2021 Ford Explorer Recalls, Safety Defects & Free Remedies

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Recall Campaigns

Federal recall campaigns

Urgent Safety Directives

Zero urgent stop-drive alerts

Affected Subsystems

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech, Powertrain & Transmission

Authorized Remedy

100% Free

Mandated dealer repair by law

Federal Safety Campaign Analysis

Executive Recall Findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 27 official safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Driver Assistance & Safety Tech, Powertrain & Transmission, Engine & Cooling.

VIN Specificity Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is open.

Campaign Status & Legal Rights

• Federal Authority: Recalls administered under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301.
• Free Dealer Remedy: Under federal law, safety defect repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers.
• Latest Campaign Filing: Recorded on July 14, 2026.

Federal Directives

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (27)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

NHTSA Campaign #26V451000 SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Filed: July 14, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign #26V402000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Filed: June 24, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign #26V159000 SEAT BELTS

Filed: March 17, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign #26V117000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Filed: March 3, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign #26V123000 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Filed: March 3, 2026

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety Risk / Consequence

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

NHTSA Campaign #25V685000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Filed: October 10, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Safety Risk / Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

NHTSA Campaign #25V455000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Filed: July 7, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Safety Risk / Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

NHTSA Campaign #25V442000 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Filed: June 27, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

NHTSA Campaign #25V393000 SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Filed: June 13, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

NHTSA Campaign #25V159000 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Filed: March 14, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

NHTSA Campaign #25V166000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Filed: March 14, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

NHTSA Campaign #25V093000 SEAT BELTS

Filed: February 14, 2025

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

NHTSA Campaign #24V852000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Filed: November 8, 2024

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety Risk / Consequence

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

NHTSA Campaign #24V635000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Filed: August 23, 2024

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

NHTSA Campaign #24V598000 ENGINE

Filed: August 10, 2024

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Safety Risk / Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

NHTSA Campaign #23V675000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Filed: October 6, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

NHTSA Campaign #23V626000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Filed: September 8, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

NHTSA Campaign #23V342000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Filed: May 12, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA Campaign #23V305000 BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Filed: April 28, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

NHTSA Campaign #23V199000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Filed: March 24, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

NHTSA Campaign #23V069000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Filed: February 10, 2023

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

NHTSA Campaign #23V022000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Filed: January 23, 2023

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA Campaign #22V255000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Filed: April 14, 2022

What is defective?

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.

Safety Risk / 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.

Authorized Free Dealer 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.

NHTSA Campaign #21V870000 SUSPENSION:REAR

Filed: November 10, 2021

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

NHTSA Campaign #21V735000 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Filed: September 22, 2021

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

NHTSA Campaign #21V652000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Filed: August 23, 2021

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".

Safety Risk / Consequence

Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

NHTSA Campaign #20V788000 ENGINE

Filed: December 17, 2020

What is defective?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Safety Risk / Consequence

With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

Subsystem Scope

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2021 Ford Explorer

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

01 7 CAMPAIGNS

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Driver Assistance & Safety Tech subsystem.

65 Consumer Complaints →

02 6 CAMPAIGNS

Powertrain & Transmission

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Powertrain & Transmission subsystem.

115 Consumer Complaints →

03 4 CAMPAIGNS

Engine & Cooling

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Engine & Cooling subsystem.

49 Consumer Complaints →

04 3 CAMPAIGNS

Air Bags & Restraints

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Air Bags & Restraints subsystem.

10 Consumer Complaints →

05 2 CAMPAIGNS

Electrical System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Electrical System subsystem.

41 Consumer Complaints →

06 2 CAMPAIGNS

Fuel & Propulsion System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Fuel & Propulsion System subsystem.

25 Consumer Complaints →

07 2 CAMPAIGNS

Seats & Interior

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Seats & Interior subsystem.

13 Consumer Complaints →

08 2 CAMPAIGNS

Visibility, Wipers & Glass

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Visibility, Wipers & Glass subsystem.

39 Consumer Complaints →

09 1 CAMPAIGN

Body & Structure

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Body & Structure subsystem.

25 Consumer Complaints →

010 1 CAMPAIGN

Other / Miscellaneous

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Other / Miscellaneous subsystem.

60 Consumer Complaints →

011 1 CAMPAIGN

Suspension

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Suspension subsystem.

15 Consumer Complaints →

Fleet History

Recall History for Ford Explorer

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)

Model Year	NHTSA Recalls	NHTSA Complaints	Detailed Report
2015 Ford Explorer	9	1773	View 2015 Recalls →
2016 Ford Explorer	15	2441	View 2016 Recalls →
2017 Ford Explorer	14	1687	View 2017 Recalls →
2018 Ford Explorer	7	720	View 2018 Recalls →
2019 Ford Explorer	6	291	View 2019 Recalls →
2020 Ford Explorer	34	1198	View 2020 Recalls →
2021 Ford Explorer Current Page	27	416	Current
2022 Ford Explorer	25	257	View 2022 Recalls →
2023 Ford Explorer	15	105	View 2023 Recalls →
2024 Ford Explorer	10	19	View 2024 Recalls →
2025 Ford Explorer	19	95	View 2025 Recalls →
2026 Ford Explorer	12	0	View 2026 Recalls →

Consumer Checklist

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns apply to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and manufacturing date ranges. To verify if your individual vehicle has an uncompleted safety recall:

Locate your 17-character VIN on the driver's side door jamb or dashboard.
Enter the VIN into the official NHTSA recall lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Contact any franchised Ford dealership to schedule a free remedy appointment.

Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Safety Recalls & Federal Directives for the 2021 Ford Explorer

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2021 Ford Explorer

How many safety recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The 2021 Ford Explorer is associated with 27 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns, affecting systems including Driver Assistance & Safety Tech, Powertrain & Transmission, Engine & Cooling.

A recall campaign listing indicates that a safety defect or noncompliance standard was determined for specific production runs of this vehicle model year.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

Are there urgent 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' directives for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

No official 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' safety advisories are associated with recall records for the 2021 Ford Explorer in AutoUtility's current dataset.

Urgent directives apply to critical safety risks; standard recall campaigns require timely inspection and remedy at an authorized dealer.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database

Are recall repairs free for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge.

Federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301) requires manufacturers and franchised dealers to provide authorized safety recall repairs at no cost to the vehicle owner. Because campaigns apply to specific production runs and option packages, vehicle owners must verify their 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm individual applicability.

Source: National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301)

Does a recall campaign apply to every 2021 Ford Explorer?

Not necessarily. Model-year recall campaigns typically apply to specific vehicle production date ranges, assembly plants, or optional equipment packages.

AutoUtility's model-year records describe campaign scope; owners must check their individual 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm if an open recall applies to their specific vehicle.

Source: NHTSA VIN Lookup Service

Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database under 49 U.S.C. 30118.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.