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 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and was at a traffic light, the light turned green and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was dark, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that his wife waited for approximately 15 minutes in the middle of the road. The contact’s wife was able to restart the vehicle and drove a local dealer. The vehicle had experienced the failure in November 2024 and the same dealer replaced the battery and replaced all four tires. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Dec 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel hoses had ruptured due to the hoses making contact and rubbing together. The contact was informed that the fuel hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V859000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,000 |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, slipping between gears, jerking motions during acceleration, and stalling when you move from a stop. Also leaking oil under transmission pan and makes noises in the transmission. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have had this problem ever since we Purchased this automobile on [XXX], When the car gets to a Quarter tank of gas or a little less the dash monitoring system says there's 87 miles left till empty and you park this car on a hill or incline with the front end facing down the car will not start and everything shuts down. The only way to restart it is to put more gas from a can in it or go through a long process to takes two people to do to get the car on a level area then it will restart. I call the Dealer abut it and they said there is no problem. The car had to be towed twice in the first few months we had it for this and as soon as they got it off the truck it would start and they do nothing about it. I call Fords Hot line and they said they know about the Problem but can't do anything about it , I was told that its a fuel pickup Problem. Today [XXX] my wife when to the store this morning and the fuel gage said it had a quarter tank of gas in it and when she came out of the store the car would not start for her. I had to go and get a 5 gal. can of gas and drive to where she was and put the gas in the car and after that the car started, she drove to the nearest gas station to fill it up. All I have been told to do by Ford and the Dealer is to keep the gas tank full and fill it when it gets to half a tank. There is definitely a problem with this car and it needs to be Addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a system shut-down message displayed. The contact also stated that the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park. The vehicle was able to restart after 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tires had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,469. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,469 |
| Nov 2024 | VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact's son owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH down a hill and making a left turn, the hood was unintentionally released, swung open, and hit the front windshield causing it to shatter. There was an abnormal snapping or popping sound detected. The driver pulled over immediately since their view was obstructed. No warning lights were illuminated before the failure however after the hood shattered the windshield the "hood open sensor" light was displayed. The driver's pregnant fiancé was occupying the front passenger's side seat and sustained injuries and pain to her left side. There was glass in her lap, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 55,401. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 55,401 |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled with an engine misfire. The contact stated there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that valve springs in the engine cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance by the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 74,000 |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING | Steering is sticking | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated prior to the failure, the oil was changed 2-months prior at approximately 27,000. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it remained for further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 31,000 |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | My vehicle, a 2021 Ford Explorer ST, still hasn't had NHTSA Safety Recall 23V675 repaired. Even though the parts for the repair have been available to the Dealer for almost a year or more, they can't do the repair because they don't have the special tools required for the repair. The Ford Motor Corporation hasn't provided the Dealership with the tools. I've checked other Ford Dealerships in my area and they too say that they don't have the tools needed to do the repair and they can't get them from Ford Motors. I've called Ford Motors to complain and they tell me it's the Dealerships problem as the parts are available to the Dealerships. I've asked to speak to management but they won't let me. So, over a year has gone by and still no tools have been sent to my Dealership, Chuck Stevens Ford in Bay Minette, Alabama. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | On [XXX], I was driving to my destination. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a large amount of grayish smoke coming from both tailpipes. Less then 1 mile after that, the Explorer was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to Don's Ford in Utica NY where on October 8th they diagnosed the problem as a blown turbo within the engine. There were no symptoms that illuminated in the vehicle, made any noises and/or other issues that would have prompted me that there was a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally the front driver’s and front passenger’s side windows failed to respond while depressing the switch. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and was previously repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer and remained at the dealer for the repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the local dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,600. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,600 |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Been dealing with this backup camera blue screen for the last year. I pay too much money for this not to be working. Someone came out yesterday to fix it but it’s still doing the same thing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to close as needed. The contact was able to manually close the liftgate. Additionally, the roof was leaking near the sunroof and roof rails. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 58,000 |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I am writing to provide an update on the status of the recall (23V675) repair for my vehicle. Over a year ago, I was notified of a safety recall that affects my vehicle, making it unsafe by the standards set by the NHTSA. This issue, if not addressed, could cause a loss of the vehicle's forward power and significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury. Since receiving the recall notice, I have made multiple attempts to schedule the repair with the local ford dealership. Despite my efforts, I am still waiting for the necessary parts to become available, and the dealerships have been unable to provide specific date for when the repair will completed. I am concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle that is currently considered unsafe and poses a heightened risk to myself and others on the road. I am seeking assistance or guidance you may be able to provide to expedite the repair process and ensure that this safety issue is resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | [XXX] after driving less than 10 min. warning signs flashed on screen. I immediately pulled off the road where the vehicle completely shut down and realized my 2021 Ford Explorer was on fire. Bystanders attempted to put the fire out with fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. My passenger and I opened our doors, I exited and attempted to open trunk to remove wheelchair but could not (because door is electrical). My passenger flung himself onto the ground until bystanders came with a rolling office chair to remove him away from the burning vehicle. Had the bystanders not been there I do not know how I would have been able to move my passenger (25 year old, 200 lb male) away from the burning vehicle. Fire Marshall could not determine cause of fire because vehicle was completely melted/too damaged. Ford Motor Company reviewed photos I sent to them but claims they could not determine cause of fire. The vehicle was properly maintained with routine oil changes. There were no issues with the vehicle prior to this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SEAT BELTS | The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact was stopped at an intersection traffic signal when she was crashed from behind by another vehicle. The contact's seat belt pretensioner failed to lock and was not able to restrain her. The contact's face hit the steering wheel. The contact had suffered a broken nose, and bruises on her arms. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The vehicle had extensive crush damage to the rear bumper, lift gate. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by her insurance provider. The police were on scene and issued a report. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,606. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 36,606 |
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact's spouse owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68 MPH, the L-trim retaining strip detached from the driver's side door. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the L-trim molding and the retaining strip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 33,000 |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear axle bolt fractured. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for the recall repair; however, the recall repair was not completed. The contact was informed that the recall repair was not completed due to the tool not being available. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 40,093. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 40,093 |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-675 The recall that is has been applied causes safety issues with the car when driving forward or in reverse. When putting the car into park the parking break auto applies. Now that is great however.. When putting the car into reverse or drive it does not release until the accelerator is applied. Now the problem is that the electric parking brake is delayed vs the acceleration causing the car to jerk forward or in reverse when the accelerator is applied. It acts like your trying to do a burn out holding down the break and it releases. This is not safe. A worker at the dealer almost rear ended a power pole in the parking lot because of this. My suggestion is to have the electric parking brake disengaged automatically when the car is put into drive or reverse. This will keep the protection of the electronic parking break being applied while in park and allowing smooth transition back to drive and reverse. Why has this issue been brushed under the rug.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Air compressor fails while leaking Freon all over the engine creating an environmental hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and offered to buy back the vehicle. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was hard to shift and there was a delay while shifting from first gear. The vehicle hesitated while shifting. While at a stop, the vehicle hesitated and was slow to shift into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the turbo charger was reset. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. There was no assistance provided. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,000 |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and trim taped down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not prepared. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 52,000 |