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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2021
Ford · Large SUV

2021 Ford Explorer

Hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
10 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
30 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 27
Complaints17 crash · 5 fire · 20 injured reported 455
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 27 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 10 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer HEV RWD, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 455 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer HEV RWDHybridRWD3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion272827$2,500
Explorer HEV AWDHybrid4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion232625$2,700
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo212824$2,800
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo212824$2,800
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,900
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,900
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182621$3,200
Explorer Timberline AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192321$3,200
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,350
Explorer FFV AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl162319$3,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43480, 43291, 43283, 43284, 43288, 43292, 43285, 44164, 43289, 43290.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Explorer AWD, Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer RWD, Explorer Timberline AWD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement3.3 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower270 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity6 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainRWD/Rear-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds10

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Limited, Platinum, Police, ST). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length198.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height70.1 in
Wheelbase119.3 in
Track, front66.9 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight4,458–4,969 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear50/50 to 52/48

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV, 4-door SUV Hybrid. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 Explorer
Other years The 2027 Explorer Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (27)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

26S52
387,911 vehicles 3% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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 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 1-866-436-7
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles
Problem 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. 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, 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V402000 reported Jun 24, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

26C18
561 vehicles 32% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V159000 reported Mar 17, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

26S14
604,533 vehicles
Problem 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. 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 November 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V117000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

26C11
889,950 vehicles 12% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V123000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
Problem 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. 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. 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S75
850,318 vehicles 19% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V455000 reported Jul 7, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles 59% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 reported Jun 27, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

25S67
304,662 vehicles 65% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V393000 reported Jun 13, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S27
49,399 vehicles 73% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V159000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

25S22
4,247 vehicles 60% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V166000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

25S09
240,510 vehicles 59% reported repaired built Oct 19, 2018 – Jul 11, 2020
Problem 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. 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 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V093000 reported Feb 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles 66% reported repaired built Apr 26, 2019 – Aug 27, 2024
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 reported Nov 8, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

24S55
90,736 vehicles 66% reported repaired built Jun 7, 2021 – Oct 31, 2021
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V635000 reported Aug 23, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine

24S52
85,238 vehicles 52% reported repaired built Nov 10, 2018 – Aug 1, 2022
Problem 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. 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, 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V598000 reported Aug 9, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

23S55
238,364 vehicles 71% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V675000 reported Oct 6, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Electrical System

23S53
2,954 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V626000 reported Sep 8, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S23
442,973 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V342000 reported May 12, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

23C14
523 vehicles 66% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V305000 reported Apr 28, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

23S16
674 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V199000 reported Mar 24, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

23S05
3,674 vehicles 80% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V069000 reported Feb 10, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S02
382,759 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V022000 reported Jan 23, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

22S27
252,936 vehicles 63% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V255000 reported Apr 14, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

21S47
20 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V870000 reported Nov 10, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

21S44
228,297 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V735000 reported Sep 22, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

21C19
592 vehicles 85% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V652000 reported Aug 23, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine

20S72
1,405 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V788000 reported Dec 17, 2020 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine — Loss of Motive Power closed

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7

Opened Sep 29, 2023 · closed Oct 31, 2024 · action EA23002 · the investigation’s page →

Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit — Rear Axle Bolt Failure closed

On July 17, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (MY) 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles (subject vehicles). The RQ was opened to focus on the effectiveness of the remedies of Recalls 22V-255 and 23V-199 related to the alleged problem. Recall 22V-255 involved replacing the bushing and axle cover in the following subject vehicles: 3.3L FHEV Police built before October 14, 2020, and 3.3L Gas Police vehicle built before January 31, 2021. For 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3LFHEV, and 3.0LST retail (non-police) vehicles, th

Opened Jun 20, 2023 · closed Feb 15, 2024 · action RQ23002 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
455complaints filed

17 involved a crash · 5 a fire · 20 injuries · 0 deaths reported

20 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 232,825 Explorer built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2021: 18 · 2022: 49 · 2023: 90 · 2024: 82 · 2025: 103 · 2026: 113

Most-cited components

Power Train → 130
Unspecified 88
Engine → 62
Visibility/Wiper 49
Electrical System 49
Back Over Prevention 40

In depth: transmission and drivetrain problems → · engine problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

