2021 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 429 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 14 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJul 14, 2026
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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V451000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJun 24, 2026
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.
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V402000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMar 17, 2026
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.
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 3, 2026
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."
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorMar 3, 2026
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.
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V117000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 7, 2025
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJun 13, 2025
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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMar 14, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V166000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 14, 2025
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsFeb 14, 2025
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.
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 8, 2024
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalAug 23, 2024
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.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V635000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineAug 10, 2024
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 24V598000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftOct 6, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batterySep 8, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraMay 12, 2023
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V342000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionApr 28, 2023
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."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 23V305000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Mar 24, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V199000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Feb 10, 2023
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.
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Campaign 23V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJan 23, 2023
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V022000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearNov 10, 2021
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.
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V870000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareSep 22, 2021
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.
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainAug 23, 2021
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".
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 17, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V788000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2026
Dashboard separation concerned with airbag. Every day driving you run the risk of more damage. Have spoken to Koons Ford who states cannot help due to warranty. No one has looked at it except for pictures. This should not be the owners responsibility since I am not alone with issues of this problem
Structure, Jun 14, 2026
The top of dashboard is lifting up and coming apart on drivers side.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Apr 25, 2026
I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warnings or indications of failure. The incident suggests a possible hood latch or secondary safety latch malfunction. I am submitting this report due to a serious safety concern involving sudden loss of driver visibility.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2026
Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23S55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. i took the vehicle to a ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take responsibility . i then put in a repair order through ford and they denied repairs for the recall mishap . I am being stuck with a $3500 bill for a recall that was installed improper.
Air bags, Structure, Nov 19, 2025
Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service Dept. at Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defect has existed from the date the car was purchase(or earlier).
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2025
Roof window cover/headliner has come loose and is impeding full vision to the rear of the car while the headliner is retracted.
Structure, Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a 15x3/4-inch strip on the B-pillar trim of the driver's side rear door that was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who attempted to use adhesive to secure the trim piece; however, the temporary repair failed to fix the vehicle. The dealer determined that the entire B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the B-pillar trim on the passenger's side rear door had started to detach. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Structure, Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a gap between the body and the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Structure, Apr 13, 2025
The chrome on the window switch on the passenger side is peeling and cut my finger while using it.
Structure, Feb 4, 2025
I was backing out of my driveway and a whoosh of water came pouring into my trunk from my roof of my car. When I took it to the Ford dealership they took the headliner down and found that the drains for my sunroof were clogged and caused the leak. They found that the headliner had mold growing on it. This is currently not a recall issue yet but I believe it should be or should be considered a default from Ford, (my warranty expired a couple months earlier). After speaking with the maintenance manager at Ford, I have been informed that it is not uncommon that the sunroof drains get clogged and this is something that should be checked or cleaned out periodically. With that being said- my 3 year old vehicle has only been maintained at a Ford dealership during its life. I go every 3-4 months and this has never been checked or cleaned out. My vehicle has been at the dealership for 3 months now because the parts are on back order. When I spoke with the dealership on 12/18 I was told there were 16 headliners on order, but when I checked back in January (a month later) there were 437 on order. This seems to be an issue with more and more of these vehicles. This is a dangerous situation because I do not know how long the mold has been growing in my vehicle and could cause health issues with me or my kids.
Structure, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power liftgate failed to close as needed. The contact was able to manually close the liftgate. Additionally, the roof was leaking near the sunroof and roof rails. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Structure, Aug 5, 2024
The contact's spouse owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68 MPH, the L-trim retaining strip detached from the driver's side door. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the L-trim molding and the retaining strip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Structure, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and trim taped down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not prepared. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Structure, Jul 2, 2024
The panel next the windows on both sides are cracking. The dealer said they need to be replaced on my dime. After doing a search for this problem, it appears that this is a common problem. It appears to be an issue with the seal and hot/cold weather creating the issue.
