2021 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of water in the front passenger's side footwell. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed windshield power panel. The contact was informed that the windshield power panel needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 33,700.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V451000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat failed to lock into place, causing the seat to flip forward. The failure mileage was 119,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound and vibration coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear axle bolt and rear axle were detached. The failure reoccurred while the contact was driving out of the residence driveway. The vehicle was driven back into the driveway. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train); in June 2025. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

On 9/3/26, car completely shut down/went all black while we were parking. Car was towed to shop the next day. On 9/22/26, Ford told us the battery junction box is the issue and there is currently no ETA as the part is on back order because there is a national shortage on this part. Car has been in the shop for 19 days. Car payments and insurance payments are still being made. In the mean time, I am without a car.

Recall 26S14 was anticipated to be fixed 2Q2026 (April/May/June). We're now 3 - 6 months overdue for repair. Ineffective communications and timeliness on repairs.

While driving with the cruise on at 74 mph the vehicle jerked as if the brakes had been tapped. I shut off the cruise and tried to accelerate but nothing happened. At this point I signaled to change lanes and pulled to the right shoulder. There were no dash lights or warning alarms prior to the engine stalling. Clearly an engine stalling at this rate of speed could have ended bad for all 5 passengers and surrounding vehicles. Vehicle is being towed to Augusta, KS Ford dealer this morning 9/21/26. Vehicle was scanned and is showing a hard code for low pressure to fuel pump. This vehicle is not currently included in the NHSTA Campaign 25V455000.

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)

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.

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.

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.