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, 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, 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, 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
13 Injury
0 Fatality
24 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 78
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 54
BACK OVER PREVENTION 23
ENGINE 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17
STRUCTURE 15
VISIBILITY/WIPER 15
SEATS 10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9
VISIBILITY 9
398 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | All of the ADAS along with the brakes of my vehicle fail. The dealership failed to inform me of the recalls prior to purchase. The dealership in town shows all of the parts in stock in their parts department but claim not to have any parts available. When I called, I was given the runaround then sent to a voicemail. When I showed up to the dealership they stated they can only order certain amount of parts and I wasn’t on the list yet was told over the phone I was placed on the list on May 22 2024. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust pipe detached and fell onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched online and discovered Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B35 (Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer Police Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost Engine Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection); however the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,300. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 53,300 |
| Jul 2024 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen display was inoperable. The contact stated that a blue screen was displayed creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 34,600. | Crash: No Fire: No | 34,600 |
| Jul 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Was trying to get gas and the door to the gas lid would not open. Waited for over an hour for someone to help me. Get the door open. Only had 10 miles to empty and the closest town is 20 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | I had my car towed to mechanic because transmission would go into park. He ran a diagnostic and found multiple codes (mechanics Bill and list of codes he found will be included) relating to transmission. He searched on a data base he uses Shopkey.pro(copy of recall will be included) to check on recalls. He requested I have car towed to Dealership. I did that and the dealer has a letter about the recall(also included) showing the recall. My car falls in all the parameters of this recall. The vehicle year, the assembly plant and the build date as well as the 2.3L engine and a 10R60 transmission. The dealer says my vin number doesn't fall under this warranty and he doesn't understand why. He said I fit all parameters and Im experiencing all the reasons listed for this recall. Most importantly car can roll in park which is safety. It also had on occasions loss of motive power while driving. These are all reasons listed for this safety recall and as the dealership I am lost as to why the NHTSA and ford doesn't have my VIN included in this saftety recall,. I would like you to review this complaint and hopefully understand my vehicle should be included in this safety recall. There are numerous safety concerns with everything wrong. Please take careful consideration of all that I submitted and properly add this vehicle..2 safety Warnings messages I received are transmission not in park and please apply emergency brake before exiting the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The panel next the windows on both sides are cracking. The dealer said they need to be replaced on my dime. After doing a search for this problem, it appears that this is a common problem. It appears to be an issue with the seal and hot/cold weather creating the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving down the interstate, the tires (rear passenger?) suddenly locked/stuck. This caused vehicle to lose control, 360, and slam into the guardrails. Prior to this incident, when the car was turned on, it stalled a bit like it was about to turn off. This lasted for a few seconds, but returned to normal. So may be a component of electrical and/or directly related to the rear tire. There were no warning messages. Driver was thankful injuries did not occur. Could have flipped, or slammed into other cars, trees, etc. This is a serious issue. While the vehicle was being loaded onto the wrecker, in neutral, the rear passenger tire was visibly stuck. This was observed by owner, husband, police officer and tow company. When offloading from the tow truck, the tire made a loud pop and movement returned to normal. Vehicle is currently at the shop (ford dealership). Will have more information next week from their diagnostic studies. It is available for inspection upon request. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STRUCTURE | I was driving and hood flew up and hit the windshield and caused it to cave inward despite hood not being popped since April. Dealership confirmed that hood was not popped that day according to censors and codes that were seen. I was unable to see and it could have caused a wreck and serious injury or worse the windshield almost fell on me and into my car with my one year old baby. Dealer confirmed latch was never popped. Therfore resulting in a malfunction with the hood. Vehicle has been inspected by dealership service center. No, there were no signs or indicators prior to the incident. The indicators did not illuminate until test at the dealership although they did not the day of the incident (confirmed by dealership service department) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |