Complaint volume
382 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
382 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
382 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
5 Fire reports
12 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, back over prevention. 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, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 92 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 43,068 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, back over prevention?
- 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
12 Injury
0 Fatality
24 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 74
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52
BACK OVER PREVENTION 23
ENGINE 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17
STRUCTURE 14
VISIBILITY/WIPER 14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9
SEATS 9
VISIBILITY 9
382 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof shade is sagging. It broke from one day to the next, and it’s blocking my rear view. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunshade is sagging. For the 2nd time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Panaromic sunroof blind became lose and is sagging, causing an unsafe driving experience, making it difficult to see out rear view mirrors. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | My explorer is only 4 years old and it suddenly suffered catastrophic engine failure due to low engine oil. The engine started knokcing and clattering BEFORE any warning lights came on the dash. This could also be due to premature bearing failure which is common in the 3.0 ecboost engines. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof sunshade snapped a clip off and now hangs down blocking the rear view. It is impossible to see out the back window. I have read on multiple sites that this is happening to many of these SUVs and it's an extremely expensive and difficult fix. It's very dangerous and I won't even let my girlfriend drive it anymore. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | vehicle low beam headlights went out all of the sudden. Would not come back on after car was turned off and restarted. Drove home with high beams on. Next day, just the driver side low beam came back on. Took to dealer, they reprogrammed and headlights worked for three days, then went passenger low beam went out again. Took back to dealer and now they are telling me both headlamp control modules on both sides need replacing. The cost is very expensive and I am doubting this is the problem. This is a safety issue and I am reading blogs and the Platinum version of the Explorer seem to have issues. This could cause an accident and Ford could be liable. This issue needs to be looked at, as this should not be an issue for a car with 50K miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | SUNROOF SHADE HAS FALLEN OFF TRACKS WHILE DRIVING | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | 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. In addition, the vehicle jerked aggressively, and the engine idled roughly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train). The contact inquired if the failure was the result of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,954. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 97,954 |
| Nov 2025 | AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE | Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service Dept. at Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defect has existed from the date the car was purchase(or earlier). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | My vehicle is experiencing exhaust fume issue where the exhaust fumes are entering into the cabin for Explorer and Aviator models (Any model with the 3.0L Ecoobost). Upon inspection by 3rd party mechanic, it can be determined that the problematic catalytic converters that are not the one piece cast was installed on my vehicle from the factory. Speaking to other ST and Interceptor owners, the problem seems widespread to every 2021 model that Ford installed the multipiece welded catalytic converters. Apparently the cast part fairs better and is not subject to cracks. The recall originally covered the left side catalytic converter but the flawed design also affects the right side catalytic converter where many owners are experiencing this issue. This has affected all 3.0L Ecoboost engine vehicles. [XXX] I believe the recall should have extended to cover all 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles. There are forum posts where owners outside the recall have experienced the issue in addition to owners having to repeatedly replace the catalytic converters post warrant as Ford continued to reinstall bad catalytic converters as part of the repair process. I have driven this vehicle for several thousand miles with the issue and did not realize exhaust was leaking until notices of headaches and health issues as CO is odorless, causing CO2 levels to reach 3000+ inside the cabin at stop lights and blows in through the vents if A/C is on. I believe NHTSA should investigate this issue further and require Ford to replace both catalytic converters as this issue poses a serious health hazard, especially given the location of the exhaust leak and the commonplace occurrence. I am happy to forward to forums and provide evidence of this occurring. Ford considers lifetime of the vehicle to be ~150K miles and these exhausts do not last close to that, resulting in a massive expense and danger to US consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the liner of the panoramic sunroof was opened and was sagging, which obstructed the view of the rearview mirror. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,800. | Crash: No Fire: No | 38,800 |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | We received notification from Ford that there is a "rear axle bolt fracture" possible on our 2021 Ford Explorer and noted we were to contact our dealer to address. However when I reached out to the dealership (and then subsequently to Ford Customer Service) I was told that the issue was being treated on an "extended warranty" basis. We would recognize the issue when we noticed severe vibration and lost of mobility in the vehicle and that putting it in Park would not keep the vehicle from rolling. Based on those calls, my wife could be left on the side of the road, involved in a fatal accident (to her or others) etc., instead of addressing the issue as a preventive measure. In addition, nothing in our coversations or in their notice involved the cost to us for additional damage to the vehicle, towing or a rental car (as the dealership said they wouldn't even be able to order the bolts until the fracture occurred and they had the vehicle in their shop. The service code for this defect is 24N01. As of this date we have not experianced this issue but am trying to avoid it occurring since it is a known defect by Ford. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Roof window cover/headliner has come loose and is impeding full vision to the rear of the car while the headliner is retracted. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,000 |