Structure, Jun 27, 2024
I was driving and hood flew up and hit the windshield and caused it to cave inward despite hood not being popped since April. Dealership confirmed that hood was not popped that day according to censors and codes that were seen. I was unable to see and it could have caused a wreck and serious injury or worse the windshield almost fell on me and into my car with my one year old baby. Dealer confirmed latch was never popped. Therfore resulting in a malfunction with the hood. Vehicle has been inspected by dealership service center. No, there were no signs or indicators prior to the incident. The indicators did not illuminate until test at the dealership although they did not the day of the incident (confirmed by dealership service department)
Structure, Visibility, Mar 1, 2024
Roof trim blew off. Moon roof- yes Luggage rack- no Driver side
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2024
When driving at low speed, every uneven thing in the road surface creates a low resonating frequency sound (deep base) through out the cabin.
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
Both rail roof luggage racks on roof are loose. Flap at high speeds. Ford advises it's not covered.
Structure, Jan 11, 2024
Front windshield cracked n has expanded along the very bottom in the dark black area n spread up into clear glass for no reason whatsoever. Never heard a rock or anything else hit. One day it just started a small looping crack.
Structure, Apr 10, 2023
2021 ford explorer exterior windshield trim is loose and has been shown to come off while driving. it is also causing a wind noise inside of the vehicle while in operration. No warnings shown. Link below shows issue and repair guidelines. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Ford/22-2021
Structure, Jul 11, 2022
2021 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUBFRAME. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT SUBRAME. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SINGLE BOLTS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK DUE TO STRESS. THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE PCM TO AUTOMATICALLY APPLY THE PARKING BREAK. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THE RECALL WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AWAY.
Structure, Mar 18, 2022
I'm writing to you to relay a serious safety issue that started with the 2021 Explorer ST manufacturing processes. When Ford designed the new Explorer ST, the rear subframe was engineered to allow the rear differential to be attached with four bolts (Attachment-A). This was needed to properly secure the differential in light of the ST motor putting out more horsepower than their other models. My 2020 Explorer ST had the correct subframe with two bolts (Attachment-B.) At some point during the manufacturing of the 2021 ST models, Ford started using base-model Explorer rear subframes that contained a single bolt (Attachment-C) on the rear portion of the subframe. This was likely done due to the global shortage of parts and materials that most automotive manufacturers encountered. The results were predictable, and many users in Explorer discussion groups have reported the single-bolt shearing off, dropping the differential and damaging the rear suspension components and exhaust (Attachment-D & E.) This is a glaring safety issue, especially with a performance car, as a failure at speed could result in loss of control of the vehicle. To date, Ford has not responded to my inquiries requesting more information and a resolution. They did recently release a Special Service Message acknowledging that this is an issue (Attachment-F.) The thread below on explorerst.org outlines the problem in detail. There are dozens of people there and in the Explorer ST groups on Facebook that have encountered this problem, with varying levels of successful resolution and attention from Ford. I'm happy to provide additional links to conversations about this, if needed. https://www.explorerst.org/threads/rear-end-damage.2602/ I represent a growing group of ST owners who would like Ford to issue a recall, and repair their vehicles before a failure occurs.
Structure, Wheels, Dec 9, 2021
On October 25, 2021; my wife and I were driving across country when we experienced a blow-out at 75 MPH in New Mexico (about 80 miles west of Amarillo. The blow-out was caused by body cladding, which came off the right rear door of our 2021 Ford Explorer - apparently attributable to 19+ MPH desert cross winds at highway speeds of 75 MPH. The trim lodged in the right rear wheel well; slicing the tire and cutting a gash from the aluminum rim. We had to get to California for a scheduled closing on our new home and were therefore unable to stay in Amarillo or Albuquerque for the three days required to receive a matching rim and tire, so I had a nearby tire store install a wheel of a different size with an offsetting tire size to approximate the circumference of the stock wheels and tires. Ford has thus far neglected to acknowledge the obvious defect that would allow a body part to blow off the car and has offered no assistance in repairing the car or reimbursing me for the wheel and tire I had to purchase to meet personal legal obligations. I've seen evidence in online forums indicating other incidents of body trim blowing off Ford Explorers at highway speeds. Ford must take responsibility for this defect and reimburse other owners and me for costs incurred to resolve implications of their defective body parts.