Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Ford Explorer 2.6/10 — Approach with caution. It has 26 NHTSA recalls on record and about 402 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?

The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2021 Ford Explorer?

A used 2021 Ford Explorer typically sells for $25,000–$35,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?

Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.

How many miles is too many for a 2021 Ford Explorer?

A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Ford Explorer

Post-launch build quality improved — check for outstanding recall campaigns.

Typical price: $25,000–$35,000
Recalls: 26
Owner complaints: 402

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NHTSA Recalls

26 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Suspension:Rear#21V870000
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine#20V788000
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.
Back Over Prevention:Software#21V735000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain#21V652000
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#23V022000
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)#23V069000
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)#23V199000
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention:Display Function#23V305000
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Owner Complaints

(402 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain78
Unknown Or Other54
Back Over Prevention23
Engine20
Electrical System17
Visibility/Wiper16
Structure15
Seats10

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Ford Explorer in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Ford Explorer 2.6/10 — Approach with caution. It has 26 NHTSA recalls on record and about 402 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?: The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Ford Explorer?: A used 2021 Ford Explorer typically sells for $25,000–$35,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2021 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Accessories & exterior protection

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Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

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Also consider

2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$10,000–$16,000

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

$13,000–$18,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Ford Explorer

Post-launch build quality improved — check for outstanding recall campaigns.

Typical price: $25,000–$35,000
Recalls: 26
Owner complaints: 402

ShareX f

Have a specific 2021 Ford Explorer to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

26 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Suspension:Rear#21V870000
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine#20V788000
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.
Back Over Prevention:Software#21V735000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain#21V652000
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#23V022000
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)#23V069000
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)#23V199000
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention:Display Function#23V305000
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Owner Complaints

(402 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain78
Unknown Or Other54
Back Over Prevention23
Engine20
Electrical System17
Visibility/Wiper16
Structure15
Seats10

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Ford Explorer in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Ford Explorer 2.6/10 — Approach with caution. It has 26 NHTSA recalls on record and about 402 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?: The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Ford Explorer?: A used 2021 Ford Explorer typically sells for $25,000–$35,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2021 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2021 Ford Explorer

Featured in

Also consider

2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$10,000–$16,000

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

$13,000–$18,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free