A Police Officer's Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrid SUV while driving had a vehicle malfunction where the rear wheels began to wobble/vibrate and while driving in a straight line with front wheels facing straight caused the vehicle to fishtail out of the control (loss of control to the rear wheels) and slam into a tree at approximately…
Power Train Nov 20, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11556088
On July 8, 2026, I was traveling westbound on Highway 7 when another vehicle pulled right out in front of me from southbound Orchard Road, attempting to cross the highway. We collided and I struck the other vehicle at a 45° angle. My seatbelt was buckled.
Air Bags Aug 2, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11754258
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor present. The message "Pull Over Possible Powertrain Damage" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the high voltage junction box had overheated and was burned.
Electrical System at 96,147 miles Nov 24, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11556636
I am filing this complaint to report an unreasonable and hazardous delay by the manufacturer regarding NHTSA Campaign 25V455000 (Ford Recall 25S75) for a low-pressure fuel pump defect. As the original owner of a 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid, I received notice of this critical safety recall 14 months ago.
Fuel/Propulsion System Sep 10, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11763480
Catalytic converter and it was confirmed by independent service center my car only has 88k miles There is a catalytic converter recall on year 2020 but Ford refuses to do a recall for the year 2021 and I have another car that have the same catalytic converter problem with only 84k miles and it’s also 2021 and Ford refuses to do any work…
Engine Jul 31, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11754102
I was making a slow speed u-turn to stop a speeding motorist. As I came out of the u-turn, the wheel did not come back to center and I continued the turn going up a curb and striking a chain link fence. When I realized what was occurring, I manually began to turn the steering wheel to the right to get back on the roadway.
Steering Mar 24, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11513540

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 42 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 50 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 18 per 100,000 built. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 45k

miles, typically

Half the 107 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 28,000 and 74,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 8
10k–20k 11
20k–30k 9
30k–40k 18
40k–50k 10
50k–60k 11
60k–70k 11
70k–80k 12
80k–90k 8
90k–100k 4
100k–150k 4
150k + 1

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Power Train3246,0000.94×
Engine1760,0001.2×
Visibility/Wiper1655,4013.68×
Back Over Prevention1436,0001.03×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: visibility/wiper (3.68×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Ford Explorer ranks 66 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.82× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 41,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 364
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-08
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 348 service bulletins, 15 others, 1 emissions

Most often about: Power Train, Electrical System, Equipment, Unknown Or Other, Engine.

  • SSM 55228 Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (
  • SSM 55217 Service bulletin
    2026-10-06 · Engine
  • Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or powertrain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be due to engine oil breaching the dynamic oil seals separating the bearing core from the turbin
  • TSB 25-2568 V2 Service bulletin
    2026-09-16 · Unknown Or Other
  • This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
  • TSB 26-2395 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Power Train
  • This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfuncti
  • SSM 55100 Service bulletin
    2026-08-22 · Seats
  • For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cov
  • SSM 55069 Service bulletin
    2026-08-05 · Visibility/Wiper
  • Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield fabric retainer/clip. A revised sunshield clip (LJ6Z-5452118-B) is now available to address this condition. It is not necessary to replace the entire sunshield assembly if the clip(s) are broken or missing
  • SSM55059 Service bulletin
    2026-08-03 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable
  • 26E04 Emissions
    2026-07-09 · Unknown Or Other
  • NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0729
P0729 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0731
P0731 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0732
P0732 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0733
P0733 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0734
P0734 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0735
P0735 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0736
P0736 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P076F
P076F on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P07D9
P07D9 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P07F6
P07F6 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P07F7
P07F7 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P2700
P2700 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.1%

failed emissions

6,679 initial inspections of 6,573 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 ExplorerEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.1%1.9%6,661
Failed the safety inspection1.6%1.5%6,679
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.24%0.19%6,679
Miles driven a year11,91710,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer62,85254,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 this page F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 F 7 737 22 mpg2017 F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 27 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V685000, covering Equipment. 6 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: April 2027, December 2026, January 2027, November 2026. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (30/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Across the 10 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 27 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Transport Canada measured it at 198.8 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 70.1 in tall, on a 119.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,458–4,969 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 455 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer, most often about power train, unspecified, engine. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 20 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 5 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 364 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer, most often covering power train, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Ford Explorer do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations10 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates10 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls27NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints455NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins364NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations3NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA13 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Explorer The Explorer model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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