2021 Ford Explorer engine problems

61 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2021 Ford Explorer, which is 10% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 61 10% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 60,000 miles 17 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 1 and 2
Injuries and deaths: 2 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Based on 17 complaints that include mileage. 47% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	1
20k to 40k miles	2
40k to 60k miles	5
60k to 80k miles	4
80k to 100k miles	4
100k to 120k miles	1
120k to 140k miles	0
140k to 160k miles	0
160k to 180k miles	0
180k to 200k miles	0
200k+ miles	0

What the data shows

Of the 17 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 60,000 miles, and 47% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires, 2 injuries.

What owners wrote

A police officer complained of a strong odor of exhaust coming through the hvac vents. Officer complained of a light dizziness feeling. Suv was grounded from service. Complaint was verified. Upon opening of the hood a odor of exhaust gas was smelled on the right side of the motor. No visible leaks could be heard or seen. Suv was driven to our local Ford dealer for repair.

January 2022 Injury

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that there was an abnormal shaking and vibrating coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a nearby mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinders #3 and #4 had lost compression, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired.

Reported at 105,000 miles, February 2025

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Ford models