2021 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 Explorer years
The 2021 Ford Explorer has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Explorer years. Transmission & Powertrain issues lead complaints at 28% share, with 26 recalls issued.
- Complaints
- 426
- Recalls
- 26
- Crashes / fires
- 14 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 26.5 hwy
Top 2021 Ford Explorer problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Vehicles reportedly shift into Park while the engine is still running, then lurch forward or backward unexpectedly, sometimes causing collisions.
- Owners describe the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle on an incline, causing it to roll despite being set.
- The liftgate area is linked to reports of the vehicle rolling backward on its own after the driver exits.
- Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems reportedly malfunction, braking for objects that are not present or disengaging suddenly.
- Evasive steering assist has been reported to cause a loss of steering control at low speeds, with drivers feeling disconnected from the front tires.
- Electrical system complaints include vehicles catching fire, in one case after installation of an aftermarket brake controller and in another after the engine seized while starting.
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?
- Compared to other Explorer model years, 2021 ranks 10th worst out of 16 years with a Complaint Index of 40, placing it in the 'Good' category. NHTSA lists 426 complaints and 26 recalls for this year.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 28% of complaints (121 total) with a median mileage at failure of 40,093 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have transmission recalls?
- Yes. Recall 26V402000 covers 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles (among other Ford models) where the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion.
- How does the 2021 Explorer compare to the 2016 or 2020 model years?
- The 2016 Explorer has a Complaint Index of 100 and is rated 'Avoid,' and the 2020 Explorer has an index of 80, also rated 'Avoid.' The 2021 model's index of 40 is lower, making it a comparatively better year.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- The 2021 Explorer is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 26.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.