2021 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 128 federal NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Electrical system failures affecting multiple systems
35complaintsHigh severityElectricalMultiple electrical system failures affect various vehicle functions such as backup cameras, seat controls, and audio systems.
Related recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
- 3
Sunroof Shade Malfunction
20complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof shade malfunctions, causing visibility issues by sagging or failing to retract properly.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 4
Backup camera system failure
19complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe backup camera system intermittently fails, turning blue or disabling the reverse braking system.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
- 5
Infotainment System Glitches
11complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe infotainment system frequently displays false emergency alerts or becomes unresponsive, distracting the driver.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
- 6
Incorrect Rear Subframe
10complaintsHigh severityOtherThe rear subframe is improperly designed with a single bolt, increasing the risk of failure and potential accidents.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V852000
- 7
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when using the stop-start system, especially in cold conditions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V788000, 24V598000, 24V635000, 25V685000
- 8
Software and System Updates Issues
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalSoftware updates and system repairs often fail to resolve the underlying issues, leaving the vehicle inoperable or unsafe.
Related recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
- 9
Rear Axle Bolt Fracture Causing Vehicle Instability
5complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe rear axle bolt fractures, causing the vehicle to become unstable and potentially unsafe.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V069000, 23V199000, 26V402000
- 10
power train recall repair delays
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionMultiple reports of delayed delivery of parts for the NHTSA campaign 23V675000, leading to unresolved issues.
Related recalls: 23V069000, 23V199000, 26V402000
- 11
Seating Mechanism Failure
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe third-row seat headrest gets stuck in the upright position, affecting rear visibility and cargo use.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 12
Transmission Issues
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission experiences frequent failures, including stalling and shifting problems.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V069000, 23V199000, 26V402000
- 13
Electrical System Issues Leading to Dashboard Malfunctions
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalDashboard displays abnormal messages or goes dark, leading to potential confusion and safety issues.
Related recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
- 14
Fuel System Issues Resulting in Unpredictable Power Loss
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe vehicle loses power unpredictably, possibly due to fuel system failures such as fuel hose rupture.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V455000
- 15
Sunroof Shade Sagging and Interfering with Rear Visibility
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe sunroof shade sags when opening, blocking rear visibility and creating a safety concern.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 16
Wiper Motor Over-Speeding and Windshield Cracking
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe wiper motor operates at an excessive speed, causing spider cracks on the windshield.
Related recalls: 23V626000, 25V685000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.