2021 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 23V626000Sep 8, 20232,954 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

  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.

  Risk: 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.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The passenger window and the driver window will not respond. The windows will not go up on either side, exposing the driver and passengers to the elements of rain. In addition, the car is vulnerable to theft and break-ins. The windows are part of a larger electrical problem that the car has, including key fob delays and screen shut off during driving. The problem has been confirmed by the service center. No warning signs are available for these problems.

   NHTSA complaint #11769505 · source
2. Filed Oct 6, 2026ALElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving down the road and the vehicle started to cut out like it was running out of fuel. Maybe 1 minute later it died in the middle of heavy traffic and would not re-start. I had to have it towed and I called Ford and they told me to wait until the repair remedy was available to have it fixed. I have been without this vehicle for 6 weeks now and still no remedy.

   NHTSA complaint #11769389 · source
3. Filed Oct 6, 2026VTElectrical System

   Ladder being shut off, I exited the vehicle. I shut the driver side door. The car locked itself after shutting . Locking the keys and entrapped my 1.5 year old for 30 minutes while I waited for police to come and assist.

   NHTSA complaint #11769252 · source
4. Filed Oct 3, 2026TNElectrical System

   Within a month of Purchasing the Vehicle, around end of June, the image on the back up camera would flip upside down when trying to reverse. This only happens occasionally but the times that it has happened I have backed into a ditch and ran over a child's bicycle. There has been no damage to my vehicle as of yet. Because this does not happen regularly the dealership has not been able to look at it and diagnosis it. They tell me to bring it when it is doing it but that is…

   NHTSA complaint #11768704 · source
5. Filed Sep 23, 2026AZElectrical System

   On 9/3/26, car completely shut down/went all black while we were parking. Car was towed to shop the next day. On 9/22/26, Ford told us the battery junction box is the issue and there is currently no ETA as the part is on back order because there is a national shortage on this part. Car has been in the shop for 19 days. Car payments and insurance payments are still being made. In the mean time, I am without a car.

   NHTSA complaint #11766518 · source
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   While attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission/gear-selection system malfunctioned. When Drive or Reverse is selected, the vehicle does not remain in the selected gear and instead returns to Park, preventing the vehicle from moving. The condition is repeatable and the vehicle is currently disabled. The exact failed component is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. An authorized Ford dealer has declined to work on the vehicle after we requested written…

   NHTSA complaint #11762803 · source
7. Filed Aug 26, 2026CACrashTowedElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   NHTSA COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through HVAC ducts into the cabin without notice, creating an inhalation hazard. Vehicle available for inspection at South Bay Ford (BAR #XXX;…

   NHTSA complaint #11759752 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2026WIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Recently my car has had a series lights come on including 4wd fault, pre-colliosion assist not available, service advance trac, hill start assist warning, and something with the brakes when in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they said it's something electrical that will need parts, and further investigation with removing the seats. That will be another day. Today, while driving with my son in the back, I was taking a u-turn on a busy street. The car acted like it…

   NHTSA complaint #11752237 · source
9. Filed Apr 16, 2026NJBrakesElectrical System

   While I drive my vehicle down the road the car all of a sudden sounds like you throw it in park, it screeches and grinds in the front and will not let you push the gas pedal down even when on the highway. This causes sever risk to the people around me as well as my children who drive in this car… ford has an open recall for this which my vehicle falls under year and build wise. But does not correlate with my vin #

   NHTSA complaint #11731738 · source
10. Filed Apr 1, 2026WAElectrical System

    Car turns on but the engine will not turn over due to the electrical. And locks the car and not able to check or fix anything. If I was driving in the busy roads it would have been very dangerous as it stopped suddenly after starting the last time.

    NHTSA complaint #11728602 · source
11. Filed Mar 30, 2026NYFireElectrical System

    I am reporting a persistent and escalating electrical safety defect in a 2021 Ford Explorer. On February 28, 2022 (at approximately 10,542 miles), I formally reported a strong burning metal smell and the engine would be loud and idle high, there was abnormal noises and unusual electrical changes to the dealership (West Herr Ford). The dealer service advisor documented no problem found and told me not to worry about it. Over time, this unresolved electrical short and metal…

    NHTSA complaint #11728030 · source
12. Filed Jul 20, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngineSeats & Seat Belts

    Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue

    NHTSA complaint #11674872 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology