Worst 2021 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 99 | 1 | — | 34,874 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 41 | 1 | 2 | 53,000 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | 3 | 4 | 24,311 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Backup Camera | 18 | — | — | 41,238 mi | |
| Brakes | 17 | 3 | — | 29,500 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | 6,010 mi | |
| Body Structure | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | 1 | — | 56,284 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | — | — | 7,600 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 9 | — | — | 30,500 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 7 | — | — | 22,000 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 56,500 mi | |
| Airbags | 5 | 3 | — | 6,500 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 5 | — | — | 52,500 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 3 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Explorer
24 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,709,310 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
+ 14 more recalls
Other Ford Explorer Years
2021 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2021 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99