2021 Ford Explorer Problems

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted hard. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the parking brake engaged each time the vehicle was shifted into park, and the message "Stuck in Park" was displayed on the instrument panel while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward while the vehicle was in park(P). Due to the failure, the contact was forced to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward while in park(P). The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000(Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The dealer was notified of the recalls and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle failed to connect or communicate with the computer and module. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact the manufacturer was not responsible to cover the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was unknown.

Recently my car has had a series lights come on including 4wd fault, pre-colliosion assist not available, service advance trac, hill start assist warning, and something with the brakes when in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they said it's something electrical that will need parts, and further investigation with removing the seats. That will be another day. Today, while driving with my son in the back, I was taking a u-turn on a busy street. The car acted like it switched into neutral (but didn't), and wouldn't accelerate, leaving me inching into traffic at 1 mph with cars going 40mph coming at me. Luckily I was not hit, but easily could have been. I drive almost 60 miles a day for work and this is a safety hazard not just for me, but my family too.

The intermediate shaft has gone bad on my 5 year old car. Noticed it on 12/11/25 after owning for 1 year. I’m slowing losing oil which then can cause my engine to go out. I have read many things stating other peoples frustration with this $3.59 part going bad in the 2021 ford explorers but to get it fixed you have to drop the entire engine resulting in it costing $1,800. I think ford should be responsible for this and aware to make a better part.

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle displays a "Drive Train Malfunction" warning message and the traction control warning light illuminates. Shortly after the warning appears, the vehicle loses power and may enter a reduced-power mode or stall, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred while traveling on the highway, forcing sudden deceleration and creating the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The check engine light is illuminated, and diagnostic code P0A1E is present. The problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine when the next failure will occur. The vehicle has been taken to Ford for diagnosis multiple times, and significant money has been spent attempting to repair the issue. Despite these efforts, the root cause has not been identified and the problem continues to occur. This defect affects the drivetrain system and impacts the safe operation of the vehicle. The sudden loss of power on the highway places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. Based on discussions with other owners, this appears to be a common issue affecting Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and warrants investigation by NHTSA.

Recently my car has had a series lights come on including 4wd fault, pre-colliosion assist not available, service advance trac, hill start assist warning, and something with the brakes when in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they said it's something electrical that will need parts, and further investigation with removing the seats. That will be another day. Today, while driving with my son in the back, I was taking a u-turn on a busy street. The car acted like it switched into neutral (but didn't), and wouldn't accelerate, leaving me inching into traffic at 1 mph with cars going 40mph coming at me. Luckily I was not hit, but easily could have been. I drive almost 60 miles a day for work and this is a safety hazard not just for me, but my family too.

Sunroof material when opened sags down and blocks drivers rear view this needs to be a safety recall!

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his spouse was attempting to retract the moonroof shade, the shade failed to retract and sagged down, obstructing the driver's visibility of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the moonroof shade roller clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward while the vehicle was in park(P). Due to the failure, the contact was forced to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward while in park(P). The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000(Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The dealer was notified of the recalls and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

I am reporting a safety concern involving a delayed transmission gear engagement and delayed rearview camera activation. Intermittently, when shifting the vehicle from Park into Reverse or Drive, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission actually engages the selected gear. During this delay, the rearview camera also fails to activate immediately. Because there is no immediate indication that the requested gear has engaged, I have experienced situations where I believed the vehicle was in Reverse or Drive, but it remained in the previous state for several seconds. In some instances, the transmission engages unexpectedly after the delay, causing the vehicle to move in a direction different from what I anticipated. For example, after selecting Reverse, the vehicle may hesitate before moving, or after changing between Reverse and Drive, the delayed engagement can result in the vehicle moving in the previously engaged direction before finally shifting into the selected gear. This creates a significant safety hazard, particularly when parking, backing out of driveways, or maneuvering in areas with pedestrians or other vehicles. The delayed rearview camera activation further increases the risk because it prevents the driver from immediately seeing behind the vehicle while attempting to reverse. The issue occurs intermittently and without warning, making it difficult to predict. I am concerned that this condition could lead to a crash, property damage, or injury if the vehicle moves unexpectedly due to the delayed gear engagement. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether it is related to a transmission, electronic shift control, or software defect affecting the safe operation of the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH down a hill, the engine and powertrain were resistant when the brakes were applied. No warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was sent by a local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the failure was due to the transfer case but was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). After test driving the vehicle, the mobile mechanic determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,200.

When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any help with my situation

I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so Ford will do nothing to remedy the situation and parts are impossible to find as dealers scramble to fix the vehicles included in the recall.

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

The top of dashboard is lifting up and coming apart on drivers side.

When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power.

