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Public source records

2021 FORD EXPLORER reports

These are public consumer complaints returned by NHTSA for this vehicle. A complaint is not a verified defect, diagnosis, recall, or proof that a reported component caused an event.

424 complaint reportsThis page displays up to 50 public records returned by the NHTSA API.Open official NHTSA source ↗
  1. ODI #11765785

    Filed 09/21/2026 · Incident 09/19/2026

    POWER TRAIN · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    While driving with the cruise on at 74 mph the vehicle jerked as if the brakes had been tapped. I shut off the cruise and tried to accelerate but nothing happened. At this point I signaled to change lanes and pulled to the right shoulder. There were no dash lights or warning alarms prior to the engine stalling. Clearly an engine stalling at this rate of speed could have ended bad for all 5 passengers and surrounding vehicles. Vehicle is being towed to Augusta, KS Ford dealer this morning 9/21/26. Vehicle was scanned and is showing a hard code for low pressure to fuel pump. This vehicle is not currently included in the NHSTA Campaign 25V455000.

  2. ODI #11765091

    Filed 09/17/2026 · Incident 09/14/2026

    ENGINE

    I had a very serious safety failure of my 2021 Ford explorer. On Monday, XXX my 2021 Explorer suffered an unprompted, catastrophic failure matching recall 26S48, but Ford is denying coverage based on build dates. After driving roughly 35mph, pressing the brake, and nearing a stop sign, the explorer put itself into park. The engine compartment made noises and the vehicle continued to roll until the I quickly prompted activating the emergency brake before rolling into the intersection with heavy traffic. Even in park, the vehicle continued to roll (until the e-brake was activated). I had my [XXX] child in the vehicle with me, and thankfully nobody was injured. I had no dash warning lights, or any other signs of impending failure. I had it towed to my trusted (certified) mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the following: The transmission output shaft is sheered off, right at the parking pawl. He states this would only happen if the vehicle put itself into park, while moving. This catastrophic failure could lead to a tragic accident, and could kill somebody. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  3. ODI #11764422

    Filed 09/15/2026 · Incident 03/03/2026

    POWER TRAIN · VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into park, the vehicle entered LIMP mode, the engine revved abnormally, and there was a smoke odor inside the vehicle. The contact coasted to the side of the road, shifted into park, and waited before shifting back into drive. While refueling the vehicle with the engine turned off and the nozzle inside the fuel filler neck, the vehicle suddenly rolled forward, pulling the fuel pump away from the station. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll unless the parking brake was engaged. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issues and stated that parts were expected in the second quarter of 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

  4. ODI #11764501

    Filed 09/15/2026 · Incident 05/04/2026

    SEATS

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic seat back adjustment malfunctioned, causing the right side of the seat to rise while the left side failed to respond, resulting in extreme discomfort for the driver while operating the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure and offered the replacement part for purchase. The contact purchased the part to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

  5. ODI #11764207

    Filed 09/14/2026 · Incident 10/24/2025

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The shade on the sunroof as come out of track and when you let the shade back it drops down in the car blocking vision out the back glass

  6. ODI #11764219

    Filed 09/14/2026 · Incident 06/24/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the messages “Service Vehicle Soon” and "Shift Service Fault" were displayed. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to repair the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time. The failure mileage was unknown.

  7. ODI #11763728

    Filed 09/11/2026 · Incident 09/09/2026

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Sunroof shade broke will not retract properly, causing serious visual concerns obstruction view our the rear window of the vehicle . There was no warning lights , or signs this was going to happen ,

  8. ODI #11763572

    Filed 09/11/2026 · Incident 07/11/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated as if the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred and became a persistent failure. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle bucked, with an abnormal burning oil odor. The transmission independently shifted into park. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts would be unavailable until 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

  9. ODI #11762974

    Filed 09/09/2026 · Incident 08/01/2026

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    cupholder broke. This is the first car to have a cupholder broke. Defect. Should issue recall

  10. ODI #11762803

    Filed 09/08/2026 · Incident 09/05/2026

    POWER TRAIN · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission/gear-selection system malfunctioned. When Drive or Reverse is selected, the vehicle does not remain in the selected gear and instead returns to Park, preventing the vehicle from moving. The condition is repeatable and the vehicle is currently disabled. The exact failed component is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. An authorized Ford dealer has declined to work on the vehicle after we requested written clarification regarding coverage. Ford Motor Company has been contacted and a corporate case has been opened. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can become completely immobile and cannot be relied upon to enter or remain in a drive gear when transportation is needed. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

  11. ODI #11762798

    Filed 09/08/2026 · Incident 09/08/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact attempted to shift it into drive(D); however, the shifter returned to park(P) independently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced due to a transmission rollaway issue. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that a yellow light was flashing on the instrument panel, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the fault codes listed for the transmission failure were associated with the recall.

  12. ODI #11761454

    Filed 09/01/2026 · Incident 01/29/2026

    POWER TRAIN · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · ENGINE

    I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability concerns involving my 2021 Ford Explorer ST in Fresno, California. The vehicle has experienced recurring transmission and driveline problems, including harsh or delayed shifting, hesitation, abrupt gear engagement, jerking/surging, and inconsistent acceleration. These symptoms are similar to transmission concerns documented by Ford for 2021 Explorers equipped with the 10R60 automatic transmission, including harsh/delayed engagement or shifting and potential issues involving transmission controls, solenoid strategy, and main-control valves. The vehicle has also required CV axle/half-shaft repairs, raising additional concerns regarding driveline reliability. I am also concerned about the known rear differential/rear axle mounting-bolt defect affecting 2021 Explorers. Ford has documented that the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, allowing the axle housing to move. This can result in severe vibration/noise and possible driveshaft or half-shaft disconnection, potentially causing loss of propulsion. The defect may also contribute to a vehicle rollaway hazard. These combined transmission, CV axle, and rear differential concerns create a significant safety risk. Delayed acceleration or engagement can prevent the vehicle from responding as expected when entering intersections, making left turns, merging onto highways, changing lanes, or avoiding hazards. Abrupt engagement after hesitation can cause unexpected vehicle movement. Failure of a CV axle, half-shaft, or rear axle/differential mounting component could cause sudden loss of propulsion or vehicle control. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether these recurring transmission and driveline problems represent a broader safety defect involving the 10R60 transmission, CV axles/half-shafts, rear differential mounting system, or related powertrain components.

  13. ODI #11759752

    Filed 08/26/2026 · Incident 05/24/2026

    Crash flag

    STEERING · POWER TRAIN · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    NHTSA COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through HVAC ducts into the cabin without notice, creating an inhalation hazard. Vehicle available for inspection at South Bay Ford (BAR #XXX; captive 93 days).RISK: On XXX short circuits caused complete power steering assist dropout mid-transit. Steering locked during a turn, causing a crash into gate posts, endangering my minor children inside. Cabin chemical vapor inhalation caused respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Open recall hazards remain for visibility loss (Recall 26S14) and rollaway (Recall 26S48 parts backordered to 2027).CONFIRMATION: Contamination, a -1,212-mile odometer fraud discrepancy, and bricked electrical starting systems confirmed by dealer records XXX. Admitted unauthorized repairs to mask trouble codes and evade SSM 52917 confirmed in writing by Service Director [XXX] XXX, violating CA Bus & Prof Code 9884.9.HISTORY: Tracked under Ford RAV buyback #XXX, Corporate Escalation #[XXX], and CA Bureau of Automotive Repair Investigator [XXX] (Case #XXX). Total statutory loss is $54,628.75.SYMPTOMS: Transmission drops began XXX (42,319 miles). Dealer cleared codes and coerced 500 extra miles. XXX alerts included "Powertrain Malfunction" loops. Telematics registered false "Vehicle is On" loops. On XXX, dealer blocked diagnostics via a manufactured battery charge demand exactly 24 hours before federal Recall 26S48 launched. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  14. ODI #11757170

