Ford Explorer Complaints (2021)

412 consumer complaints on file.

#11526264June 9, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V735000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525384June 5, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
I am reporting countless incidences of my backup camera screen going to black or blue when the Gear Shift is selected to REVERSE. This has happened multiple times a day, week, month, etc. and is extremely frustrating. I am reporting in hopes to do anything I can to get the software fix expedited because it has been occurring for too long without a fix. t=The only "FIX" (if you can even call it that) for this problem is to stop what you are doing, put your car in PARK, turn the car OFF, open the driver's door to "reset", and then turn your car back on AGAIN in HOPES that the backup camera / 360 view is back to functioning within normal limits. That is unacceptable!!! It is not safe and anyone experiencing this issue should not have to stop their car, open a door, and restart it just to get the backup camera to work. I have contacted my dealership, Ford Corporate Offices, and now you guys in hopes to get this process going and the software to be fixed. Thank you - please contact for any questions or more information.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522775May 19, 2023
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The back up camera fails basically 1 out of 5 times it's engaged between skipping or just straight blue/black screen. The screen is out and causes blind spots while backing up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521802May 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle has had multiple recalls for the same issue. Current recall is 23V022. This is a recurring issue with the sync screens. Now the entire screen is failing at all times rendering it impossible to drive hands free. Meaning navigation does not work, operating a phone through the car does not work, at times the reverse emergency brake does not work. All of these features are there to improve not only the safety of the vehicle occupants, but the safety of other motorists. It is unfortunate that the government has allowed a vehicle manufacturer to make its own rules when it comes to the safety of this nations motorists. All of the photos attached were taken on different days over the last couple of months and I would be happy to verify this upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521235May 9, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall on REAR CAMERA BLUE OR BLANK SCREEN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520394May 4, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V022000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that his vehicle rental company owns a fleet of 105 2021 Ford Explorers, and the VINs were all included in the recall. The contact stated that 35% of the 105 vehicles had experienced a loss of rearview camera image. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicles were not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519261April 27, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to slow down, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact activated the parking brake, and the vehicle was able to stop. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517220April 15, 2023
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car rolled down driveway while in park three separate times. Could have killed someone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517162April 15, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
After receiving a Ford issued recall for a potential rear axle bolt fracture, the dealer reprogrammed the PCM per Ford's reported repair solution. After this PCM update, the vehicle would randomly slam to a complete stop while driving. It happened several times with 3 different drivers (myself, my wife, and my son), each happening at 30-35 mph or less. It was usually preceeded by an audible clicking sound, but not always. We took the vehicle to the dealership several times, but they said they were not able to reproduce the issue, and continually returned the vehicle to us despite our grave concern for high risk of crash and injury. We even contacted Ford's customer service and legal departments several times, who ultimately refused to allow us to continue using a loaner vehicle and demanded that we return the loaner and retake possession of our Explorer because they said they had not received any other similar complaints, and their field engineer could not reproduce the issue and cleared the vehicle as safe, although Ford was never able to supply us with service records proving the repairs they purported despite our repeated inquiries. Ultimately, the issue happened again, and slammed while driving down a hill at about 40-50 mph, but this time the slamming was immediately followed by seemingly disengaging the drivetrain and causing the vehicle to roll downhill with no ability to accelerate, ultimately causing me to roll into a utility pole. Ford has since repurchased the vehicle, but given the severe safety risk associated with this issue and Ford's poor handling of our situation, I wanted others and the NHTSA to be aware in case other similar issues are reported in a effort to protect others from potential injury, especially in light of the increasing number if PCM-related issues and recalls reported against Ford...one of which was a PCM recall pertaining to our reported issue, but was not issued until after our repurchase was complete.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11516973April 13, 2023
ENGINE
Last month out of the blue, my 2021 Ford Explorer ST with 15,500 miles would not start. Attempts to jump it were futile. I then had it towed in to the local Ford dealer. At first, they were thinking the starter. A few days later, I got a call saying they could not hand crank the motor as it seized up. In addition to that, they found pieces of metal from the piston in the oil pan. The dealer took apart the intake manifold and found that the valve keeper failed thus dropping the intake valve into the #5 cylinder. This necessitated replacement of the engine, both turbos and even the flywheel and torque converter. This is a known issue with the 2021 Broncos and is even being investigated by the NHTSA. I just wanted to bring awareness that this can happen to the 2021 Explorer with the 3.0 Ecoboost as it was built in the same factory as the Bronco 2.7 and is a similar engine. I can provide the repair invoice upon request. I couldn't get it to upload.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516265April 10, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
2021 ford explorer exterior windshield trim is loose and has been shown to come off while driving. it is also causing a wind noise inside of the vehicle while in operration. No warnings shown. Link below shows issue and repair guidelines. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Ford/22-2021
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516004April 7, 2023
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle became very unstable, and the vehicle fishtailed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a rear wheel alignment, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V870000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516000April 7, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514005March 27, 2023
SEATS
Front passenger seat overheated and caused 2nd degree burns
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11511558March 13, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
At 13,000 miles this New vehicle started smoking blue gray smoke on startup I have videos. Yes the Dealer reproduced the problem. The dealer stated that both turbos were defective and leaking oil into the hot exhaust on both sides of the engine which could have lead to a fire and endangered our lives. The dealer removed the engine and transmission from the vehicle in the process broke numerous bolts and repaired with inferior quality parts.after four attempts to pick up the car hoses were left loose and short on antifreeze and Turbo boost hose fell off,now there is a antifreeze burning smell and a rough idle. There were no warning lights or messages. This car was meticulously maintained since brand new I have all records to back up . Ford Corporate has just denied a buy back request and said I don’t qualify for state Lemon law after 2 months at dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11510693March 7, 2023
ENGINE
Defective Starter - car will not start, battery, alternator check off ok.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11510460March 6, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The rear camera has not worked since the vehicle was purchased in spring of 2021. It has now been "repaired" 3 times based on open recalls. however the issue is a known issue and can not be fixed. We have now been told they will.nees to replace the camera which is on indefinite backorder. This is a huge vehicle safety issue Ford is aware of and yet not one of their alleged recalls actually resolves this serious issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11510171March 4, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The transmission hesitates for several seconds and shifts hard when being shifted into reverse. The dealership has made one repair attempt already.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508900February 24, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
loud popping metal sound from rear brakes as vehicle starts to move Ford has been contacted and replaced rear brake pads which made no difference. This problem started last August After Safety Recall 22S27 below is a link to videos with sound which clearly describe my safety concern https://www.dropbox.com/sh/a3iawirsizbc6iq/AAA3dgaCvZ9JcouFufKLLmGUa?dl=0
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507850February 17, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Issue with navigation system. Many times is shows no GPS. Navigation does not always recognize current vehicle position and many times navigation does not even work. On many occasions, upon starting the vehicle, the clock does not even work when the navigation system isn't being used. This is a safety issue when we are traveling out of town. We are not fans of using our phones for navigation as an alternative to the faulty vehicle onboard navigation. This first started happening December 2022.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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