud and idle high, there was abnormal noises and unusual el…
my son is rear facing and puts his arm in the forward facing belt path then can not get his arm back out. he starts screaming and crying and i have to pull the car over to the side of the road to help him get his arm out and even i struggle getting his arm free. no sooner than i …
Everyday I get alerts saying the power train system, then I can’t use my cruise control, and many other alerts pop up
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the rain, the windshield wi…
Repeated failures of the rear axle bolt recall remedy on my 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs including replacement of the rear axle bolt, axle seals, and transmission alignment. Despite these repairs the vehicle continues to exhibit drivelin…
SUNROOF SHADE SAGS WHEN OPENING IT, IMPEEDING REARVIEW VISABILITY
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ford Explorer.
2021 Ford Explorer Recalls
24 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer. 24 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 378 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 24 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (104 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (75 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (51 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 378 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 24 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 24 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2021 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.