    Filed 08/15/2026 · Incident 06/18/2025

    ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic. No check engine light is or has been on. I’ve been to 2 different ford dealerships and after there inspection they claim nothing wrong with my car. It’s already cost me a lot if money. When driving I can feel the car surge likes it’s not getting fuel sufficiently real bad at traveling at or below 50 mph. I’m afraid it will stall and get us t- boned but the mechanics say nothing wrong I disagree there is something wrong. I know another person who had the same problem and he got rid of the car, I can’t afford to do that, please do something to get a recall or something before we’re seriously injured or worse.this started about a year ago and getting worse.

  15. ODI #11756607

    Filed 08/12/2026 · Incident 12/11/2025

    ENGINE

    The intermediate shaft has gone bad on my 5 year old car. Noticed it on 12/11/25 after owning for 1 year. I’m slowing losing oil which then can cause my engine to go out. I have read many things stating other peoples frustration with this $3.59 part going bad in the 2021 ford explorers but to get it fixed you have to drop the entire engine resulting in it costing $1,800. I think ford should be responsible for this and aware to make a better part.

  16. ODI #11756526

    Filed 08/12/2026 · Incident 07/12/2026

    VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

  17. ODI #11756044

    Filed 08/10/2026 · Incident 08/10/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted hard. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the parking brake engaged each time the vehicle was shifted into park, and the message "Stuck in Park" was displayed on the instrument panel while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

  18. ODI #11754340

    Filed 08/03/2026 · Incident 08/01/2026

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I previously reported my rear view camera not working despite ford having many recalls for that problem. Now my shade for my sunroof when opened drops into my car & blocks my view from my rear view mirror. So now I have no camera view or physical view of what's behind me. I also have the same peeling metal on my buttons on my driver's door. The same one that was recalled on 2020 model. I cut my arm on it yesterday

  19. ODI #11753594

    Filed 07/29/2026 · Incident 02/20/2026

    WHEELS

    All 4 tire TPMS sensor have failed. 2 at 67,057 on ~ 2/20/26, 2 at 71,024 miles on ~6/10/26. Car is a 2021. Sensors should not have failed within 5 years of owing the car. I have a 2012 Ford F50m only 1 has failed in over 14 years. Asking consideration for a recall to cover costs.

  20. ODI #11753266

    Filed 07/28/2026 · Incident 11/27/2025

    VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his spouse was attempting to retract the moonroof shade, the shade failed to retract and sagged down, obstructing the driver's visibility of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the moonroof shade roller clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

  21. ODI #11752986

    Filed 07/27/2026 · Incident 06/01/2024

    POWER TRAIN · VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward while the vehicle was in park(P). Due to the failure, the contact was forced to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward while in park(P). The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000(Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The dealer was notified of the recalls and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

  22. ODI #11752671

    Filed 07/24/2026 · Incident 07/22/2026

    BACK OVER PREVENTION

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle failed to connect or communicate with the computer and module. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact the manufacturer was not responsible to cover the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was unknown.

  23. ODI #11752237

    Filed 07/22/2026 · Incident 07/22/2026

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    Recently my car has had a series lights come on including 4wd fault, pre-colliosion assist not available, service advance trac, hill start assist warning, and something with the brakes when in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they said it's something electrical that will need parts, and further investigation with removing the seats. That will be another day. Today, while driving with my son in the back, I was taking a u-turn on a busy street. The car acted like it switched into neutral (but didn't), and wouldn't accelerate, leaving me inching into traffic at 1 mph with cars going 40mph coming at me. Luckily I was not hit, but easily could have been. I drive almost 60 miles a day for work and this is a safety hazard not just for me, but my family too.

  24. ODI #11751556

    Filed 07/20/2026 · Incident 07/13/2026

    FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any help with my situation

  25. ODI #11751268

    Filed 07/18/2026 · Incident 07/15/2026

    FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so Ford will do nothing to remedy the situation and parts are impossible to find as dealers scramble to fix the vehicles included in the recall.

  26. ODI #11751298

    Filed 07/18/2026 · Incident 07/04/2026

    VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Rear wiper motor stopped working completely. Fuses are good, wires are good, motor is good, it just doesn't work. Water pump works.

  27. ODI #11750481

    Filed 07/15/2026 · Incident 07/03/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    Driving down road and lost power with grinding gears. Vehicle displayed warning on instrument panel briefly. Had to stop in middle of road and shift to park then drive to resume.

  28. ODI #11750264

    Filed 07/14/2026 · Incident 05/08/2026

    POWER TRAIN · SERVICE BRAKES · BACK OVER PREVENTION

    I am reporting a safety concern involving a delayed transmission gear engagement and delayed rearview camera activation. Intermittently, when shifting the vehicle from Park into Reverse or Drive, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission actually engages the selected gear. During this delay, the rearview camera also fails to activate immediately. Because there is no immediate indication that the requested gear has engaged, I have experienced situations where I believed the vehicle was in Reverse or Drive, but it remained in the previous state for several seconds. In some instances, the transmission engages unexpectedly after the delay, causing the vehicle to move in a direction different from what I anticipated. For example, after selecting Reverse, the vehicle may hesitate before moving, or after changing between Reverse and Drive, the delayed engagement can result in the vehicle moving in the previously engaged direction before finally shifting into the selected gear. This creates a significant safety hazard, particularly when parking, backing out of driveways, or maneuvering in areas with pedestrians or other vehicles. The delayed rearview camera activation further increases the risk because it prevents the driver from immediately seeing behind the vehicle while attempting to reverse. The issue occurs intermittently and without warning, making it difficult to predict. I am concerned that this condition could lead to a crash, property damage, or injury if the vehicle moves unexpectedly due to the delayed gear engagement. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether it is related to a transmission, electronic shift control, or software defect affecting the safe operation of the vehicle.

  29. ODI #11750312

    Filed 07/14/2026 · Incident 07/14/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle has been failing shifting. There is something from with failure to shift. The vehicle won’t accelerate, and slows down in the middle of traffic and the truck has no other problem. I’ve only have it for 3 years with no problems. But this is a big safety issue while driving

  30. ODI #11749871

    Filed 07/12/2026 · Incident 07/09/2026

    FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I was traveling on an 8 hour drive after just getting a new battery and fresh oil change, I also had a full diagnostic ran the week before travel and no issues were found in my vehicle. When we arrived at our destination we stopped 1 final time and attempted to start our vehicle to go to dinner and the car would not turn over. There were not any warning lamps or messages that appeared. We used roadside assistance to tow it to the [XXX] dealership and they ran another full diagnostic that showed "replace fuel pump and fuel pump driver". When I called my local dealer back home, Evansville Ford ([XXX]) they pulled the previous week diagnostic and confirmed nothing showed up regarding the fuel pump at that time. 1 week later is when we had it in [XXX], and the fuel pump failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  31. ODI #11749324

    Filed 07/09/2026 · Incident 06/27/2026

    POWER TRAIN · SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH down a hill, the engine and powertrain were resistant when the brakes were applied. No warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was sent by a local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the failure was due to the transfer case but was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). After test driving the vehicle, the mobile mechanic determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,200.

  32. ODI #11748953

    Filed 07/08/2026 · Incident 07/07/2026

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The dash near the windshield driver side is coming undone out of the dash.

