2021 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Ford Explorer carries a Caution verdict, ranked 8th worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 65. NHTSA lists 426 complaints and 26 recalls, led by transmission and powertrain issues, with a median failure mileage of 42,508.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 426
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 26
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 14
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 16
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
Top 2021 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain121 (28%)
- Other89 (21%)
- Engine69 (16%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras54 (13%)
- Electrical System51 (12%)
- Visibility & Wipers41 (10%)
- Structure & Body38 (9%)
- Fuel System26 (6%)
- Brakes24 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling or lurching forward or backward after being shifted into Park, even with no warning lights on.
- Some describe the transmission park pawl failing to hold the vehicle, causing it to move on its own and strike garages or other objects.
- Several owners say the adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance system malfunction, braking for objects that are not there or disengaging suddenly.
- Electrical fires have been reported, including one case where the engine seized, began smoking, then caught fire after repeated start attempts.
- Owners describe airbags deploying with unusual force in low-to-moderate speed crashes, causing injuries.
- Some report the parking brake failing to hold on an incline, letting the vehicle roll unexpectedly.
2021 Ford Explorer recalls
26 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V451000Jul 14, 2026Structure & Body387,911 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Transmission & Powertrain741,195 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V159000Mar 17, 2026Seat Belts561 vehicles
Seat belts
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.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
2021 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Explorer earns a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 65.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows transmission and powertrain complaints make up 28% of reports, followed by engine issues at 16% and collision avoidance/camera problems at 13%.
- Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have transmission recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 26V402000 covers 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion.
- How does the 2021 Explorer compare to other model years?
- The 2021 Explorer performs better than the 2013-2017 and 2020 model years, all rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 75 or higher, but worse than years like 2019, which rates Good with an index of 30.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the 2021 Explorer, covering areas including transmission, seat belts, fuel system, and windshield wipers.