2021 Ford Explorer

Showing the 2021 Explorer Platinum. We haven't verified this trim's engine; the numbers below cover every version of this model year. Every version

Owner complaints, recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings from public NHTSA and EPA data, updated Oct 17, 2026.

About every 2021 Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer runs on gasoline or E85 flex fuel and gets 19 to 27 mpg combined, with a 5-year fuel cost of $12,030 to $17,100 at U.S. average prices. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall. Transmission and drivetrain draws the most, 128 of 453 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its 27 recall campaigns may apply, covering seats, transmission and drivetrain, seat belts, and others.

Written by AI from public EPA and NHTSA data. Not a review.

Fuel economy
19–27 mpgcombined; city 16–27, highway 23–28; every version of this model year
Five years of fuel
$12,030–$17,100U.S. average; Ohio $10,750–$15,280 at local prices; every version of this model year; fuel only, not other costs of owning it; 15,000 miles a year, at EIA fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026
NHTSA overall safety rating
5 starslowest across the versions NHTSA tested
Recall campaigns
27over its history, 2 replaced by later ones; check a VIN for open onesRepaired under campaign 23V022000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V342000.Repaired under campaign 21V735000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V022000.
Owner complaints
453filed with NHTSA; not adjusted for sales

Trims

NHTSA's VIN data lists these trims for the 2021 Explorer. A trim's engine and numbers are shown as its own only where EPA names versions after the trim and no other version could be it; "seen with" means a source shows that engine on the trim, not that it was the only one. Recalls and complaints cover the whole model year: whether a recall applies to a car depends on its VIN, on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Problems owners report

Owners have filed 453 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Explorer. These are unverified owner reports, counted by the part of the car they name; one complaint can name several parts. Counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so they don't show how reliable a car is.

Complaints by part of the car
PartComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power train128402
Unknown or other88305
Engine50122
Electrical system48442
Back over prevention36000
Visibility/wiper27001
Structure26001
Fuel/propulsion system20100
Visibility20001
Forward collision avoidance19201
Service brakes19301
Seats17103
20 more parts
Suspension15000
Vehicle speed control15100
Engine and engine cooling10000
Exterior lighting8000
Fuel system, gasoline8000
Air bags7405
Steering7200
Wheels6201
Lane departure5000
Seat belts4202
Service brakes, hydraulic3000
Carry handle, shell, base2000
Chest clip, buckle, harness2000
Equipment2000
Other/i am not sure2000
Tires2000
Firerelated1010
Latches/locks/linkages1001
Parking brake1000
Service brakes, air1000

Complaints by model year

Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for sales, so a shorter bar doesn't mean a more reliable year.

  1. 2006635
  2. 2007308
  3. 2008171
  4. 200939
  5. 2010146
  6. 20111,197
  7. 2012829
  8. 20132,237
  9. 20141,680
  10. 20151,814
  11. 20162,482
  12. 20171,710
  13. 2018736
  14. 2019299
  15. 20201,240
  16. 2021453
  17. 2022271
  18. 2023113
  19. 202421
  20. 2025106
  21. 202642

Every Explorer year side by side

Recalls

NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for the 2021 Explorer over its history, 2 replaced by later ones. A replaced campaign is listed at the end as history, not as a separate repair. Campaigns are matched by model and year, so each one may apply to a given car, and its repair may already be done: check a VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for the open recalls on that exact car.

Repaired under campaign 23V022000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V342000. A repair under the earlier campaign doesn't complete the later one: check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Repaired under campaign 21V735000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V022000. A repair under the earlier campaign doesn't complete the later one: check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 26V451000 · reported Jul 14, 2026 · 387,911 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · reported Jun 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · reported Mar 17, 2026 · 561 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · reported Mar 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · reported Mar 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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."

Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

NHTSA's record and documents

Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · reported Oct 10, 2025 · 59,006 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

NHTSA's record and documents

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · reported Jul 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · reported Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

NHTSA's record and documents

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · reported Jun 13, 2025 · 304,662 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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.

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 25V159000 · reported Mar 14, 2025 · 49,399 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

NHTSA's record and documents

Power train: driveline

NHTSA campaign 25V166000 · reported Mar 14, 2025 · 4,247 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

NHTSA's record and documents

Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 25V093000 · reported Feb 14, 2025 · 240,510 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. 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.

Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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 replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

NHTSA's record and documents

Equipment: other

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · reported Nov 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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."

