2021 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Ford Explorer: 26 recalls, 441 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
26 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V788000 · 2020 · 1,405 vehicles
What's wrong: The right hand motor mount fasteners May have been incorrectly tightened, and May loosen over time.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V652000 · 2021 · 592 vehicles
What's wrong: The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "side impact protection".
Why it matters: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V735000 · 2021 · 228,297 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V870000 · 2021 · 20 vehicles
What's wrong: Incorrect rear suspension module components May have been installed due to a labeling error.
Why it matters: A rear suspension module with incorrect components May affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V022000 · 2023 · 382,759 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V069000 · 2023 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 3l engine and 10r60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset May occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Why it matters: A park system that is damaged May not shift into "park," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023.
Parking brake, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V199000 · 2023 · 674 vehicles
What's wrong: 3l rwd, 3.3l gas, 3.3l fhev, or 3.0l st powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22v-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt May fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Why it matters: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V305000 · 2023 · 523 vehicles
What's wrong: 1-inch integrated computer screen (ics). When the display on/off button is used to turn the display to "off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the ics software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V342000 · 2023 · 442,973 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V626000 · 2023 · 2,954 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V675000 · 2023 · 238,364 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt May fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Why it matters: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024.
Engine Vehicle recall #24V598000 · 2024 · 85,238 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V635000 · 2024 · 90,736 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025.
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V852000 · 2024 · 27,678 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag warning label May be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants May have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners May call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24c39.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #25V093000 · 2025 · 240,510 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions May be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles May have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V159000 · 2025 · 49,399 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #25V166000 · 2025 · 4,247 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt May fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Why it matters: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Seats Vehicle recall #25V393000 · 2025 · 304,662 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error May cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image May remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse May distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V455000 · 2025 · 850,318 vehicles
What's wrong: The low-pressure fuel pump May fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #25V685000 · 2025 · 59,006 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine block heater May crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord.…
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #26V117000 · 2026 · 604,533 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor May fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Why it matters: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V123000 · 2026 · 889,950 vehicles
What's wrong: The image on the center display May flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V159000 · 2026 · 561 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions May be improperly secured.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V402000 · 2026 · 741,195 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission park pawl May engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Why it matters: Park system damage May result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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,…
Seats Vehicle recall #26V451000 · 2026 · 387,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (126): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (44), warning light on (24), noise or vibration (19).
- Other / unknown (86): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (7).
- Engine (48): the most common themes are warning light on (19), stalls / loses power (13), noise or vibration (8).
- Electrical (47): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), stalls / loses power (11), fire / smoke (7).
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 441 owner complaints, ranking #25 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (well below the 909 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (103 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 43,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (1230 complaints, 33 recalls), 2022 (268 complaints, 24 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Ford Explorer.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 26 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 441 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (126), other / unknown (86), engine (48).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic (S10)), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.