2021 Ford Explorer Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report several recurring engine issues with the 2021 Ford Explorer, particularly involving catastrophic engine failure, oil leaks, and misfires. Common symptoms include engine knocking, loss of power, stalling, and smoke from the exhaust, often without any prior warning lights. These problems appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 9,000 miles and others around 115,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including a reported injury due to exhaust fumes and instances of vehicles stalling or losing power while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially considering the significant repair costs and the possibility of engine replacement.

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Ford Explorer's braking system, notably involving the electronic brake booster and parking brake. Complaints frequently mention brake failure, with symptoms such as the brake pedal sticking, brakes not responding, and rear tires locking up, often occurring around 20,000 to 85,000 miles. Some owners describe the parking brake engaging unexpectedly or not releasing smoothly, leading to vehicle lurching or rolling unexpectedly. There are reports of crashes and near-misses, indicating potential safety risks with loss of control. These patterns suggest buyers should be cautious and verify the condition of the braking system, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.

Owners report several issues with the seats in the 2021 Ford Explorer. Complaints frequently mention problems with seats becoming loose or moving unintentionally, including second-row seats that shake or move forward while driving. Also noted are third-row seats that either become inoperable or can lock passengers in due to electronic control failures. Some owners describe front seats dropping into a reclined position during a rear-end collision, which led to one injury. These issues are observed across a range of mileages, from as low as 14,700 miles to over 90,000 miles, with safety implications including potential injuries and crashes.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with problems often emerging around 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Common symptoms include a check engine light illumination, vehicle stalling, hesitation during acceleration, unintended deceleration, and strong gasoline odors both inside and outside the vehicle. Some owners mention fuel hose ruptures and fuel line leaks, often linked to components rubbing against each other. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues could potentially affect vehicle control and safety. Additionally, some owners experience a shaking sensation from the gas tank when the vehicle is stopped, particularly when the tank is between full and three-quarters full.

Owners report that the 2021 Ford Explorer experiences issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and incorrect speed limit detection when using Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating or decelerating suddenly to incorrect speeds, such as jumping to 85 mph or dropping to 35 mph, often without visible speed limit signs. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the vehicle losing power or failing to accelerate properly, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be shut off and restarted. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one owner noting problems starting around 26,700 miles. The sudden and unexpected changes in speed present safety risks, particularly when occurring on highways or in traffic, as they may lead to potential collisions or hazardous driving conditions.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer frequently report steering issues, with several complaints describing a loss of power steering functionality. Symptoms include steering sticking and failure to return to center, particularly noted during low-speed maneuvers, which in one case led to a crash. Some owners mention problems occurring around 9,400 to 23,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as issues have resulted in loss of vehicle control and a collision. Additionally, one complaint highlights a recall-related repair that did not resolve the steering issue, suggesting potential concerns about the effectiveness of recall remedies.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer report several airbag-related issues. The most common pattern involves airbags deploying aggressively during crashes, with two incidents resulting in injuries, including burns and eye injuries. Additionally, some owners describe dashboard attachment issues that may affect airbag deployment, and one report mentions a persistent airbag warning light linked to a wiring fault and a backordered driver's seat airbag. These problems are reported at varying mileages, from as low as 3,000 miles to around 10,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with three complaints involving crashes and two reporting injuries. Buyers should be aware of potential airbag deployment issues and the possibility of unresolved electrical faults.