MyCarTSB

2021 Ford Explorer Other Problems

60 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

60
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2022Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (60)

criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

Your driver's side door latch isn't working properly—it either won't stay latched or won't latch at all. This is a safety hazard since the door could open while driving. The owner reports knowing other Ford owners with the same issue on 2021+ vehicles. The fix will likely involve inspecting and replacing the door latch mechanism.

NHTSA #: 11715019
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

Your sunroof shade cover has come loose from its rollers and is sagging, which can block your view while driving. This happens because the cover is no longer properly attached to the track system. The fix will likely involve reattaching or replacing the shade cover and its roller components.

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NHTSA #: 11716438
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2026

Your sunroof fabric has come loose from its tracks and is sagging inside the vehicle. When you drive with the windows down, the fabric flaps in the wind and makes noise, creating concern it might come off completely. If the sagging gets worse, it could eventually block your rear view and affect your ability to see behind the car.

NHTSA #: 11713863
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Dec 2025

The fabric from the moonroof has come loose on the sides and blocks rear visibility if open. This is apparently an issue with many vehicles.

NHTSA #: 11707537
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

The sliding roof mechanism for the sunroof failed and droops into the backseat impairing vision. This can be triggered accidentally while driving causing zero rear visibility. This is part of the sun roof that is the shade keeping the sun out of the car. With extremely little use on my 2021 ford explorer this mechanism has failed causing this dangerous malfunction. I found may posts in Facebook describing this same issue. [XXX] There’s just one example of many people having this issue. There’s component was taken to the Ford dealership where I was provided a verbal quote of more than $4,000 to fix, which is not feasible. There were no warning signs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11705249
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

The sunroof shade is sagging. It broke from one day to the next, and it’s blocking my rear view.

NHTSA #: 11705156
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

Sunshade is sagging. For the 2nd time.

NHTSA #: 11703557
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

Panaromic sunroof blind became lose and is sagging, causing an unsafe driving experience, making it difficult to see out rear view mirrors.

NHTSA #: 11702880
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2025

The sunroof sunshade snapped a clip off and now hangs down blocking the rear view. It is impossible to see out the back window. I have read on multiple sites that this is happening to many of these SUVs and it's an extremely expensive and difficult fix. It's very dangerous and I won't even let my girlfriend drive it anymore.

NHTSA #: 11702184
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2025

SUNROOF SHADE HAS FALLEN OFF TRACKS WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA #: 11701301
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

My vehicle is experiencing exhaust fume issue where the exhaust fumes are entering into the cabin for Explorer and Aviator models (Any model with the 3.0L Ecoobost). Upon inspection by 3rd party mechanic, it can be determined that the problematic catalytic converters that are not the one piece cast was installed on my vehicle from the factory. Speaking to other ST and Interceptor owners, the problem seems widespread to every 2021 model that Ford installed the multipiece welded catalytic converters. Apparently the cast part fairs better and is not subject to cracks. The recall originally covered the left side catalytic converter but the flawed design also affects the right side catalytic converter where many owners are experiencing this issue. This has affected all 3.0L Ecoboost engine vehicles. [XXX] I believe the recall should have extended to cover all 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles. There are forum posts where owners outside the recall have experienced the issue in addition to owners having to repeatedly replace the catalytic converters post warrant as Ford continued to reinstall bad catalytic converters as part of the repair process. I have driven this vehicle for several thousand miles with the issue and did not realize exhaust was leaking until notices of headaches and health issues as CO is odorless, causing CO2 levels to reach 3000+ inside the cabin at stop lights and blows in through the vents if A/C is on. I believe NHTSA should investigate this issue further and require Ford to replace both catalytic converters as this issue poses a serious health hazard, especially given the location of the exhaust leak and the commonplace occurrence. I am happy to forward to forums and provide evidence of this occurring. Ford considers lifetime of the vehicle to be ~150K miles and these exhausts do not last close to that, resulting in a massive expense and danger to US consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11699971
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2025

When operating the sunshade a plastic clip sprung from the assembly mechanism that retracts the shade towards my face. Now the shade is obstructing my vision of the road and I am concerned that I am going to run over someone and/or something.

