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2021 FORD EXPLORER Safety Overview

The 2021 FORD EXPLORER has been closely monitored for safety issues.

Official NHTSA Recalls

The NHTSA has issued 25 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:

  • Power train:automatic transmission
  • Seat belts
  • Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Severe Defect Warnings

Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Consumer Complaints

To date, there have been no consumer complaints filed with the NHTSA for this model year.

Why It Matters

Staying informed about these safety records is critical for FORD EXPLORER owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.

Latest Vehicle Recalls

2021 FORD EXPLORER 26V402000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explore...

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

NHTSA Recall 26V402000: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 6/24/2026
2021 FORD EXPLORER 26V159000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

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

A safety recall has been issued concerning seat belts. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. If ignored, aloose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.. To fix this, dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.

Reported: 3/17/2026
2021 FORD EXPLORER 26V117000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and L...

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

NHTSA Recall 26V117000: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/3/2026
2021 FORD EXPLORER 26V123000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Linco...

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

NHTSA Recall 26V123000: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/3/2026
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V685000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-20...

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

NHTSA Recall 25V685000: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/10/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V455000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250...

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

A safety recall has been issued concerning 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. If ignored, an engine stall increases the risk of a crash.. To fix this, the remedy is under development.

Reported: 7/7/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V442000

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

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.

NHTSA Recall 25V442000: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 6/27/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V393000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.

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

NHTSA Recall 25V393000: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 6/13/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V159000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022...

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

NHTSA Recall 25V159000: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/14/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V166000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired in...

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.

NHTSA Recall 25V166000: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/14/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 25V093000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.

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

NHTSA Recall 25V093000: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 2/14/2025
2021 FORD EXPLORER 24V598000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Poli...

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA Recall 24V598000: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/8/2024
2021 FORD EXPLORER 24V635000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln N...

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

A safety recall has been issued concerning 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. If ignored, aloss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.. To fix this, dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.

Reported: 8/23/2024
2021 FORD EXPLORER 24V852000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Esc...

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.

A safety recall has been issued concerning 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. If ignored, 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.. To fix this, ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

Reported: 8/11/2024
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V342000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022...

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

NHTSA Recall 23V342000: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 12/5/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V069000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L e...

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

NHTSA Recall 23V069000: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/2/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V626000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicl...

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.

NHTSA Recall 23V626000: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 8/9/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V675000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles.

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.

NHTSA Recall 23V675000: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 6/10/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V305000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehi...

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

NHTSA Recall 23V305000: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 4/28/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V199000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L R...

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.

NHTSA Recall 23V199000: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/24/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 23V022000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022...

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

NHTSA Recall 23V022000: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 1/23/2023
2021 FORD EXPLORER 21V870000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

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

NHTSA Recall 21V870000: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/11/2021
2021 FORD EXPLORER 21V735000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln A...

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

NHTSA Recall 21V735000: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 9/22/2021
2021 FORD EXPLORER 21V652000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

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

NHTSA Recall 21V652000: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 8/23/2021
2021 FORD EXPLORER 20V788000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.

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.

NHTSA Recall 20V788000: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 12/17/2020

Recent Complaints

No complaints reported.