2021 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer. This model year has 378 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 378 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Explorer
24 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Ford Explorer has 378 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 24 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (104 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 13 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 378 total NHTSA complaints. 14 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: SUSPENSION:REAR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2021 Ford Explorer has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.