Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

The 2021 Ford Explorer has 10 recalls on file with NHTSA, including issues with back over prevention:display function.

How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

513 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer.

Are there technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

There are 283 technical service bulletins (TSBs) on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer.

2021 Ford Explorer Service and Repair Manual

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Factory-Grade Data

The 2021 Ford Explorer service and repair manual is a detailed, OEM-style reference for diagnostics, maintenance, and repair work. Use it to verify procedures, specifications, and system information before you start a job.

You'll find coverage across key vehicle systems with clear section structure, including wiring diagrams and powertrain, braking, steering, suspension, HVAC, and electrical topics. Digital format makes it easy to search while you work.

Trims covered

Limited Hybrid Sport Utility 4-Door
Timberline Sport Utility 4-Door
Limited Sport Utility 4-Door
Base Sport Utility 4-Door
ST Sport Utility 4-Door
Platinum Hybrid Sport Utility 4-Door
XLT Sport Utility 4-Door
King Ranch Sport Utility 4-Door
Platinum Sport Utility 4-Door

Engines covered

3.3L 3343CC 204Cu. In. V6 FULL HYBRID EV-GAS (FHEV) DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2.3L 2300CC 140Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged
3.3L 3343CC 204Cu. In. V6 FLEX DOHC Naturally Aspirated
3.0L 2956CC 181Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Turbocharged

Index / Table of contents

Body
Brakes
Chassis Electrical
Driveline
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Engine Mechanical
Engine Performance & Emission Controls
Fuel System
General Information & Identification
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
Steering
Suspension
Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
Wiring Diagrams

Payment & Security

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Vehicle Safety Data

2021 Ford Explorer Recalls & Complaints

NHTSA #23V30500028/04/2023Component: 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

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increa

Remedy

Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mai

NHTSA #23V19900024/03/2023Component: 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 mo

Consequence

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft

Remedy

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mai

NHTSA #21V65200023/08/2021Component: 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 ai

Consequence

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification lett

NHTSA #23V02200023/01/2023Component: 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

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the

Remedy

Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim

NHTSA #21V73500022/09/2021Component: 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, preve

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasin

Remedy

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner no

NHTSA #26V15900017/03/2026Component: 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 improper

Consequence

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repa

NHTSA #23V34200012/05/2023Component: 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

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the

Remedy

Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters we

NHTSA #21V87000010/11/2021Component: 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 er

Consequence

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride heigh

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as neces

NHTSA #25V68500010/10/2025Component: 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, B

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealer

NHTSA #23V06900010/02/2023Component: 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

Consequence

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway a

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.

TSB #11032924

2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator

TSB #11032909

This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to ident

TSB #11032760

Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads t

TSB #11032697

This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear

TSB #11032565

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)

TSB #11032252

Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to

TSB #11031780

Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update

TSB #11031640

Showing the 8 most recent of 283 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.

20250622Component: AIR BAGSCrash reported2 injured

The airbag burnt a hole in a cotton shirt and then left 2nd and 3 degree burns on my side.

20211220Component: AIR BAGSCrash reported2 injured

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he was driving approximately at 55 MPH when a deer jumped out in front of his vehicle. As a result, the contact crash

20240806Component: SEAT BELTSCrash reported1 injured

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact was stopped at an intersection traffic signal when she was crashed from behind by another vehicle. The contact's seat belt prete

20230415Component: POWER TRAINCrash reported1 injured

After receiving a Ford issued recall for a potential rear axle bolt fracture, the dealer reprogrammed the PCM per Ford's reported repair solution. After this PCM update, the vehic

Showing the 4 most serious of 513 complaints filed with NHTSA.

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