Risk: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 24V635000 · reported Aug 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Engine

NHTSA campaign 24V598000 · reported Aug 9, 2024 · 85,238 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Power train: driveline

NHTSA campaign 23V675000 · reported Oct 6, 2023 · 238,364 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 23V626000 · reported Sep 8, 2023 · 2,954 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: sensing system

NHTSA campaign 23V342000 · reported May 12, 2023 · 442,973 vehicles potentially affected

Needed even on cars repaired under 23V022000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: display function

NHTSA campaign 23V305000 · reported Apr 28, 2023 · 523 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

NHTSA's record and documents

Parking brake: electrical; Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 23V199000 · reported Mar 24, 2023 · 674 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L 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.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

NHTSA's record and documents

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 23V069000 · reported Feb 10, 2023 · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L 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.

Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

NHTSA's record and documents

Power train: axle assembly; Power train: driveline

NHTSA campaign 22V255000 · reported Apr 14, 2022 · 252,936 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

NHTSA's record and documents

Suspension: rear

NHTSA campaign 21V870000 · reported Nov 10, 2021 · 20 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

NHTSA's record and documents

Air bags: critical fasteners; Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 21V652000 · reported Aug 23, 2021 · 592 vehicles potentially affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. 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".

Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

NHTSA's record and documents

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V788000 · reported Dec 17, 2020 · 1,405 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

2 replaced campaigns (history)

Back over prevention: sensing system

NHTSA campaign 23V022000 · reported Jan 23, 2023 · 382,759 vehicles potentially affected

Replaced by campaign 23V342000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair. Cars repaired under this campaign still need the newer remedy.

Needed even on cars repaired under 21V735000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: sensing system; Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 21V735000 · reported Sep 22, 2021 · 228,297 vehicles potentially affected

Replaced by campaign 23V022000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair. Cars repaired under this campaign still need the newer remedy.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

NHTSA's record and documents

Service bulletins and investigations

Carmakers sent NHTSA 326 service bulletins and notices that cover the 2021 Explorer, the latest on Oct 8, 2026. They tell dealers how to fix known issues.

The parts they mention most: electrical system (104), power train (97), equipment (60), unknown or other (58), engine and engine cooling (32).

NHTSA defect investigations

Opening an investigation isn't a finding of a defect. Outcomes are as NHTSA's summary states them. A recall is shown as an investigation's outcome only where NHTSA's summary names it; other recalls NHTSA's file lists with it are marked as listed, not caused.

InvestigationPartOpenedStatus
Engineering analysis EA23002
Loss of Motive Power · covers 2 makes
EngineSep 29, 2023Closed Oct 31, 2024
upgraded from PE22007
NHTSA's summary names recall 24V635000
NHTSA's record and documents
Recall query RQ23002
Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Power trainJun 20, 2023Closed Feb 15, 2024
NHTSA's summary names recall 22V255000, 23V199000, 23V675000
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP22005
Pedestrian alert sounds · covers 43 makes
Electrical systemJan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
Petition withdrawn
NHTSA's record and documents

Maintenance

Oil

The owner's manual gives the oil and how often to change it. We show oil facts only once we've checked them against the manual, and we haven't yet for the 2021 Explorer.

Oil change near you: Jiffy Lube · Take 5

Used ones for sale

See used 2021 Ford Explorers for sale on: Autotrader · CarMax

These are searches on those sites; we don't copy or check their listings. Your ZIP is used for these links and never kept.

Specs

EPA class: standard sport utility vehicle. EPA greenhouse gas score: 3–6 out of 10. Each version EPA tested:

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCity / hwy / comb
Explorer
Rear-Wheel Drive
2.3 L, 4 cyl, turboAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline21 / 28 / 24
Explorer
Rear-Wheel Drive
2.3 L, 4 cyl, turboAutomatic 10-spdRegular Gasoline21 / 28 / 24
Explorer
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
2.3 L, 4 cyl, turboAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline20 / 27 / 23
Explorer
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
2.3 L, 4 cyl, turboAutomatic 10-spdRegular Gasoline20 / 27 / 23
Explorer
Rear-Wheel Drive
3.0 L, 6 cyl, turboAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline18 / 26 / 21
Explorer
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
3.0 L, 6 cyl, turboAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline18 / 24 / 20
Explorer
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
3.3 L, 6 cylAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline or E8516 / 23 / 19
Explorer HEV
Rear-Wheel Drive
3.3 L, 6 cylAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline27 / 28 / 27
Explorer HEV
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
3.3 L, 6 cylAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline23 / 26 / 25
Explorer Timberline
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
2.3 L, 4 cyl, turboAutomatic (S10)Regular Gasoline19 / 23 / 21

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Sources and dates

Fuel cost: EPA mpg with fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026 and electricity prices for Jul 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Oct 2026). Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA. About the data