2021 Ford Explorer Problems: 10 Known Issues
2021 model year · 456+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford Explorer has 10 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, Front wiper motor can stop working — recall 26V117, Seat-belt buckle anchor bolts may be loose — recall 25V093 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. The most commonly reported issue is Blue or black rear camera image with 360-degree camera — recall 23V342 with 456 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2021 · XLT · 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
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All 10 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls53 recalls
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
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. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
TRAILER HITCHES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
+ 48 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford Explorer has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, Front wiper motor can stop working — recall 26V117, Seat-belt buckle anchor bolts may be loose — recall 25V093. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 10 known issues documented across 456+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Front wiper motor can stop working — recall 26V117 and Seat-belt buckle anchor bolts may be loose — recall 25V093 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451?
The bezel around the second-row outboard easy-entry (tip-and-slide) switch can become misaligned or unseated, letting the switch bind or stick down. The seat can then tip or slide unexpectedly, possibly while driving, increasing injury risk in a crash. With the button stuck down,… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Front wiper motor can stop working — recall 26V117?
The front windshield wiper motor cover terminal may be misaligned with the brush-card terminal, causing loss of electrical continuity over time. Wipers can work intermittently and then stop completely, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. Applies to: Certain 2020–2022 F… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer Seat-belt buckle anchor bolts may be loose — recall 25V093?
Seat-belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions, and the second-row center belt and retractor anchor bolts if equipped, may not have been secured during seat assembly. A loose belt or buckle may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash. Applies to: Certain 2020… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159?
On a small number of Explorers, the left and/or right second-row seat-belt lower anchor may not be secured to the body because of an incomplete repair at the assembly plant. A loose anchor may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash; a rattle may be the only warning. Applies… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer Blue or black rear camera image with 360-degree camera — recall 23V342?
On Explorers with the 360-degree camera, the rear camera can intermittently show a blue image or a full blue or black screen when shifted into reverse. Ford cites fretting corrosion and misalignment in the camera's internal connector, wiring retention and image-processing-module… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer Water dripping from the overhead console with the moonroof closed (owner reports)?
Owners of sixth-generation Explorers with the power moonroof report water dripping from the overhead console or dome-light area, wet cup holders and wet carpet, sometimes after repeated dealer visits. Clogged or misrouted sunroof drain tubes are the causes owners name. Applies to… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Center screen and rear camera image can appear flipped — recall 26V123?
On Explorers with a specific 10.1-inch center display, the SYNC screen image can appear flipped or inverted right after an ignition cycle, including the rearview camera image in reverse. A rear camera image that is not displayed correctly increases crash risk; Ford lists no warni… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Water in the spare-tire well or rear liftgate area — bulletin 24-2044?
Some Explorers collect water in the rear liftgate area or spare-tire well, and some lose audio, often noticed after a car wash or rain. Wet cargo areas can damage stored items and nearby components. Applies to: 2020–2024 Ford Explorer with water in the rear liftgate area or spare… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer Harsh or delayed engagement and shifts, 10R60 automatic — bulletin 23-2352?
On some Explorers with the 10R60 ten-speed automatic, engagement into gear or shifts can be harsh or delayed, sometimes with the check-engine light on and transmission codes stored. Ford attributes it to transmission-control software, the solenoid ID strategy and/or sticking valv… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer SYNC 3 screen freezes, goes blank or black with CarPlay — bulletin 21-2411?
On SYNC 3 Explorers the center touchscreen can freeze, go blank, or show a black screen when Apple CarPlay connects, along with other infotainment faults. Ford attributes these to SYNC software and directs an APIM software update; its earlier bulletin 20-2259 notes that some APIM… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.