2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Explorer Hybrid years
- Not enough data 1st of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. That is the most of any Explorer Hybrid model year in the database (7 years). The most reported problem area is power train (2 complaints, 29%), typically at around 22,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 3 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 7owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 3complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 2 | 29% | 22,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 29% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 14% | 96,147 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 14% | 22,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 14% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:axle assembly; power train:driveline:driveshaft
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
I am filing this complaint to report an unreasonable and hazardous delay by the manufacturer regarding NHTSA Campaign 25V455000 (Ford Recall 25S75) for a low-pressure fuel pump defect. As the original owner of a 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid, I received notice of this critical safety recall 14…
While taking groceries out of the back of the SUV, the hatchback closed without a sound warning and hit the top of my head causing a concussion and neck injury.
On July 8, 2026, I was traveling westbound on Highway 7 when another vehicle pulled right out in front of me from southbound Orchard Road, attempting to cross the highway. We collided and I struck the other vehicle at a 45° angle. My seatbelt was buckled. The impact caused me to be thrown forward…
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…
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)…
Other Ford Explorer Hybrid years
← 2020 Explorer Hybrid · 2022 Explorer Hybrid →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer Hybrid | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Explorer Hybrid | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Explorer Hybrid | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Explorer Hybrid | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 Explorer Hybrid | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 |
| 2020 Explorer Hybrid | 2 | 1 |
See all Ford Explorer Hybrid problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.
Similar Ford models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Owners most often report power train, unknown or other, air bags problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 2 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Explorer Hybrid model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.