For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of incident are alarming.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear seat unlocked and flipped forward independently. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The third-row seat headrest in my 2021 Ford Explorer is stuck in the upright position and will not fold down, preventing the seat from fully collapsing. This affects rear visibility and cargo use, which may create a safety concern while driving. The issue appears to be a mechanical failure and has not been resolved despite repeated attempts to adjust it.

All 4 tire TPMS sensor have failed. 2 at 67,057 on ~ 2/20/26, 2 at 71,024 miles on ~6/10/26. Car is a 2021. Sensors should not have failed within 5 years of owing the car. I have a 2012 Ford F50m only 1 has failed in over 14 years. Asking consideration for a recall to cover costs.

my son is rear facing and puts his arm in the forward facing belt path then can not get his arm back out. he starts screaming and crying and i have to pull the car over to the side of the road to help him get his arm out and even i struggle getting his arm free. no sooner than i start driving again, he puts his arm back through and it’s the same cycle. i have contacted britax and have unfortunately not gotten any solution for this issue.

Vehicle is not even 5 years old , and passenger headlight - low beam failed. Ford Dealership quote is around $3000. Online forums show that this is a defect for the platinum models. I feel I should be protected as I am still paying for this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years. This is a major safety component as without a trusted lighting system, this vehicle can be dangerous and lacks peace of mind.

Passenger low-beam headlight failure. Dealer replaced headlight module but did not resolve. Next suggestion is replacing headlight for more than $2,000. Quite common issue on the Platinum model.

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

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).

Queja por reparación defectuosa de recall en mi Ford Explorer Estimados Señores: Por medio de la presente, me dirijo a ustedes para expresar mi profunda insatisfacción con el servicio recibido en su concesionario relacionado con un problema de recall en mi Ford Explorer [indicar modelo y año del vehículo], cuya reparación, realizada bajo su supervisión, no ha sido adecuada. En los primeros meses de 2024, llevé mi vehículo a sus instalaciones debido a un recall emitido por Ford, relacionado con un sonido de media frecuencia resonante (de tono profundo) que se manifiesta al conducir a baja velocidad sobre superficies irregulares. Según se me informó, este problema fue causado por un defecto en una pieza, la cual supuestamente fue reemplazada en su momento. Sin embargo, después de meses de lidiar con el inconveniente inicial y tras un extenso tiempo de espera, el problema parecía haberse solucionado temporalmente. Desafortunadamente, en noviembre de 2024, el problema ha reaparecido exactamente con las mismas características, lo que me lleva a sospechar que no se realizó un reemplazo adecuado de la pieza defectuosa, sino únicamente un ajuste superficial. Al comunicarme nuevamente con su concesionario, se me ha informado que no pueden hacer nada más porque el supuesto reemplazo ya se realizó. Este tipo de respuesta es inaceptable, considerando que: 1.El problema persiste y claramente no fue solucionado de manera definitiva. 2.El recall original fue emitido para garantizar la seguridad y funcionalidad del vehículo, lo cual no se está cumpliendo. 3.Como cliente, esperaba un servicio honesto y de calidad, especialmente tratándose de un problema cubierto por un recall oficial. Solicito formalmente que este caso sea reabierto y revisado nuevamente, ya que mi confianza en la calidad de los servicios proporcionados se ha visto seriamente afectada. Espero que Ford y su concesionario asuman la responsabilidad correspondiente y brinden una solución definitiva al problema

Steering is sticking

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seat belt on the passenger’s side failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the seat belt components were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,600.

Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after his wife set the vehicle to "Park" while the engine was running, as she exited, the vehicle lurched forward and crashed into the garage back wall. There was no damage to the vehicle, however, there was damage to the garage back wall. The contact stated his wife saw no warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife got back into the vehicle and observed that the gear shift lever was still in "Park" and she shut the vehicle off. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer, or an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parking the vehicle on an incline, the transmission inadvertently shifted out of park(P). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated the failure occurred whenever the parking brake was not activated while parking the vehicle. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

Two TPMS sensors have failed on this vehicle. Although these sensors are required under the TREAD act, Ford has advised through their dealer that this is not a safety issue and the TPMS sensor batteries failing less than 3 years from date of vehicle manufacture falls in the category of normal wear and tear. Note that the vehicle has 27,243 miles on it, and these are the original TPMS sensors/wheels/tires that the vehicle came equipped with from Ford.

The front tires chewed to pieces, one blew, and the dealer initially felt it was an alignment issue from the factory. Up one further inspection, they found an aluminum toe rod with a 45 degree bend. I believe this was a factory issue as we hit nothing on the highway. It seems from an FMEA point of view, it is likely the blown tire and momentum of the car bent the tie rod and that the tire damage was caused by a part failure or some other issue with the car. It is a 3 month old car with 9,400 miles. The car struck Nothing on the highway.