NHTSA #: 11694115
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2025

I bought the car brand new in 2021. It handled great, no issues, not even on extremely icy roads. The temporary fix for Recall 22S27 was done in July 2023 which was just a computer flash to set the park brake each time the car was put into park. Each time I put it in gear the car would make a loud noise as the park brake released. I immediately felt a difference when driving, it felt like the front end was "floating" and the car wasn't holding to the road. On dry roads it would be unstable if the road wasn't perfectly smooth. Driving in the winter on icy roads was scary, no control, it would fish back and forth. They performed the actual fix recall 23S55 in May 2024. They did not remove the temporary fix that sets the park brake. In January 2025 I was in a flat parking lot, icy and raining, I had NO control. There were 5 mornings with those road conditions that I couldn't make it 1/8 of a mile. Absolutely no control, it pushed me all over the road and when I braked, it continued to push me all over the road. It never showed warning lights on my dash. My local dealership pulled codes, told me it was a park brake module code but they couldn't do anything until they could duplicate it. I have spent the last 9 months arguing with the dealership and winter is almost here with no help, they treat me like I'm crazy and told me that I'm the only person in the world with this problem. I just traded it off yesterday, lost a bunch of money, but I couldn't go through another winter with it. It's way too dangerous!

NHTSA #: 11692936
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2025

I bought my 2021 ford explorer limited brand new. I have never used the sunroof for my personal pleasure. I have opened it less than a handful of times, only to appease my grandson. The other day, I had my grandaon and I closed the sunroof, for maybe like the 4th time ever, and the sunshade liner started to sag. If this falls while I am driving I am afraid it may blind my driving. Should FORD have to pay for this defect? I am seeing forums all over the internet where this is happening to a lot of owners. Thanks for your time and help.

NHTSA #: 11689808
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Sunroof shade won't open and bind down covering the rear mirror view

NHTSA #: 11684230
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALD I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO FORD IN ONTARIO BECAUSE IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS THAT I AM AT A LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETY SHUTS OFF. WHEN I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THEY RETURN IT STATING THAT NOTHING ID WRONG WITH THE CAR. THIS MONTH ALONE IT HAS HAPPENNED ATLEATT 5 TIMES. LATEST ONE BEING THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. IT SHUT OFF LUCKYLY I AM GETTING FASTER AT 1ST PRESSING ON MY HAZARDS AND THEN RESUMING THE ENGINE AND TAKING OFF THE PARKING BRAKE I AM IN FEAR OF BEING IN A COLLISION. I CALLED DEALER TODAY THEY SAID ALL THEY CAN DO IS KEEP THE CAR AGAIN FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT IF NOTHING IS FOUND AGAIN I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RENTAL CAR OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS CRAZY AS MY SELF AND MY FAMILY ARE AT RISK EVERY TIME THE CAR SHUTS OFF WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED NOT TO HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. THERE ARE NO WARNING LAMPS THAT TURN ON.

NHTSA #: 11681709
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

The auto/stop start system is malfunctioning. When I stop at a stop sign, or to turn left, the vehicle stops, but then does not turn on again when I press the gas pedal. Instead, I have to place the car in park and manually restart the engine. This has happened four times over a 2-month period. Sometimes it takes me 30 seconds to turn the car back on. This is harrowing when I am suddenly stuck in the middle of the road. I took my vehicle to the Ford Dealership after it happened three times. They had my vehicle for 3 weeks but could not find anything wrong, and the incident did not happen again. I’ve had my vehicle back for 6 days, and it happened again today at a stop sign. Suddenly, there was a message on my screen to place my car in park and restart the engine. There were many other cars waiting for me to turn.

NHTSA #: 11679410
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

I was driving and pressed the button to open my sunroof (which has a powered sunshade) but the sunshade dropped down on top of the 2nd row seats, blocking my view through my rear view mirror and rear window completely. I made an appointment with my Ford dealer the next day. The dealer had my vehicle for over 30 days waiting for parts to fix the tensioner system that pulls the powered sunshade back in order for the sunroof to open. I've seen in multiple forums online that this has happened to a lot of other people that has this option on their Ford Explorers (2020-2024) models. This was definitely a safety hazard as I was unable to see anything behind me while I was moving and luckily I didn't panic. I pulled over slowly to the soft shoulder in order to try and get the sunshade to at least go back to it's "closed" state which it finally did after trying for a few minutes. I think Ford needs to make this a recall because of the safety issues of this blocking the view of the driver.

NHTSA #: 11679463
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Aug 2025

Automatic roll up sun shade for the sunroof sags and does not retract anymore, causing visibility issues as it droops down. Car is out of factory bumper to bumper warranty, currently 52k miles, and the aftermarket warranty does not cover the shade. Ford quoted over $2000 for fix, when this is a manufacturer's defect and many cars are affected.

