2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls and problems

1 recall and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid.

1
recalls
7
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls

Power train: axle assembly · Power train: driveline, driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 22V255000 · reported April 14, 2022 · Ford Motor Company · 252,936 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 10, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

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 months ago. The…

Sep 2, 2026 · Unknown or other

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.

Aug 2, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported

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 into the windshield…

Nov 24, 2023 · Electrical system · 96,147 miles

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 overheated and was…

Nov 20, 2023 · Power train · crash reported

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) and slam into a…

Explorer Hybrid model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2020 1201
2021 1730
2022 1100
2023 0210

All Ford Explorer Hybrid years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, the most recent reported on April 14, 2022 (Power train: axle assembly, Power train: driveline, driveshaft). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (2 complaints), followed by unknown or other (2).
How many 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 10, 2026.