2021 Ford Explorer Review

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Power train:automatic transmission

Recall Number: 

26V402000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

26S48

Manufactured from: 

2020-01-08 to 2021-10-08

Number of vehicles affected: 

741195

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Seat belts

Recall Number: 

26V159000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

26C18

Manufactured from: 

2019-05-09 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

561

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Back over prevention:software

Recall Number: 

26V123000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

26C11

Number of vehicles affected: 

889950

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated second quarter of 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Recall Number: 

26V117000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

26S14

Manufactured from: 

2020-07-06 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

604533

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed March 9, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Equipment:electrical:engine block heater

Recall Number: 

25V685000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25SA4

Manufactured from: 

2021-05-10 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

59006

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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

Corrective Action: 

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed October 24, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Recall Number: 

25V455000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S75

Manufactured from: 

2021-07-01 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

850318

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

The remedy is under development. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 14, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Back over prevention:software

Recall Number: 

25V442000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S72

Manufactured from: 

2019-04-25 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

200061

Defect Description: 

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Defect Consequence: 

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Seats:mid/rear assembly

Recall Number: 

25V393000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S67

Number of vehicles affected: 

304662

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 23, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Power train:driveline:driveshaft

Recall Number: 

25V166000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S22

Number of vehicles affected: 

4247

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

Back over prevention:software

Recall Number: 

25V159000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S27

Number of vehicles affected: 

49399

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

Seat belts

Recall Number: 

25V093000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S09

Manufactured from: 

2018-10-19 to 2020-07-11

Number of vehicles affected: 

240510

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

Equipment:other:labels

Recall Number: 

24V852000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

24C39

Manufactured from: 

2019-07-29 to 2024-09-13

Number of vehicles affected: 

27678

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall Number: 

24V635000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

24S55

Manufactured from: 

2021-06-07 to 2021-10-31

Number of vehicles affected: 

90736

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Engine

Recall Number: 

24V598000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

24S52

Manufactured from: 

2018-11-10 to 2022-08-01

Number of vehicles affected: 

85238

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

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, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

Power train:driveline:driveshaft

Recall Number: 

23V675000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S55

Number of vehicles affected: 

238364

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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. A letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed November 6, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

Recall Number: 

23V626000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S53

Number of vehicles affected: 

2954

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. A letter informing owners of the safety risk were mailed October 3, 2021. The remedy is expected to become available in 4th Quarter 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Recall Number: 

23V342000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S23

Manufactured from: 

2019-01-07 to 2022-12-15

Number of vehicles affected: 

442973

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on July 10, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in July 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 previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Back over prevention:display function

Recall Number: 

23V305000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23C14

Number of vehicles affected: 

523

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. The remedy is anticipated to be available by June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Recall Number: 

23V199000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S16

Number of vehicles affected: 

674

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Recall Number: 

23V069000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S05

Number of vehicles affected: 

3674

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Corrective Action: 

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.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Recall Number: 

23V022000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S02

Number of vehicles affected: 

382759

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Power train:axle assembly

Recall Number: 

22V255000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

22S27

Number of vehicles affected: 

252936

Defect Description: 

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Defect Consequence: 

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Suspension:rear

Recall Number: 

21V870000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

21S47

Number of vehicles affected: 

20

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Recall Number: 

21V735000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

21S44

Number of vehicles affected: 

228297

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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:critical fasteners

Recall Number: 

21V652000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

21C19

Number of vehicles affected: 

592

Defect Description: 

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".

Defect Consequence: 

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

Corrective Action: 

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.

Engine

Recall Number: 

20V788000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

20S72

Number of vehicles affected: 

1405

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.