2021 Ford Explorer structure problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2021 Ford Explorer — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Dashboard separation concerned with airbag. Every day driving you run the risk of more damage. Have spoken to Koons Ford who states cannot help due to warranty. No one has looked at it except for pictures. This should not be the owners responsibility since I am not alone with issues of this problem”
filed Jun 16, 2026
“I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warnings or indications…”
filed Apr 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 146 | 51% |
| 2018 Explorer | 286 | 40% |
| 2017 Explorer | 642 | 38% |
| 2016 Explorer | 577 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 401 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 274 | 16% |
| 2013 Explorer | 436 | 20% |
| 2012 Explorer | 142 | 17% |
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.