2021 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 69 engine complaints to NHTSA, 16% of its 426 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 59,345. Three engine-related recalls apply, covering Nano EcoBoost intake valves, Police Interceptor engine failure risk, and motor mount fasteners.
- Engine complaints
- 69
- 16% of 426
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 59,346 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Some owners describe the engine turning over repeatedly at startup, then seizing and smoking, in one case leading to a fire.
- Owners report a strong exhaust odor coming through the HVAC vents with no visible leak, traced to the engine bay.
- Several owners describe sudden loss of engine power or reduced power while driving, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to restart.
- Owners report smoking after a cold start, with dealers replacing the engine but the smoking issue persisting afterward.
- Some owners describe jerking or lurching at low speeds and hesitation during acceleration, including delayed engagement of Park, Reverse, or Drive.
When 2021 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 4, 2021, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024Engine90,736 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 24V598000Aug 9, 2024Engine85,238 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V788000Dec 17, 2020Engine1,405 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 69 engine complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer, which is 16% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Three engine-related recalls apply: campaign 24V635000 for Nano EcoBoost intake valves, 24V598000 for Police Interceptor Utility engine failure risk, and 20V788000 for right-hand motor mount fasteners.
- At what mileage do 2021 Ford Explorer engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 Ford Explorer is 59,345 miles.
- Have there been fires or crashes linked to engine complaints on the 2021 Explorer?
- NHTSA records show 2 fires and 2 crashes and 2 injuries among the complaints filed in the Engine category for the 2021 Ford Explorer.