NHTSA #: 11679464
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Center console cup holder base failure causing items to fall through and into the interior of the console. My key fob fell through the bottom and required nearly an hour to be retrieved. The problem is persistent with anything placed into the cup holder. This issue is common and well documented on forums and social media.

NHTSA #: 11678432
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2025

Panoramic sunroof fail for 2nd time repair is close to 2000$ I’m not going to paid again this is a ford design issue not a owner fault Panoramic roof have some plastic click that hold the shade and they got brake or damage by itself causing the shade felt, ford rapair is close to 1.8k$ I paid one when I first bought the car now after the Texas freeze when I was closing the system I heard the clicks braking and then we have the same issue with the panoramic shade got weak and there is no way to fixed just the deal and the price is close to 2000$ for a internal design there is several people with this same issue this is a internal fault design not a owner fault

NHTSA #: 11675083
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

I was stoped at a red light with cars in front of me and behind me when with my foot on the break the car accelerated forward like my foot was on the gas pedal but my foot was not on pedal, the car surged forward and came close to hitting the car in front of me I pressed the break and got stopped didn’t happen again but sometimes I can feel the car wanting to keep surging forward when breaking. If there is a problem this could cause me to hit someone in the rear or even worse could hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk please check this out

NHTSA #: 11673262
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2025

Backup camera has failed again aftyer being programmed twice and replaced once under recall's. But now it's out completely. It has worked off and on since new.

NHTSA #: 11670781
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2025

Sun roof clips broke causing sunroof shade to sag

NHTSA #: 11665714
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2025

The electronic sunshade that covers the panoramic sunroof has malfunctioned and cannot be retracted fully. The sagging sun shade covers the rear window and blocks the view. I have taken it to the dealership for repair, but it is not covered under my extended warranty and is around $2000.00 to repair out of pocket. The dealership charged a $199.99 diagnostic fee to ascertain that it was the sunroof shade that had broken. There were no symptoms or warnings before this happened.

NHTSA #: 11664891
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2025

The rear axle bolt snapped. Causing the differential to fall out and rear wheel axles and driveshaft to break out of position.

NHTSA #: 11662750
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Apr 2025

Moon roof cover is sagging and interfering with visibility with the rear view mirror. There have been many incidents of the sagging occurring online in for forums. There have been no warning notices for this issue

NHTSA #: 11657281
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2025

Car has a delay when going into reverse & will move forward while in reverse then jerks into reverse. Also has a delay in going into drive from reverse. Not safe to back out into the road or doing a 3 point turn because of the delays. It happens all the time so the incident happens every day for me.

NHTSA #: 11650216
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2025

When vehicle is in reverse, the car still moves forward. Dealership said there is no fix. I was almost hit the other day because I couldn’t reverse quick enough.

NHTSA #: 11650265
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2025

Sunshade cover for sunroof malfunctioned and it hangs down causing a visibility issue as it obstructs the view from the rear view mirror. After doing a search on Reddit and the Ford forum, it seems to be a common issue. My vehicle only has 35,000 miles on it and this should not be happening.

NHTSA #: 11647485
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2025

I purchased my Explorer used last March. The window switches, on driver and passenger sides (front seats and rear seats) have the black metal pieces peeling off the switch. Metal pieces are sharp and I continue to cut my fingers on them. The dealer shows the recall did not affect my car, yet they are all in need of replacement. My vehicle has faulty window switches and I am asking Ford to replace them under recall or warranty.

NHTSA #: 11643208
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

Fuel Sloshing When vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns, the fuel moves within the tank, creating waves and sloshing. This can be heard as well when you come to a stop and road noise is less. You can also feel the sloshing on your foot under the driver's side. Excessive fuel sloshing can lead to instability, affecting the vehicle's center of gravity and causing handling issues, especially in extreme maneuvers. I've reported to dealership and Ford manufacturer but they say this is normal operation of vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11637891
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2024

The class three hitch receiver is well above an acceptable tolerance causing the hitch to move within the receiver and cause damage to the receiver. This abundance of "play" in the receiver was duplicated with a brand new hitch as well. My safety as well as others was put at risk through the risk of excessive torque being applied to the hitch/receiver through it's overly large size potentially causing it to break. This problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer nor been inspected. The part has not failed, but is likely to fail through continued use. ***Plastic deformation has occurred within the hitch receiver because of its excessive size.

