2021 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 26 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer, 6% of its 426 total complaints for the year. A related recall (25V455000) covers a low pressure fuel pump issue. Median mileage at failure was 55,000.
- Fuel System complaints
- 26
- 6% of 426
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 55,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin and around the vehicle, sometimes noticeable even while parked in a garage.
- Some owners describe fuel line or hose failures, including a ruptured hose caused by two fuel hoses rubbing together and a metal fuel line that rubbed through and leaked.
- Several owners report the gas tank shaking or vibrating hard enough to move the car when stopping, mostly when the tank is between three-quarters and full.
- A few owners report loss of power or hesitation when pressing the accelerator, occurring while turning, changing lanes, or driving straight.
- One owner reported the fuel door would not open at the pump, and another reported the vehicle would not restart on an incline when fuel was below a quarter tank.
- One owner described a strong egg-like odor from the exhaust in cold weather that faded after the vehicle warmed up.
When 2021 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 8, 2022, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025Fuel System850,318 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Fuel 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 fuel system complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 26 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Explorer, which is 6% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall on the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 25V455000, reported July 7, 2025, covers a low pressure fuel pump issue on 2021-2023 Explorer and other Ford/Lincoln models; Ford dealers will replace the pump and update the PCM.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems tend to show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 55,000 miles for fuel system complaints on this model year.
- Did the fuel system issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires linked to fuel system complaints on the 2021 Explorer, with 0 injuries reported.