Complaint volume
398 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Ford Explorer Complaints
398 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
398 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
5 Fire reports
13 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, unknown or other, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 5 fire reports, 13 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 93 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 43,564 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, unknown or other, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Ford Explorer complaints?
13 Crash
5 Fire
13 Injury
0 Fatality
24 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 88
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 60
ENGINE 33
BACK OVER PREVENTION 23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
VISIBILITY/WIPER 19
STRUCTURE 14
SERVICE BRAKES 12
SEATS 10
VISIBILITY 10
398 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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 drive in this car… ford has an open recall for this which my vehicle falls under year and build wise. But does not correlate with my vin # | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | VISIBILITY | 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 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers were activated, and the driver’s side windshield was not cleared, causing limited visibility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |
| Apr 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 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 went into LIMP Mode each time, but the vehicle failed to respond while the contact was attempting to turn off the vehicle or accelerate. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in neutral(N), it failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were 11 undisclosed modules that needed to be updated, and the hybrid system was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,230. | Crash: No Fire: No | 54,230 |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Interior panoramic roof shade roller broke and is not retracting the liner anymore | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | SEATS | 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 mechanical failure and has not been resolved despite repeated attempts to adjust it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 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 determined that the rear axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the vehicle being previously assigned to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 75,000 |
| Apr 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 electrical changes to the dealership (West Herr Ford). The dealer service advisor documented no problem found and told me not to worry about it. Over time, this unresolved electrical short and metal smell has resulted in a total system failure. In February 2026, the vehicle suddenly suffered a complete ‘black screen’ (APIM/infortainment failure) and a no-start condition. Most dangerously, the battery suddenly drains within days, which can lead to total loss of vehicle power while in motion, disabling power steering, braking assists and you can’t even put the car in neutral when this happens. I am gravely concerned that this unaddressed metal burning smoking/ electrical short issue poses a significant potential fire risk to myself, my passengers and other drivers. The same dealership has now had this car in there possession for 32 days and admits that what has happened is what happens while they have it and that they cannot find the root cause. Yet the previous service advisor from 2022, and the current service advisors ( gave the car back on 2/21/2026 and 3/6/2026 saying their was no problem) allowed the vehicle to remain on the public roads despite documented fire hazard symptoms. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | Carry Handle, Shell, Base | 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 start driving again, he puts his arm back through and it’s the same cycle. i have contacted britax and have unfortunately not gotten any solution for this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | Everyday I get alerts saying the power train system, then I can’t use my cruise control, and many other alerts pop up | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | VISIBILITY | 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 wiper motor failed to function as intended and prevented the windshield wipers from operating properly. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 90,000 |
| Mar 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | SUNROOF SHADE SAGS WHEN OPENING IT, IMPEEDING REARVIEW VISABILITY | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 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 driveline instability, seal leakage and symptoms similar to transmission slip. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | vehicle stalls when diving . After pulling over ina coast and turning off with start stop button then turning it back on with start stop button vehicle runs fine until it happens again intermediately cold be days could be months apart. about the 6th time over 2 years that it has occurred | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | SUSPENSION | When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SEATS | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN | For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of incident are alarming. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The parking collision sensors started to act up. Its been replaced 3 or 4 times in the last year over the same problem and no one has tried to tell me how to fix the issue besides keep getting it replaced. People are at risk of getting hit or hitting a object that could be in the way of me reversing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission clutch failure. As a result my 2021 ford explorer needs a new transmission. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Tiny specks in the windshield between laminate decreases visibility when in sunlight | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | STRUCTURE:BODY | Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23S55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. i took the vehicle to a ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take responsibility . i then put in a repair order through ford and they denied repairs for the recall mishap . I am being stuck with a $3500 bill for a recall that was installed improper. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof shade cover has become unattached to the rollers on the sunroof track. This causes sagging of the sunroof sunshade, and limits visibility while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | The vehicle has an ongoing oil leak originating from the engine/drivetrain area. The affected components include the intermediate shaft and related seals, which are subject to Ford technical service bulletins, and potentially the plastic engine oil pan and its sealing surfaces. The vehicle is currently operable and remains available for inspection upon request. he vehicle is actively leaking engine oil at approximately one drop per day. Oil leakage presents a safety risk due to the potential for oil contacting hot engine or exhaust components, reduced lubrication if the condition worsens, and the possibility of oil dripping onto road surfaces, which could reduce traction for other motorists. The condition has not caused an accident to date, but it presents an ongoing safety concern. Yes. A Ford dealership identified and documented oil leakage during a scheduled service visit in November. In addition, the dealership acknowledged known issues with the affected components and confirmed that the vehicle continues to exhibit oil leakage. The manufacturer has declined repair outside of warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ford dealership on multiple occasions. Ford Motor Company executive customer care reviewed the case and documented a decision to decline repair based on warranty status. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or messages were present prior to the discovery of the oil leak. The condition was first identified visually during a scheduled service visit in November when oil leakage was observed. The vehicle currently exhibits ongoing oil leakage without warning lamps or messages. I am also concerned that this model has had several recalls regarding the engin and our falls just outside the range of Ford recall it was build in January of 21 and the recall starts in May of 21. I would like to have that expanded to my vwhicle as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |