Name: 2021 Ford Explorer
Brand: Ford

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Unable to exit CarPlay to play the radio. You need to unplug"

Anonymous, MD (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Display screen freezes up

"The screen freezes when you switch from Als to the radio"

Anonymous, MD (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"apim module failed. dealer fixed under warranty. very pleased with the dealer service."

Anonymous, NS (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Display screen goes blank

"On real cold frigid days during the winter the screen would not work. I thought at the time it was weather related. It turned out being a problem for other at different times of the year so Ford did a re-call. They replaced it and has worked ever sense."

Anonymous A., KY (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"After having air cabin air filter fixed the screen where miles and speed displayed randomly goes blank"

Anonymous, MA (2021 Ford Explorer Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Hardware replacement

"Entire screen had to be replaced because it would not stay engaged and would black screen with no way to reboot it"

Anonymous, TX (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 3.0-L V6 turbo)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The GPS can never find where I am and frequently puts me in a different state than where I am."

Anonymous, VA (2021 Ford Explorer)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"If I pair phone to car and I'm following map quest the image appears on radio screen and then disappears making it impossible to follow directions from my android phone"

Anonymous, MA (2021 Ford Explorer Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Radio

"Radio does not hold selected station when cut off and back on. Navigation system has the same failure"

Anonymous, VA (2021 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Voice control commands

"I use my hands-free to make a phone call and it would either not respond or go to a name that wasnt even remotely close to what I was asking it to do"

Anonymous, MI (2021 Ford Explorer XLT)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"panoramic roof leaked. dealer replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, NS (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Other noises & leaks problem

"There is a consistent rattle on the driver side that seems to come from the door jamb or the area just above the door. It is constant when the car is moving. Our dealer indicated that this has been a complaint from a number of Explorer owners and the cause has not yet been identified"

Anonymous, MI (2021 Ford Explorer Platinum)

"There is a 90 bend in the tube which provides windshield wiper fluid to the window that has rubbed completly through resulting in the entire tank draining and unable to hold fluid. This problem started 4 months after owning the vehicle and none of the dealerships can seem to figure it out. Infuriating."

Anonymous, VA (2021 Ford Explorer)

Squeaks or rattles

"Consistent rattle on the undercarriage on the drivers side. Becomes noticeable above 50 MPH"

Anonymous, UT (2021 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Rattle developed shortly after acquiring the vehicle. Took it to dealer twice with no resolution. They corrected other areas not connected to the rattle. I finally got under the vehicle and identified the location of the rattle myself the took it to the dealer to show them where the problem was. They made the proper corrections and there hasnt been an issue since."

Anonymous, (2021 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Metal piece not fastened properly"

Anonymous, SC (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Loose interior trim or moldings

"Seat side panel with controls broke away from seat. Electric Controls still worked"

Anonymous, PA (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"Had to have the Drive Shaft worked on as there was vibrations in the car when driving over 40 mph."

Anonymous A., NV (2021 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Grease leaking"

Anonymous, MO (2021 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"transmission is not smooth shifting"

Anonymous, SC (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Ford Recall - Rear Axle Bolt - Ford has only implemented a workaround; not a full solution."

Anonymous A., TX (2021 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"DTC code popped for check engine light (MIL). Code related to carbon canister and fuel system vapor pressure. MIL appeared around 61,000 miles on odometer and stayed illuminated for one week. Vehicle was fully drivable and functional. Vehicle was taken to Ford company garage (management lease unit for Ford employee) and the garage replaced the carbon canister and cleared codes. The issue is resolved."

Anonymous A., MI (2021 Ford Explorer ST 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Passenger rear shock was discovered to be leaking while switching winter tires out for its all season tires. Replaced the rear pair of shocks. Shock was still operational, but with the leak of fluid would have degraded performance over time."

Anonymous A., MN (2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"The car had jerky motions when driving and accelerating. i had it in a few times and they always said it was nothing. This last time, I told them they need to research it. Lo and behold there was a known issue. Maybe if they checked all there resources when customers come in with an issue."

Anonymous A., CA (2021 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Ford Explorer

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Engine Major

Electrical Accessories

Engine Electrical

Brakes

Climate System

Engine Cooling

Body Hardware

Engine Minor

2021 SUVs Reliability

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability