2021 Ford Explorer fuel/propulsion system problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Ford Explorer — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls…”
filed Jul 20, 2026
“I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so…”
filed Jul 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine…
SSM55059 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 3, 20262020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger…
SSM 54857 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 21, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 2 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 Explorer | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 Explorer | 19 | 8% |
| 2020 Explorer | 40 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 14 | 5% |
| 2018 Explorer | 19 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 44 | 3% |
| 2016 Explorer | 104 | 4% |
| 2015 Explorer | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 62 | 4% |
| 2013 Explorer | 120 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.