2021 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 51 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer, 12% of its 426 total complaints, with 4 crashes and 4 fires reported. A related recall (23V626000) covers high voltage battery cells in PHEV models, though the median failure mileage across these complaints is 23,000 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 51
- 12% of 426
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 23,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Vehicles caught fire without warning, in some cases shortly after parking or during accessory installation.
- Owners report the push-start ignition causing the engine to turn over repeatedly, seize, and then smoke or catch fire.
- Some vehicles rolled backward on their own after being parked and shifted out of gear.
- Backup cameras, GPS, and infotainment screens repeatedly fail or turn blue, with dealers replacing wiring or fuses without fixing the root cause.
- Owners describe stalling or hesitation when accelerating from a stop, sometimes linked to a burning smell or high idle.
- Third-row power seats and rear camera/sensor systems (blind spot, cross traffic) intermittently stop working, requiring repeated dealer visits.
When 2021 Ford Explorer electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 1, 2021, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 23V626000Sep 8, 2023Electrical System2,954 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
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.
Risk: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 51 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer, which is 12% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer electrical system?
- Yes. Recall campaign 23V626000 covers 2020-2022 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator PHEV models for a manufacturing defect in high voltage battery cells; dealers perform a diagnostic test and replace the battery pack if needed.
- Did the 2021 Ford Explorer electrical issues cause fires or crashes?
- NHTSA data for this component shows 4 fires, 4 crashes, and 2 injuries reported among the 51 electrical system complaints for the 2021 Explorer.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2021 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure across reported electrical system complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 23,000 miles.