Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer has numerous recall campaigns and owner complaints, particularly regarding the powertrain and transmission. The evidence suggests some common issues, but data is extensive and varied. Ensure thorough inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 NHTSA recall campaigns and 452 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Newest 20 recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V451000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V402000 Vehicle Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V159000 Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V123000 Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V117000 Windshield Wipers May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V455000 Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V393000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V166000 Vehicle Rollaway from Driveshaft Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V159000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V093000 Improperly Secured Seat Belt Buckle Anchor Bolts NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V635000 Engine Intake Valves May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V598000 Engine Failure May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V675000 Vehicle Rollaway from Driveshaft Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V626000 High Voltage Battery May Short Circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V342000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V305000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V199000 Incomplete PCM Update May Result in Rollaway NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 127 complaints
- Unknown or Other 86 complaints
- Engine 51 complaints
- Electrical System 48 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 36 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 28 complaints
Of the 452 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 452 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Park pawl engagement issues
How to check: Test shifting through gears and listen for abnormal sounds.
Engine intake valve failure
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises during acceleration.
Seat belt anchor issues
How to check: Inspect all seat belt anchors for secure attachment.
Rearview camera failures
How to check: Test the rearview camera with the display on.
Driveshaft disconnection
How to check: Check for clunks or vibrations during acceleration.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise.
Red flag: Loud knocks or taps.
- 02
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Test shifting between gears for smoothness.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting.
- 03
30 MPH city driving
What to check: Feel for vibrations or instability.
Red flag: Noticeable vibrations in steering.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth and consistent power delivery.
Red flag: Loss of power or stalling.
- 05
Reverse parking
What to check: Check rearview camera display clarity.
Red flag: No image or distorted view.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been serviced?
- Have there been any recalls performed?
- Is there any history of engine issues?
- Are all safety features functioning?
- Has the car been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle accident history
- Title and registration documents
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.