UsedScore

2021 Ford Explorer: Solid

Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer in its first five years on the road, about 143 for every 100,000 sold: 0.8× the rate of a typical Explorer year. That's close to a typical year.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (30% of complaints, median 28,000 miles).

Complaint index
0.8×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Explorer year
Rank
6th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
316
first five years; 143 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
27
campaigns
6th generation, 2020–today · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2020 Ford Explorer XLT

Photo: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT · Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Powertrain30% · 94 complaints · median 28,000 miles
  2. Engine13% · 42 complaints · median 60,000 miles
  3. Electrical11% · 36 complaints · median 27,000 miles
  4. Driver assistance16% · 51 complaints · median 31,000 miles
  5. Brakes6% · 19 complaints · median 23,000 miles
  6. Seats and belts4% · 14 complaints · median 40,000 miles
  7. Fuel and propulsion5% · 16 complaints
  8. Visibility7% · 22 complaints · median 38,000 miles
  9. Air bags1% · 4 complaints
  10. Body and structure6% · 18 complaints · median 55,000 miles

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Electrical

Owners of this Explorer report a variety of electrical problems, from stalling and sudden power loss to screen malfunctions and battery drain, with a few describing fires. Repairs are often inconsistent, with some owners saying dealers couldn't find or permanently fix the issue.

Warning signs:
Owners describe warning lights (powertrain malfunction, wrench symbol, hill start assist), dashboard message screens going blue or black, burning odors, unusual noises, and sudden loss of power or acceleration.
What shops did:
Dealers often replaced components like batteries, instrument clusters, junction boxes, or wiring harnesses, though many report the issue was not duplicated, not fixed, or recurred after repair.
Mileage:
most between 10,000 and 30,000 miles, among 10 complaints that give it

“there was a burning odor present. The message "Pull Over Possible Powertrain Damage" was displayed.”

“My digital dash would get wavy and flickery with lines through it almost like the LEDs in the screen we're going bad.”

Engine

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer commonly describe sudden engine power loss, stalling, or knocking noises that lead to full engine replacement. Many say dealers found metal in the oil or failed valves, and several mention Ford recalls or service campaigns related to the engine that did not always cover their vehicle.

Warning signs:
Many owners report knocking, ticking or rattling sounds, rough idling, smoke from the exhaust, dashboard warning lights, or a loss of acceleration before the engine failed.
What shops did:
Dealers frequently found metal debris in the oil, diagnosed failed valves, turbos, or bearings, and replaced the entire engine, though some owners report parts or repairs were unavailable or denied under warranty.
Mileage:
most between 55,000 and 80,000 miles, among 16 complaints that give it

“Excessive metal shavings were found in the oil filter and it was discovered internal engine components had failed, causing catastrophic engine failure.”

“the timing chain, spark plugs, and intake valves were fractured. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.”

Powertrain

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer commonly describe transmission, transfer case, and rear axle bolt problems that cause stalling, rolling away in park, or sudden loss of power. Many mention recall-related repairs that were delayed, incomplete, or failed to resolve the issue.

Warning signs:
Owners report clunking or grinding noises, jerking or lurching, hard shifting, loss of acceleration, dashboard warning lights, and burning or chemical odors before problems occurred.
What shops did:
Dealers replaced or reset transmissions, transfer cases, or axle components, applied software updates to auto-engage the parking brake, or reported recall parts were unavailable and left vehicles unrepaired.
Mileage:
most between 10,000 and 75,000 miles, among 30 complaints that give it

“the vehicle independently rolled away without warning”

“there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear differential, with the vehicle vibrating”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

Recalls (27)

Check a VIN on NHTSA ›
  • NHTSA 26V451000July 2026387,911 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

    Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V402000June 2026741,195 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

    Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V159000March 2026561 vehicles

    Seat belts

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V117000March 2026604,533 vehicles

    Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

    Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V123000March 2026889,950 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V685000October 202559,006 vehicles

    Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

  • NHTSA 25V455000July 2025850,318 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

    Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V442000June 2025200,237 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V393000June 2025304,662 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

    Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V159000March 202549,399 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V166000March 20254,247 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V093000February 2025240,510 vehicles

    Seat belts

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

    Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions.

  • NHTSA 24V852000November 202427,678 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V635000August 202490,736 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V598000August 202485,238 vehicles

    Engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment.

  • NHTSA 23V675000October 2023238,364 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.

  • NHTSA 23V626000September 20232,954 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V342000May 2023442,973 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V305000April 2023523 vehicles

    Back over prevention: display function

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V199000March 2023674 vehicles

    Parking brake: electrical · Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V069000February 20233,674 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

    Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V022000January 2023382,759 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 22V255000April 2022252,936 vehicles

    Power train: axle assembly · Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    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.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software.

  • NHTSA 21V870000November 202120 vehicles

    Suspension: rear

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

    Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V735000September 2021228,297 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software · Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V652000August 2021592 vehicles

    Air bags: side/window: curtain · Air bags: critical fasteners

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".

    Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V788000December 20201,405 vehicles

    Engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

    Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Ford sent NHTSA 303 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2021 Explorer. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • TSB 26-2395 · August 2026This article supersedes 26-2287.
  • SSM 55069 · August 2026Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative.
  • SSM55059 · August 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L…
  • 26E04 · July 2026NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles…
  • TSB 26-2287 · June 2026This article supersedes 25-2302.
  • SSM 54902 · June 2026For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).
  • SSM 54827 · May 2026Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons.
  • 25B51 · May 2026Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus…

All 2021 Explorer bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer in its first five years on the road, about 143 for every 100,000 sold: 0.8× the rate of a typical Explorer year. That's close to a typical year. Ratings compare Explorer years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2021 Explorer problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (30%), the engine (13%) and the electrical system (11%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2021 Ford Explorer been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer, the most recent in July 2026 (seats). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. The 2021 Ford Explorer on NHTSA.gov · How we rate