VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Explorer Hybrid years?

Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted7 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 3 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission229%
Electrical System114%
Other114%
Steering114%
Body & Structure114%
Tires & Wheels114%

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V255000TransmissionApril 14, 2022 · 252,936 units

Defect

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.

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“A Police Officer's Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrid SUV while driving had a vehicle malfunction where the rear wheels began to wobble/vibrate and while driving in a straight line with front wheels facing straight caused the vehicle to fishtail out of the control (loss of control to the rear wheels)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 4, 2023 · crash

“I was making a slow speed u-turn to stop a speeding motorist. As I came out of the u-turn, the wheel did not come back to center and I continued the turn going up a curb and striking a chain link fence. When I realized what was occurring, I manually began to turn the steering wheel to the right to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 11, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor present. The message "Pull Over Possible Powertrain Damage" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the high voltage junction box had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 23, 2023

“A Police Officer's Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrid SUV while driving had a vehicle malfunction where the rear wheels began to wobble/vibrate and while driving in a straight line with front wheels facing straight caused the vehicle to fishtail out of the control (loss of control to the rear wheels)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 4, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic "lift gate ajar" warning was activated; however, the liftgate was not open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who adjusted the liftgate striker, and the failure was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 12, 2023

2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.