2021 Ford Explorer Problems: 12 Known Issues

On the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer, 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, the easy-entry feature may not work or the seat may not return to its normal position. Applies to: Certain 2020–2026 Ford Explorers with the second-row easy-entry feature, built October 20, 2018 to June 24, 2026 (recall 26V451, Ford 26S52; expands earlier recall 25V393 and includes vehicles already repaired under it; also Lincoln Aviator). Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 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 2020–2021 Ford Explorers built October 19, 2018 to July 11, 2020 (recall 25V093, Ford 25S09; also Lincoln Aviator). Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer, 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 to: 199 specific 2020–2026 Ford Explorers built June 10, 2019 to January 21, 2026 that went through an in-plant repair station (recall 26V159, Ford 26C18; also Lincoln Aviator). Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, 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 software; losing the rear image increases crash risk. Applies to: Certain 2020–2023 Ford Explorers equipped with the 360-degree camera, built October 19, 2018 to August 20, 2023 (recall 23V342, Ford 23S23, which expanded and replaced recall 23V022; also Aviator and Corsair). Rear-camera-only vehicles are not affected. Vehicles that did not receive the 23V342 image-processing-module software update are covered by 25V159. Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer, 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 warning, and the condition recovers after a restart. Applies to: Certain 2020–2024 Ford Explorers built October 20, 2018 to April 25, 2024 with the JDI-made center stack display and SYNC 3 (recall 26V123, Ford 26C11; also Aviator, Escape and Corsair). Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (10R60), a connected-vehicle data request could overflow a powertrain control module buffer and reset the PCM, which shifts the transmission to Park; if that happened while moving, the park system may be damaged. A damaged park system may not shift into Park, allowing unintended vehicle movement. Applies to: 3,674 specific 2020–2022 Ford Explorers with the 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic, built May 13, 2019 to August 25, 2022, that connected-vehicle records show experienced a PCM reset (recall 23V069, Ford 23S05). Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, 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 valves in the main control valve body. Applies to: 2020–2023 Ford Explorer equipped with the 10R60 ten-speed automatic and showing the symptoms or codes listed in bulletin 23-2352 (the bulletin also covers 2020–2023 Aviator and 2021–2023 Bronco with the 10R60).

On the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fail from fatigue after repeated peak-torque launches, letting the axle housing move out of position with loud grinding or clunking. If it breaks, the driveshaft or halfshafts can disconnect, causing loss of drive and, without the parking brake applied, a vehicle that can roll in Park. Applies to: Certain 2020–2022 Ford Explorers built October 22, 2018 to July 6, 2022 with rear axle bushing L1MW-4B425-BA and one of these powertrains: 2.3L RWD, 3.0L ST, 3.0L RWD King Ranch and Platinum, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L hybrid and Police versions (recall 23V675, Ford 23S55). The original recall for this condition is 22V255 (Ford 22S27); 23V199 and 25V166 cover vehicles whose 22V255 software remedy was missing or recorded incorrectly. Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer, 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 Ford Explorers built July 6, 2020 to December 15, 2021 (recall 26V117, Ford 26S14; also Aviator, Escape and Corsair). Separately, Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 covers certain 2020 Explorers built October 19, 2018 to June 28, 2020, 2021 Explorers built June 4–17, 2020 and 2023 Explorers built in February 2023. Only a Ford or Lincoln dealer can confirm by VIN whether a vehicle is included and whether the repair has been done.

On the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 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: Owner reports from 2020–2021 Explorers with the power/panoramic moonroof (a 2021 XLT and Explorer ST owners in the linked threads). A Ford service message (SSM 50379) tells technicians replacing a failed roof-opening-panel motor on 2020–2022 Explorers to find the water leak first. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 7,000 miles on a 2020.

On the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer, 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-tire area, or lack of audio after a car wash or rainfall (bulletin 24-2044, which superseded 23-2181; earlier bulletin 20-2425 covered 2020–2021).

On the 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, 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 APIMs replaced and returned did not need replacement. Applies to: 2020–2021 Ford Explorer with SYNC 3 showing the symptoms listed in bulletin 21-2411 (which superseded 21-2342; earlier bulletin 20-2259 covered the 2020 model).