  33. ODI #11748445

    Filed 07/06/2026 · Incident 06/20/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    Was driving down the interstate and the vehicle started making an awful noise and dash lights went crazy with cannot shift to park error on dash. We pulled over asap and shifted to park and went to exit vehicle and the car tried to roll off and wouldn’t engage in park and has since done this same thing 2 more times. Ford says there’s a recall and the software and parts won’t be available until may of 2027 I do not think this vehicle is safe to drive

  34. ODI #11748526

    Filed 07/06/2026 · Incident 03/07/2026

    POWER TRAIN

    I had my car parked in a driveway that has a slight incline. I was buckling my child in their car seat in the back when the car started to roll backwards. The car had been parked prior and was off when the rolling occurred. Now my car is in for service requiring an entirely new transmission (under 80,000 miles) after un-smooth driving led me to bring it in.

  35. ODI #11747715

    Filed 07/01/2026 · Incident 06/29/2026

    SEATS

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear seat unlocked and flipped forward independently. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (Seats); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

  36. ODI #11746612

    Filed 06/26/2026 · Incident 06/06/2026

    EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    Vehicle is not even 5 years old , and passenger headlight - low beam failed. Ford Dealership quote is around $3000. Online forums show that this is a defect for the platinum models. I feel I should be protected as I am still paying for this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years. This is a major safety component as without a trusted lighting system, this vehicle can be dangerous and lacks peace of mind.

  37. ODI #11746322

    Filed 06/24/2026 · Incident 05/15/2026

    VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Panoramic sun roof sunshade detaches and sags; interfering with rear view visibility. Shade is in this state when shade and roof are closed. Sunshade cannot be opened as this causes Driver rear visibility to become more severe. Additionally when opened, The shade sags onto anyone sitting in the second row seats.

  38. ODI #11745753

    Filed 06/22/2026 · Incident 06/12/2026

    FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power and stalled in active traffic. I lost motive power and had to safely coast through traffic to the shoulder. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a repair facility. The failure matches the exact symptoms of Ford Recall 25S75 / NHTSA Campaign 25V455000 for low-pressure fuel pump failure, but my VIN is currently excluded from the recall.

  39. ODI #11744570

    Filed 06/16/2026 · Incident 06/09/2026

    AIR BAGS · STRUCTURE · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Dashboard separation concerned with airbag. Every day driving you run the risk of more damage. Have spoken to Koons Ford who states cannot help due to warranty. No one has looked at it except for pictures. This should not be the owners responsibility since I am not alone with issues of this problem

  40. ODI #11743979

    Filed 06/14/2026 · Incident 04/01/2026

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Chrome trim around the window power buttons de-laminate and have a sharp edge. I cut my finger on it.

  41. ODI #11743983

    Filed 06/14/2026 · Incident 06/01/2026

    STRUCTURE

    The top of dashboard is lifting up and coming apart on drivers side.

  42. ODI #11742611

    Filed 06/07/2026 · Incident 03/18/2026

    POWER TRAIN · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · ENGINE

    While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle displays a "Drive Train Malfunction" warning message and the traction control warning light illuminates. Shortly after the warning appears, the vehicle loses power and may enter a reduced-power mode or stall, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred while traveling on the highway, forcing sudden deceleration and creating the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The check engine light is illuminated, and diagnostic code P0A1E is present. The problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine when the next failure will occur. The vehicle has been taken to Ford for diagnosis multiple times, and significant money has been spent attempting to repair the issue. Despite these efforts, the root cause has not been identified and the problem continues to occur. This defect affects the drivetrain system and impacts the safe operation of the vehicle. The sudden loss of power on the highway places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. Based on discussions with other owners, this appears to be a common issue affecting Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and warrants investigation by NHTSA.

  43. ODI #11739835

    Filed 05/24/2026 · Incident 05/22/2026

    VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Moon roof sunshade is defective, when button is pressed to open the shade, it drops down blocking view out the rear window. This seems to be a know problem on ford explorers which is a major safety concern.

  44. ODI #11737187

    Filed 05/11/2026 · Incident 05/04/2026

    ENGINE

    2021 Ford Explorer used a work vehicle (house cleaning business) and family vehicle after hours (driving my daughter to soccer practice 4 times a week). Vehicle has been professionally and properly serviced since we first purchased it in 2021( we have been the only owners). Car has worked great not one single problem other then regular things like tires, brakes and battery all purchased and installed by Ford dealership. The day of the incident the car was working perfectly the entire day. As I drove on the freeway taking my daughter to soccer practice in the evening. I noticed the vehicle started to shake and lose all power the vehicle stopped almost completely in a matter of seconds causing cars behind us to almost crash us from behind it was a miracle no one crashed into us as we were traveling at freeway speed 60-65mph. With the little power the car had I cleared 2 lanes and parked on the side of the freeway. A friend of our picked up my daughter as we were both frightened by the incident. The vehicle gave me no alerts that there was something wrong no warnings on the Ford pass app nothing. I had the vehicle towed to Walnut Creek Ford for inspection. Ford did a diagnostic and found that the engine had a hole from the head to the block. They don’t know how this happened and say they have never seen this before. They said the vehicle is in great shape inside and out and even with 160,000 the car is very well maintained (serviced). This needs to be addressed to Ford as lives were in danger and people could have gotten hurt. They want 13,000 to repair engine, but it seems to everyone(ford technicians and second opinion mechanics) it was an engine factory defect. Vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure while driving on freeway with no warning from the vehicle system, check engine light never came on nothing. It all happened in a matter of seconds. Engine light only came on after the vehicle was no longer drivable.

  45. ODI #11736318

    Filed 05/07/2026 · Incident 04/29/2026

    ENGINE

    I own a 2021 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) with 47,680 miles. The vehicle is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise at idle, a flashing Check Engine Light, and a dangerous loss of motive power while driving. A certified Ford dealership technician (Kendall Ford) diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure, requiring a full engine replacement estimated at $13,000.My vehicle is exhibiting the exact mechanical failure described in Recall 24S55 (NHTSA Campaign 24V635000) regarding brittle engine intake valves. Although my vehicle shares the same build year, engine type, and failure symptoms as the recalled units, Ford states my specific VIN is not currently included in the 'repair' population.The sudden loss of engine power while operating at highway speeds creates an immediate crash hazard. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether the scope of Recall 24S55 should be expanded to include this production range.Furthermore, Ford offered a 'goodwill' assistance of approximately $3,762, which I believe is an admission of a known manufacturing defect. At the time of this failure, the vehicle was only 17 days past the 5-year warranty period and well under the 60,000-mile limit. Despite this premature failure and the safety risk, Ford refuses to cover the full replacement, leaving me with a $9,000+ bill for a defect already acknowledged in 90,000 other units.

  46. ODI #11735162

    Filed 05/01/2026 · Incident 10/28/2024

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Sunroof material when opened sags down and blocks drivers rear view this needs to be a safety recall!

  47. ODI #11733954

    Filed 04/27/2026 · Incident 10/30/2024

    SEAT BELTS

    The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seat belt on the passenger’s side failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the seat belt components were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,600.

  48. ODI #11733749

    Filed 04/25/2026 · Incident 04/24/2026

    STRUCTURE · VISIBILITY/WIPER

    I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warnings or indications of failure. The incident suggests a possible hood latch or secondary safety latch malfunction. I am submitting this report due to a serious safety concern involving sudden loss of driver visibility.

  49. ODI #11733312

    Filed 04/23/2026 · Incident 03/01/2026

    VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers intermittently failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the windshield wiper fluid system failed to spray washer fluid while activating the button, even though the windshield washer fluid bottle was full. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the part for the recall would not be available until August 2026. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

  50. ODI #11733012

    Filed 04/22/2026 · Incident 04/08/2026

    VISIBILITY

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in heavy rain, the windshield wiper motor started to operate at an excessively high speed. The contact attempted to change the setting; however, the wipers continued to operate very quickly. The following day, the contact discovered a significant amount of spider cracks on the windshield, specifically where the wiper blades operated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 42,508.