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2021 Ford

Explorer RWD

Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2021 Ford Explorer RWD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2021.

PhotoRichard SmithCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S10)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
400
Power to weight
0.090 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.58
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
21 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,950EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
431 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
199 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
79 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
119 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,458 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
24
Owner complaints
383
Reported injuries
14

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN21%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER15%
  • ENGINE9%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8%
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION7%
  • STRUCTURE4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 504 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA23002opened Sep 29, 2023ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • RQ23002opened Jun 20, 2023POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    Rear Axle Bolt Failure

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

294 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54902

    For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous

  • May 21, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54857

    2020-2026 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 wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actu

  • May 19, 2026SUSPENSIONTSB 26-2242

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due

  • May 15, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54827

    Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) an

  • May 9, 2026ENGINE25B51

    Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

  • May 8, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2226

    This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear driveshaft flange CV joint-to-pinion flange cup bolts and retaining straps (LK4Z-4B496-B) for Transit, and update the parts description for the transfer case fluids applicable for each vehicle line. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54795

    Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with thi

  • Apr 29, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54646

    Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with the replacement fuel filler door assembly. If diagnostics in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 Body > Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems > lead to fuel filler door switch replacement, install a new fuel filler door assembly ordere

  • and 286 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.