NHTSA #: 11632350
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2024

I am writing to provide an update on the status of the recall (23V675) repair for my vehicle. Over a year ago, I was notified of a safety recall that affects my vehicle, making it unsafe by the standards set by the NHTSA. This issue, if not addressed, could cause a loss of the vehicle's forward power and significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury. Since receiving the recall notice, I have made multiple attempts to schedule the repair with the local ford dealership. Despite my efforts, I am still waiting for the necessary parts to become available, and the dealerships have been unable to provide specific date for when the repair will completed. I am concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle that is currently considered unsafe and poses a heightened risk to myself and others on the road. I am seeking assistance or guidance you may be able to provide to expedite the repair process and ensure that this safety issue is resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA #: 11611025
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2024

Air compressor fails while leaking Freon all over the engine creating an environmental hazard.

NHTSA #: 11604839
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

There was no incident yet. This concerns the ballistic panels mounted in the two front doors, the mounting tabs break and are broken in this vehicle and there is a TSB but Ford refuses to fix because they claim it's not a "Safety" issue which it is and because it has a salvage title. This needs to go to a recall or customer satisfaction "Safety issue". "SSM 51945 2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility - Level III Ballistic Panel Mounting Tab Service Kit Now Available". "2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). Replacement of the level III ballistic panel assembly is not required for this condition. Level IV ballistic panels do not have removable mounting tabs and still require complete panel replacement. Level III vs. level IV ballistic panels can be identified by a large roman numeral label on the panel or by the vehicle window sticker if equipped".

NHTSA #: 11571358
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2024

FELT LINER ON THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE HAS COME OFF WHILE DRIVING 3X. IN SNOW AND RAIN WITH FREEZING TEMPERATURES THE FELT LINER GETS WET AND HEAVY AND TIED UP IN THE TIRES. THE DESIGN AS WELL AS THE BOLTS CONTINUOUSLY FAIL.

NHTSA #: 11565598
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY
Filed: Jan 2024

The rear windshield shattered as I was driving. I did not hit anything, nor did anything hit the rear window. The temperature is -3. I had the defroster on and think the extreme cold mixed with the defroster caused the window to shatter. Is the glass faulty? Or the defroster?

NHTSA #: 11565647
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2023

I have a 2021 Ford Explorer ST that I purchased as a new vehicle. On 8/27/23 I was driving my vehicle to work. I noticed a loud humming noise upon acceleration when I was approximately 1 mile from work. I drove my car to work, parked it. I attempted to get a Ford dealership to service my vehicle and was informed that it would be "3-4 weeks before they could even look at the vehicle" (Siloam Springs Superior Ford). I managed to find a repair shop 2 miles from the hospital that I work at. As I was driving the vehicle to the shop for repair- the loud humming noise upon acceleration was still present- something very loud fell out from under my car. The right side catalytic converter (a pipe several feet long) was hanging down under my car. I am thankful I was driving at a speed <15 mph and not on the highway. The car was repaired (I have attached the receipt for the repair). Upon further research I found that there were other ST Explorer and regular Explorer models with a customer "courtesy repair" that was offered. No such repair was offered to me. I called in a report to the Ford Dealership (general 1-800- 392-3673 line). I received the case #[XXX] at the conclusion of that call. I brought my car into the shop (Lewis Ford Fayetteville), as per Ford's recommendations, to inquire about reimbursement for my issues- since they are the same issues mentioned in the courtesy repair notice. I was not previously notified of a courtesy repair. Lewis Ford informed me that despite my issue being exactly the same issue noted in the courtesy repair- my VIN number was not a part of the repair. This is a dangerous issue. I am certain that if I was at a higher speed level- my car would have been wrecked. According to the repair shop, they have seen and heard of this same issue with Ford Explorer ST models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11554524
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2023

The vehicle infotainment system regularly displays "emergency" messages theoretically designed to alert drivers to fires or other hazardous conditions. These messages seize the infotainment screen and must be cleared manually. The problem is: all of these messages are false and/ or nonsensical, .i.e "Serious fire at the intersection of Main Street and Main Street." The messages are a distraction to the driver as they often appear when using the navigation system. Ford service tells me this problem is not fixable. I raised the issue with Ford Management and they have basically ignored my request for assistance.

