Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer, and it carries 26 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 80 | 19% |
| Unknown or other | 56 | 13% |
| Back over prevention | 24 | 6% |
| Engine | 21 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 17 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 4% |
| Structure | 15 | 4% |
| Visibility | 11 | 3% |
| Seats | 10 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
cupholder broke. This is the first car to have a cupholder broke. Defect. Should issue recall
NHTSA complaint: 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 t
NHTSA complaint: 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);
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability concerns involving my 2021 Ford Explorer ST in Fresno, California. The vehicle has experienced recurring transmission and driveline problems, including har
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, ca
NHTSA complaint: Steering
There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The intermediate shaft has gone bad on my 5 year old car. Noticed it on 12/11/25 after owning for 1 year. I’m slowing losing oil which then can cause my engine to go out. I have read many things stating other peoples fru
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 custo
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-86
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 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 Mot
Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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 numbe
| Reliability | 51 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 61 | average |
| Maintenance | 69 | good |
| Depreciation | 58 | average |
| Performance | 72 | good |
| Efficiency | 38 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 80 of them (19%). There are 26 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 51/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 61/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2021 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.