2021 Ford Explorer

2021 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD

Overall

★★★★★

Front Crash

★★★★★

Side Crash

★★★★★

Rollover

★★★★☆

2021 Ford Explorer SUV RWD

Overall

★★★★★

Front Crash

★★★★★

Side Crash

★★★★★

Rollover

★★★★☆

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Campaign: 21V870000

ENGINE

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.

Campaign: 20V788000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Campaign: 21V735000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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".

Campaign: 21V652000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Campaign: 23V022000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Campaign: 23V069000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Campaign: 23V199000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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."

Campaign: 23V305000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Campaign: 23V342000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

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.

Campaign: 23V626000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Campaign: 23V675000

ENGINE

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.

Campaign: 24V598000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

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.

Campaign: 24V635000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Campaign: 24V852000

SEAT BELTS

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.

Campaign: 25V093000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Campaign: 25V159000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Campaign: 25V166000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

Campaign: 25V393000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Campaign: 25V442000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Campaign: 25V455000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

Campaign: 25V685000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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.

Campaign: 26V117000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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."

Campaign: 26V123000

SEAT BELTS

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.

Campaign: 26V159000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Campaign: 26V402000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

Campaign: 26V451000

ENGINE

I had a very serious safety failure of my 2021 Ford explorer. On Monday, XXX my 2021 Explorer suffered an unprompted, catastrophic failure matching recall 26S48, but Ford is denying coverage based on build dates. After driving roughly 35mph, pressing the brake, and nearing a stop sign, the explorer put itself into park. The engine compartment made noises and the vehicle continued to roll until the I quickly prompted activating the emergency brake before rolling into the intersection with heavy traffic. Even in park, the vehicle continued to roll (until the e-brake was activated). I had my [XXX] child in the vehicle with me, and thankfully nobody was injured. I had no dash warning lights, or any other signs of impending failure. I had it towed to my trusted (certified) mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the following: The transmission output shaft is sheered off, right at the parking pawl. He states this would only happen if the vehicle put itself into park, while moving. This catastrophic failure could lead to a tragic accident, and could kill somebody. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into park, the vehicle entered LIMP mode, the engine revved abnormally, and there was a smoke odor inside the vehicle. The contact coasted to the side of the road, shifted into park, and waited before shifting back into drive. While refueling the vehicle with the engine turned off and the nozzle inside the fuel filler neck, the vehicle suddenly rolled forward, pulling the fuel pump away from the station. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll unless the parking brake was engaged. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issues and stated that parts were expected in the second quarter of 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

SEATS

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic seat back adjustment malfunctioned, causing the right side of the seat to rise while the left side failed to respond, resulting in extreme discomfort for the driver while operating the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure and offered the replacement part for purchase. The contact purchased the part to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The shade on the sunroof as come out of track and when you let the shade back it drops down in the car blocking vision out the back glass

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the messages “Service Vehicle Soon” and "Shift Service Fault" were displayed. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to repair the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time. The failure mileage was unknown.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof shade broke will not retract properly, causing serious visual concerns obstruction view our the rear window of the vehicle . There was no warning lights , or signs this was going to happen ,

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated as if the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred and became a persistent failure. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle bucked, with an abnormal burning oil odor. The transmission independently shifted into park. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts would be unavailable until 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

cupholder broke. This is the first car to have a cupholder broke. Defect. Should issue recall

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission/gear-selection system malfunctioned. When Drive or Reverse is selected, the vehicle does not remain in the selected gear and instead returns to Park, preventing the vehicle from moving. The condition is repeatable and the vehicle is currently disabled. The exact failed component is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. An authorized Ford dealer has declined to work on the vehicle after we requested written clarification regarding coverage. Ford Motor Company has been contacted and a corporate case has been opened. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can become completely immobile and cannot be relied upon to enter or remain in a drive gear when transportation is needed. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact attempted to shift it into drive(D); however, the shifter returned to park(P) independently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced due to a transmission rollaway issue. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that a yellow light was flashing on the instrument panel, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the fault codes listed for the transmission failure were associated with the recall.