| Oct 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The shade that covers the moonroof has fallen off the tracks (or something) and it's sagging down from the headliner. There wasn't a snapping or breaking sound, I just went to open it and it sagged instead of sliding back under the headliner like it should. The car is only 4 years old, we bought it new, and we hardly ever use this feature, so it hasn't received a lot of use. With the shade sagging down (it won't go back into place) it blocks the view of the rear window, which makes it a safety hazard. Apparently it's not covered by my warranty, and will be around $1,800 to fix. My car is at the dealership right now and they just told me it's not covered. This is very dangerous because it also blocks the view of my children in the back seat, and most of the rear window. I just googled how to fix it, and it seems like this is a known issue that many others are having. There was no warning lights or messages about this failure. It first happened on October 11, 2025. Note: It's still at the dealership, and I need to pick it up after work, so I don't have a photo to include. I apologize. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | When operating the sunshade a plastic clip sprung from the assembly mechanism that retracts the shade towards my face. Now the shade is obstructing my vision of the road and I am concerned that I am going to run over someone and/or something. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and parked and allowed the vehicle to cool down before driving back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and the oil main bearings, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I bought the car brand new in 2021. It handled great, no issues, not even on extremely icy roads. The temporary fix for Recall 22S27 was done in July 2023 which was just a computer flash to set the park brake each time the car was put into park. Each time I put it in gear the car would make a loud noise as the park brake released. I immediately felt a difference when driving, it felt like the front end was "floating" and the car wasn't holding to the road. On dry roads it would be unstable if the road wasn't perfectly smooth. Driving in the winter on icy roads was scary, no control, it would fish back and forth. They performed the actual fix recall 23S55 in May 2024. They did not remove the temporary fix that sets the park brake. In January 2025 I was in a flat parking lot, icy and raining, I had NO control. There were 5 mornings with those road conditions that I couldn't make it 1/8 of a mile. Absolutely no control, it pushed me all over the road and when I braked, it continued to push me all over the road. It never showed warning lights on my dash. My local dealership pulled codes, told me it was a park brake module code but they couldn't do anything until they could duplicate it. I have spent the last 9 months arguing with the dealership and winter is almost here with no help, they treat me like I'm crazy and told me that I'm the only person in the world with this problem. I just traded it off yesterday, lost a bunch of money, but I couldn't go through another winter with it. It's way too dangerous! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | LED LIGHT ISSUE. PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM. LIFETIME OF LED SHOULD BE 45,000 HOURS OR 12-15 YEARS. IT IS NOT WORKING. FORD NEEDS TO GENERATE A REPAIR ALSO CURRENT WARRANTEE WORK NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED INCLUDING THE REAR CAMERA. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | POWER TRAIN | There was no lights on the dash but the transmission was shifting very hard when slowing down. I took it to the dealer for service, but the dealer says the transmission is full of debris and needs a full replacement. When slowing down it was causing the vehicle to buck forward very hard advancing it forward and causing me the driver to feel forward force from the harsh bucking of the transmission. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Approximately 6 weeks ago, while driving at 30 -35 mph in residential area, vehicle started lurching/jolting, took to local dealership, nothing found, reported to Customer Service, instructed to write to FMC Consumer Affairs and am waiting on reply. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Sunroof shade loose / sagging when retracting. Issue is caused by a worn sunshade spring. When retracted, the sunroof shade fabric sags to the degree that it blocks / obscures the driver's view of the back window and activity to the rear of and/or behind the vehicle. An internet search shows that this in a known / common issue with Explorers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I bought my 2021 ford explorer limited brand new. I have never used the sunroof for my personal pleasure. I have opened it less than a handful of times, only to appease my grandson. The other day, I had my grandaon and I closed the sunroof, for maybe like the 4th time ever, and the sunshade liner started to sag. If this falls while I am driving I am afraid it may blind my driving. Should FORD have to pay for this defect? I am seeing forums all over the internet where this is happening to a lot of owners. Thanks for your time and help. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SEATS | Passenger second row (Captain's) seat is loose, shakes (sometimes violently) and rattles loudly when vehicle is moving (and seat is unoccupied). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and then lost motive power. The engine made ticking sounds, and the vehicle was running rough. No warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into the driveway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who discovered that the timing chain, spark plugs, and intake valves were fractured. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 80,000 |