NHTSA #: 11546082
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2023

The first window that exploded is The back windshield when my husband and I were sitting in the parking lot at the American Legion. I took the Explorer to Duval Ford they suggested I call Ford Corporate. They said they didn’t know why the window exploded. On Wednesday the right passenger back window exploded as I was traveling on Interstate 95. I called Corporate Ford and they said take it to Duval Ford to be assessed. This is two windows in 8 months that have exploded. It cost me out of pocket a total of $900 to replace both windows.

NHTSA #: 11540878
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2023

There is a $7.00 seal that leaks near my oil filter that has been replaced for the second time and this time i was not under warranty and the labor to repair the broken seal cost $1100.00 and would like for you to recall this seal so i can be made whole again

NHTSA #: 11540676
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2023

Due to a Sync system update the display has been unresponsive, thrown errors, shut off during driving, and been delayed during operation. Most noticeably during reverse. There is a significant delay when the reverse camera is supposed to turn on causing a potential safety hazard. Ford has not responded to the issue in a timely manner and hasn’t given an ETA on when the firmware will be updated.

NHTSA #: 11539577
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2023

Camera is not working and was recalled. Cannot be fixed or repaired. I requested to trade my vehicle for another one at a Ford Dealership or for the pay off and was told I couldn't do anything due to the recall. I am essentially stuck with a vehicle that is unsafe and I don't feel comfortable driving. The camera turns blue in the middle of backing up and I could hit any object or person in the middle of backing up with my view obstructed. I was advised that I just had to wait or go to a 3rd party dealer who would give me cash.

NHTSA #: 11536154
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2023

The camera system keeps going blue and will not work about 80 percent of the time since the repair has been completed. This has gotten progressively worse it seems. At times the whole radio screen will remain blue and can not use it until you turn the whole car off and wait for some time. The radio system also has lost all Bluetooth additions have added to it multiple times. There is a second recall for the blue screen but it appears they have put it on hold.

NHTSA #: 11529275
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2023

I had my 2021 in the shop for NHSTA Recall 22V255 in June of 2022. They reprogrammed my parking break to auto-engage when the car is put in Park. The DID NOT replace the rear axle mounting bolt. The Ford letter to dealers describes the dangers of driving with a defective rear axle bolt. Why weren't these bolts replaced? I was told (by [XXX]) that no bolts were available. He agreed with me that the proper repair could not be completed without changing the bolt(s) in question. So does Ford only repair broken rear axle bolts? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #: 11528777
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Jun 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11525384
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2023

Recall on REAR CAMERA BLUE OR BLANK SCREEN

NHTSA #: 11521235
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Feb 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11507850
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Sep 2022

Two issues. 1. After the software update that was supposed to fix the rear camera blue screen issue, it randomly shows a blue screen instead of the camera image when reversing. The issue doesn't correct until the vehicle is turned completely off and restarted. 2. The rear hatch randomly closes when getting items out or putting items in the cargo area. It cracks you on the head and DOES NOT STOP. If you can't get out from under it in time you fall to the ground. More than once it has made me see stars it struck my head so hard. Also sometimes when walking away from the vehicle the hatch will open on its own with no one near it. The dealer tried once to reproduce the issue but didn't happen while they had it.

NHTSA #: 11483897
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2022

Backup and front cameras are not working consistently. Blue screen shows on display screen. Cannot reproduce at the Ford dealer. Blue screen camera issue started on June 13, 2022. Since then I have had 27 instances to date. There currently is a recall for this same problem on other Ford Explorer's.

NHTSA #: 11477707
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2022

Ford sold a non sale vehicle to me on 11/05/2021 after Ford Critical Review Team on 8/9/2021 deemed wrong rear axle bolts being put on. Essentially, putting a no transit order on vehicle. I was made aware on this recall only after I updated my app on May 10th,2022. Read on app about the no remedy recall stating 2022-4-14. I have spoken with Ford Corporate as the service manager stated for me to do via phone. Ford's buyback department will not consider it. The buyback team is waiting on a recall remedy as of today. I do not feel safe in my vehicle, and have opened a claim with the BBB. I am only requesting Ford to either do a buyback or swap out vehicle for one year newer. No communication with Dealership about the problems both NOW and IMMEDIATELY after purchase of 2021 Ford Explorer ST.

