The Ford Explorer looks like the perfect mid-size SUV on the spec sheet. It gets a massive cabin with three rows of seating, a tech-laden system, and a lot of hauling space for cargo. The SUV goes well against the likes of the Mazda CX-9, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Kia Telluride with an MSRP of $34,200. The Explorer has also received impressive ratings from the owners and is well-liked among many but has seen a fair share of user complaints as well. The SUV has been recalled 4 times as well. Let’s dig more about the complaints and the recall history of the 2021 Ford Explorer.
2021 Ford Explorer Common Problems
Electrical issues:
- Push start issues: Some owners have complained that the push-button start on the SUV doesn’t work. This causes the SUV to turn over multiple times with the motor running halfway. This causes the engine to seize and, in some cases, results in an electrical fire.
- Electrical fires: The 2021 Explorer is said to catch fire in the engine compartment. Diagnostics reveal that many of the incidents happened due to external electrical modifications. The issue has been communicated to the carmaker and a resolution is awaited.
- Button/controls malfunction: Many people have reported some buttons in their cabin go kaput due to unknown reasons. In some incidents the button to fold the third row down malfunctioned. Some people also complained of the window actuators malfunctioning.
- Backup camera issues: There have been complaints of Ford Explorer backup cameras failing and not showing the objects behind the SUV. The issue is reported to affect rearward visibility and cause collisions.
Mechanical issues:
- Exhaust odor: Some people complain of a strong exhaust odor filling the cabin through the HVAC system. This causes nausea and makes it very difficult to drive the SUV. The issue is common in police cars as well, causing many to be grounded from service.
- Transmission issues: The Ford Explorer transmission issues are rather common and have affected several units in the current generation. The 2021 Explorer struggles to shift gears and gives a lot of jerks at low speeds. In some cases, the SUV could not be shifted to drive and was towed to the dealership.
- Improper steering adjustment: The 2021 Explorer steering adjustment has been another well-reported issue. This causes abnormal wear of the tire which also leads to tire blowouts. These blowouts are very dangerous for the occupants as well as the cars nearby.
2021 Ford Explorer Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
December 17, 2020 |
20V788000 |
Engine |
Disconnection of the axle from the engine due to motor vibration causes loss of power. This also increases the risk of a crash. |
The recall for this issue began on February 3, 2021. The dealers will remove and replace the motor mount fasteners. |
|
2. |
August 23, 2021 |
21V652000 |
Airbags |
Detachment of the side airbag attachment weld struts may hinder airbag deployment. This increases the risk of injury in a crash. The issue also makes the affected units fail to comply with FMVSS Number 214, “Side Impact Protection”. |
The recall for this issue began on September 10, 2021. The dealers will replace the side airbag assemblies. |
|
3. |
September 22, 2021 |
21V735000 |
Back Over Prevention |
Failure of video output from the 360-degree cameras affects rearwards visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall for this issue began on November 16, 2021. The dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB). |
|
4. |
November 10, 2021 |
21V870000 |
Suspension |
Incorrect components in the rear suspension affect the handling, braking, and the ride height of the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash. |
The recall for this issue began on December 3, 2021. The dealers will inspect and replace all the incorrect parts. |
Should you buy the 2021 Ford Explorer?
The 2021 Ford Explorer comes at a place where people are happy and satisfied, while some had to see theirs burn to the ground. The electrical issues in the SUV are widespread and fatal. The American carmaker has been informed of many such incidents and a resolution is being worked upon. If you want to get a used Explorer, check for any after-market electronic additions and go through a recall check for the SUV.
