Model year guide

2021 Ford Explorer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Ford Explorer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2021 Ford Explorer — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Ford Explorer at a glance

Safety recalls24
Owner complaints385
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$47,106

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2021 Ford Explorer recalls 24

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #21V870000 · 10/11/2021

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.

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.

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V788000 · 17/12/2020

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.

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.

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #21V735000 · 22/09/2021

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.

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.

Air Bags:side/window:curtain NHTSA Campaign #21V652000 · 23/08/2021

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".

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.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #23V022000 · 23/01/2023

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.

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…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #23V069000 · 10/02/2023

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.

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #23V199000 · 24/03/2023

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 t…

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.

Back Over Prevention:display Function NHTSA Campaign #23V305000 · 28/04/2023

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 Veh…

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.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #23V342000 · 12/05/2023

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.

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 previ…

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery NHTSA Campaign #23V626000 · 08/09/2023

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.

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 fo…

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #23V675000 · 06/10/2023

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.

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. …

Engine NHTSA Campaign #24V598000 · 10/08/2024

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.

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,…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2021 Ford Explorer common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 385 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2021 Ford Explorer MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,740

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2021 Ford Explorer worth?

Low
$40,186
Typical price
$47,106
High
$59,560

From 10 comparable 2021 Ford Explorer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Ford Explorer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,700
Depreciation (5 yrs)$25,050
Total$38,750
Per mile$0.52

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($47,106) with the same model 5 model-years older ($22,050), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Ford Explorer trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited · XLT · Base · Platinum · King Ranch · ST
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 270 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl

2021 Ford Explorer vehicles on record

Other Ford Explorer model years

2021 Ford Explorer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 24 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Based on 385 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, visibility, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Explorer get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Ford Explorer at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2021 Ford Explorer worth?

Comparable 2021 Ford Explorer listings run roughly $40,186–$59,560, typically around $47,106 (from 10 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.