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2021 Ford Explorer Edit

Recalls

Near Columbus, OH
43085

15 Safety Recalls Found for Cars Like Yours

Recalls may not affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. Use your VIN or plate to find out if your specific car has open recalls.

Where do I find my VIN?

2021 Ford Explorer Recalls

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
22V255000

Report Date:
APR 13, 2022

Vehicles Affected:
252936

Consequence:

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V342000

Report Date:
MAY 11, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
442973

Consequence:

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V022000

Report Date:
JAN 22, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
382759

Consequence:

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V199000

Report Date:
MAR 23, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
674

Consequence:

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
21V735000

Report Date:
SEP 21, 2021

Vehicles Affected:
228297

Consequence:

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
24V598000

Report Date:
AUG 08, 2024

Vehicles Affected:
85238

Consequence:

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

What You Should Do:
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V305000

Report Date:
APR 27, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
523

Consequence:

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. The remedy is anticipated to be available by June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
21V652000

Report Date:
AUG 22, 2021

Vehicles Affected:
592

Consequence:

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
20V788000

Report Date:
DEC 16, 2020

Vehicles Affected:
1405

Consequence:

With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V069000

Report Date:
FEB 09, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
3674

Consequence:

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
21V870000

Report Date:
NOV 09, 2021

Vehicles Affected:
20

Consequence:

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
24V635000

Report Date:
AUG 22, 2024

Vehicles Affected:
90736

Consequence:

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
24V852000

Report Date:
NOV 07, 2024

Vehicles Affected:
27678

Consequence:

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V626000

Report Date:
SEP 07, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
2954

Consequence:

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
23V675000

Report Date:
OCT 05, 2023

Vehicles Affected:
238364

Consequence:

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do:
Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

To see if your specific vehicle is affected

Tip: Recalls don’t affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You’ll need your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

Recall information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Ford Recall Service Centers

Near Columbus, OH
43085

View:

2021 Explorer Recall Q&A

Car Recall Questions


What do I do if I've gotten a recall notice?

First: Read the notice carefully and don’t ignore it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 75% of vehicles involved in a recall are actually repaired. So be sure to pay attention when you see an envelope in the mail labelled “Safety Recall Notice”.

The notice will tell you what the defect is, possible warning signs and what to do next. And while a recall notice might dredge up feelings of fear and anxiety, focus on two bits of good news:

  • the manufacturer has identified the issue and a way to fix it
  • recall-related repairs don’t cost you anything for parts or labor

Second: Bring your vehicle to the dealer.

Next, make a service appointment with an authorized dealer who sells that brand. It doesn’t have to be the same place where you bought it, and it doesn’t matter if you bought the car new or used. But you DO need to take it to an authorized dealer. If your family mechanic does the recall repairs, you’ll probably be responsible for the cost.

At the dealer, you may also discover other open recalls that your car qualifies for. The dealer is obligated to complete these repairs too – also at no cost to you.

Third: The dealer makes the repairs.

For many people, the hardest part is finding a convenient time for the recall-related repairs. Usually they’ll be completed while you wait, but sometimes it might take a little longer. Ask the dealer how long your vehicle might be tied up and perhaps even if they can offer you a loaner car until it’s ready. Or if you have a little more time to plan, find out what services and amenities your local dealer offers.

Learn more about what to do in a recall.

How do I check for a recall on my car?

In most cases, the automaker will send you a notice in the mail to announce a recall. But if you’re the proactive type – or if you bought the car used – you might want to check for a recall yourself.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100 million new and used vehicles were involved in some sort of safety-related recall in 2014-15. Recalls vary in severity, but they all relate to the safety of the vehicle, so they’re all worth paying attention to.

Start by looking up the year, make and model of your vehicle on a site like KBB.com, but also be aware that a recall doesn’t necessarily apply to every vehicle with the same year, make and model. Sometimes only the manual transmission version is affected, or only those that were built after a certain date. The best way to know for sure is to call the phone number that we provide on your vehicle’s recall page or go to the government NHTSA site and look up your specific car by its 17-character VIN number.

And if you REALLY want to stay on top of recalls, you could check back here periodically, or NHTSA offers downloadable Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps with recall information, plus NHTSA maintains a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter to announce recalls.

Learn more about how to stay current on recalls.

Do I pay for recall repairs?

Once the manufacturer (or NHTSA) has discovered that a safety recall is necessary on your vehicle, you won’t have to pay anything for recall-related repairs. All the parts and labor necessary to complete the repair are paid for by the manufacturer (who reimburses the dealer). This is true even if you bought the car used or bought it from a private party.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • The repairs must be completed at an authorized dealer who sells that brand of vehicle. If you choose to use your own mechanic, you might end up paying the bill.
  • If you received a recall letter in the mail, bring it to the dealer. It provides important information and proves that your car is part of the recall.
  • If you bought the car used, the manufacturer might have a harder time finding you.

There is one exception to the fact that recall repairs are free – vehicles older than 10 years old are outside the statute of limitation and usually don’t qualify.

Why is a vehicle recalled?

A recall occurs when a manufacturer or NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) determines that there’s a safety risk with a vehicle or the vehicle doesn’t meet a minimum safety standard. Usually, a recall covers only certain parts or equipment on a vehicle; it’s rare for the whole vehicle to be recalled.

Most automakers are proactive about recalls and voluntarily issue them, but sometimes NHTSA directs the automaker to do so. Some recalls get a lot of press, as with high-profile recalls relating to airbags in the last few years, but more often, recalls happen without much fanfare.
Recalls are only issued in cases where the vehicle’s safety is in question, but that doesn’t mean you’re in immediate danger. Even so, you should have the repairs done as soon as you can. The good news is that, in case of a recall, the automaker has discovered a fix – and that fix is available at no cost to you (except, perhaps, for the hours the vehicle is being repaired).

Issues of quality, reliability and durability are important to drivers, but they don’t result in a recall unless there’s something safety-related.

Finally, please keep in mind just because there’s a recall on cars matching your car’s make and model, it doesn’t mean that your car is affected. To know for sure, we provide a number you can call to check if your car is part of the recall. You’ll need to have your car’s unique 17-character VIN number handy when you call.

Pricing for Common 2021 Ford Explorer Repairs & Services

  • Battery Replacement
  • Brake Repair
  • Oil Change
  • Spark Plug Replacement
  • Wheel Alignment
  • Check Engine Light
  • Coolant Flush
  • Fuel Filter Replacement
  • Fuel Pump Replacement
  • Timing Belt Replacement
  • Transmission Fluid Change
  • Transmission Repair and Replacement
  • Water Pump Replacement
  • Wheel Bearing Replacement

Pricing for all 2021 Ford Explorer Repairs & Services