2021 Ford Explorer VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 22 recalls and 354 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (95), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (30).

Explorer reliability snapshot

62/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$732

Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg

#19/26

Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 27% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ford Explorer before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2021 Ford Explorer issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Power Train95
Unknown Or Other60
Electrical System30
Back Over Prevention23
Engine20
Structure18

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Ford Explorer

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect LED headlights for functionality, especially on Platinum & ST trims
Check for engine oil leaks and listen for knocking noises
Test transmission for smooth shifting and listen for clunking noises
Operate sunroof sunshade to ensure it moves smoothly and stays on track
Verify brakes function properly and check for any warning messages
Check for any unusual odors from the exhaust, especially when cold
Ensure all dashboard warning lights function and turn off after startup

What owners reported

2021 Ford Explorer owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 15 crashes, 4 fires and 14 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints95

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report issues related to the rear axle bolt and transmission failures. Common symptoms include abnormal noises, loss of power, and aggressive shifting, with some vehicles experiencing complete transmission failure or fractured rear axle bolts. These issues often occur around 30,000 to 100,000 miles, and several complaints involve significant repair costs and lengthy service times. Safety implications are notable, with reports of crashes and injuries due to sudden loss of power and control, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints60

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the sunroof sunshade, describing it as coming loose, sagging, or detaching from its tracks. This often results in obstructed rear visibility and potential safety hazards while driving. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the auto stop/start system, where the vehicle fails to restart automatically, requiring manual intervention. Complaints also highlight exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing a health risk, particularly in models with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing them shortly after acquiring the vehicle. Safety implications include visibility obstruction, potential for crashes, and health concerns due to exhaust exposure.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2021 Ford Explorer, most notably involving the backup camera displaying a blue or black screen, which affects visibility when reversing. Complaints frequently mention power loss or stalling while driving or at stops, sometimes with no warning lights, and in some cases, the vehicle fails to restart immediately. Multiple owners describe problems with the vehicle's digital display flickering or failing, and issues with the windows not responding to controls. These problems typically emerge around 20,000 to 74,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes due to sudden tire lock-up and multiple instances of vehicle fires, one of which resulted in an injury. This information is crucial for used car buyers to consider when evaluating the 2021 Ford Explorer.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 3 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints20

ENGINE

Owners report several recurring engine issues with the 2021 Ford Explorer, particularly involving catastrophic engine failure, oil leaks, and misfires. Common symptoms include engine knocking, loss of power, stalling, and smoke from the exhaust, often without any prior warning lights. These problems appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 9,000 miles and others around 115,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including a reported injury due to exhaust fumes and instances of vehicles stalling or losing power while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially considering the significant repair costs and the possibility of engine replacement.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints14

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Ford Explorer's braking system, notably involving the electronic brake booster and parking brake. Complaints frequently mention brake failure, with symptoms such as the brake pedal sticking, brakes not responding, and rear tires locking up, often occurring around 20,000 to 85,000 miles. Some owners describe the parking brake engaging unexpectedly or not releasing smoothly, leading to vehicle lurching or rolling unexpectedly. There are reports of crashes and near-misses, indicating potential safety risks with loss of control. These patterns suggest buyers should be cautious and verify the condition of the braking system, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

SEATS

Owners report several issues with the seats in the 2021 Ford Explorer. Complaints frequently mention problems with seats becoming loose or moving unintentionally, including second-row seats that shake or move forward while driving. Also noted are third-row seats that either become inoperable or can lock passengers in due to electronic control failures. Some owners describe front seats dropping into a reclined position during a rear-end collision, which led to one injury. These issues are observed across a range of mileages, from as low as 14,700 miles to over 90,000 miles, with safety implications including potential injuries and crashes.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints7

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with problems often emerging around 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Common symptoms include a check engine light illumination, vehicle stalling, hesitation during acceleration, unintended deceleration, and strong gasoline odors both inside and outside the vehicle. Some owners mention fuel hose ruptures and fuel line leaks, often linked to components rubbing against each other. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues could potentially affect vehicle control and safety. Additionally, some owners experience a shaking sensation from the gas tank when the vehicle is stopped, particularly when the tank is between full and three-quarters full.

Owner complaints7

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report that the 2021 Ford Explorer experiences issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and incorrect speed limit detection when using Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating or decelerating suddenly to incorrect speeds, such as jumping to 85 mph or dropping to 35 mph, often without visible speed limit signs. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the vehicle losing power or failing to accelerate properly, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be shut off and restarted. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one owner noting problems starting around 26,700 miles. The sudden and unexpected changes in speed present safety risks, particularly when occurring on highways or in traffic, as they may lead to potential collisions or hazardous driving conditions.

Owner complaints6

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report steering issues, with several complaints describing a loss of power steering functionality. Symptoms include steering sticking and failure to return to center, particularly noted during low-speed maneuvers, which in one case led to a crash. Some owners mention problems occurring around 9,400 to 23,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as issues have resulted in loss of vehicle control and a collision. Additionally, one complaint highlights a recall-related repair that did not resolve the steering issue, suggesting potential concerns about the effectiveness of recall remedies.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints5

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer report several airbag-related issues. The most common pattern involves airbags deploying aggressively during crashes, with two incidents resulting in injuries, including burns and eye injuries. Additionally, some owners describe dashboard attachment issues that may affect airbag deployment, and one report mentions a persistent airbag warning light linked to a wiring fault and a backordered driver's seat airbag. These problems are reported at varying mileages, from as low as 3,000 miles to around 10,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with three complaints involving crashes and two reporting injuries. Buyers should be aware of potential airbag deployment issues and the possibility of unresolved electrical faults.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

2021 Explorer recalls (22)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

EQUIPMENTNHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
SEATSNHTSA 25V393000Jun 13, 2025
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.
Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 25V166000Mar 14, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V159000Mar 14, 2025
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.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V093000Feb 14, 2025
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.
Consequence: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 2024
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024
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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
ENGINENHTSA 24V598000Aug 10, 2024
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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V675000Oct 6, 2023
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V626000Sep 8, 2023
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V342000May 12, 2023
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.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V305000Apr 28, 2023
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."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
POWER TRAIN, PARKING BRAKENHTSA 23V199000Mar 24, 2023
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V069000Feb 10, 2023
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.
Consequence: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V022000Jan 23, 2023
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.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V870000Nov 10, 2021
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.
Consequence: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 21V735000Sep 22, 2021
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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V652000Aug 23, 2021
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".
Consequence: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.
ENGINENHTSA 20V788000Dec 17, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V255000Apr 14, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Used-market value

2021 Ford Explorer resale snapshot

60.5%estimated value retained after 5 years

717listings in the model-level benchmark

$25,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ford Explorer value by year →Full Ford Explorer market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Ford Explorer on the road

219,871 2021 Ford Explorer units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Nissan Pathfinder

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Ford Explorer

With a 66/100 reliability score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Ford Explorer lands below average. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a clear strength, and it raises the likelihood of owner-reported problems compared with typical competitors.

Complaints are led by the powertrain, with additional volume in unknown/other reports and the electrical system. Beyond those, multiple other categories still register meaningful activity, suggesting issues are not confined to a single subsystem. Recall activity is elevated, indicating a higher level of manufacturer-identified corrections during this model year. As the second year of its generation, the data reflects a vehicle still showing notable problem and recall churn.

Overall, this model carries a moderate-to-elevated reliability risk relative to the segment.

What you get in a 2021 Ford Explorer report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2021 Ford Explorer now

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2021 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?

22 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer problems?

The most-reported 2021 Ford Explorer problem areas are: Power Train (95), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (30).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Ford Explorer?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Ford Explorer, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.