NHTSA #: 11469460
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2022

While in a driveway at a decline (approximately 5% grade), I placed the vehicle in park and set the emergency brake; when I decompressed the brake to turn the vehicle off it took off sliding down the street. A coworker was with me and was about to get out at the time as well. Fortunately I was able to gain control before I hit the mailbox in front of us and no one or thing was injured This was the second time this happened; however, the first time the emergency brake was not set. Also, starting at 23k miles, I am repeatedly getting a "Auto Hold system fault" error every few days. This occurs sometimes at startup and sometimes while driving and the Auto Hold will not work when it comes up. However, if I stop and restart the vehicle, it will go away and work. I am not sure these are related.

NHTSA #: 11467554
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2022

The auto rear trunk hands free lift gate likes to start closing on its own when you are moving around under it. For instance and could hit you in the head. It has before. Other manufacturers use a similar system and I've never had this happen. It's to sensitive to movement

NHTSA #: 11462837
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2022

I left a facility Friday evening, pulling out of the plaza I was second from front at a red. When the light turned green the car in front of me started going, I started going. I had to give it gas as MPH on the road I was on is 45mph. As I am accelerating through the light the car just would not accelerate. The traffic behind me was coming up FAST! I was panicked. The car in front of me turned into a gas station which gave me the additional 5 seconds for my vehicle to come back on. I never lost power inside the vehicle. It was almost as if I was running out of gas. I had gotten gas 2 days before and filled the tank. I actually called the gas station and they have not had anyone inquire so I don’t think it’s gas. It was very scary and had I had my children in the vehicle I’m not sure I would or honestly probably will not drive with them in this vehicle anymore.

NHTSA #: 11460300
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2022

Upon starting the vehicle, after it had been parked for about 30 min, I received an error message Stop Safely Now and the vehicle would not start. We attempted to jump start the battery with another vehicle, tested the voltage and it showed full at 12V, and then had a roadside service attempt to jump the vehicle. The accessory power (radio/lights/power windows) work. This has never happened before and the car had no indication of any issues, alerts or messages prior to this.

NHTSA #: 11449820
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Jan 2022

I took possession of a Ford Explorer approximately October 12, 2021. Two weeks later on October 20, 2021, I took the car to a carwash and after paying with a credit card, the barrier went up and as I was putting my card back into my wallet, and my foot not on the accelerator, the car took off on its' own to approximately 20 to 25 mph, so I applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor with no braking. I applied the brakes continually, as the car jumped a curb traveled through a meadow went through a fence and crashed into a tree. I had the car towed to the dealer so they could analyze what went wrong and they said they couldn't find anything wrong, but they couldn't say as to why the Explorer spontaneously accelerated without brakes. The carwash had a video surveillance system and the video clearly shows the car accelerating, jumping the curb and eventually going into the forest to hit a tree. It is a blessing that I was in a remote area with no people around as the only control I had for the vehicle was steering and had there been people around someone would have been injured or killed. I contacted the Texas DMV Lemon Law department and they couldn't help because I hadn't tried to get the malfunction repaired more than three times. They did recommend I contact the NHTSA as safety of this vehicle and possibly others of the type represent a major safety hazard. Is there anything the NHTSA can do to look into this case and first see that this malfunction is fixed on future products and second see that I can be treated fairly by the Dealer and Ford Motor Company? The car has been declared a total loss, as it would cost too much to repair. It is in a AAA Insurance lot.

NHTSA #: 11447016
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

There is no way to securely lock the vehicle when someone with the key fob is near it. When fueling, someone can unlock the opposite side of the car, by pulling on the door handle, which unlocks it, enter and drive away. Not only does this open the possibility of easily stealing the car, but also abducting passengers, if any have the fob on them, or simply stealing contents, planting contents, etc. This is a serious security issue

NHTSA #: 11441506
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

When vehicle is up to temperature, there is an overpowering burning smell coming through the vents into the cab. It only occurs at idle and dissipates when the vehicle is in motion. With the hood open, there is some small noticeable amount of smoke coming from the left side of the engine compartment. The smell is not plastic or rubber.

NHTSA #: 11440203
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2021

Constant shuddering between 30-45mph. Local dealer fobs it off as typical, I've driven other 2020 and 2021 Explorers, none have exhibited similar symptoms. Dealer refuses to repair, Ford corporate will not investigate. Has already had one rear axle replaced under warranty, not waiting another 3 weeks for parts when this one breaks again.

NHTSA #: 11429352

Other 2021 Ford Explorer Issues