2021 Ford Explorer fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer, 6% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 55,000 mi.

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints
27
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
55,000 mi

Specific components reported

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion covers: Fuel system (gas/diesel), fuel pump, hybrid and electric propulsion and battery.

ComponentComplaints
Fuel/propulsion system19
Fuel system, gasoline6
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank1

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints across Ford Explorer years

120051220107420123172014202220162717201814412020273620223320253
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k530k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V455000Jul 7, 2025850,318 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    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.

    Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

What owners say

  1. 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
  2. Filed Sep 21, 2026KSFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    While driving with the cruise on at 74 mph the vehicle jerked as if the brakes had been tapped. I shut off the cruise and tried to accelerate but nothing happened. At this point I signaled to change lanes and pulled to the right shoulder. There were no dash lights or warning alarms prior to the engine stalling. Clearly an engine stalling at this rate of speed could have ended bad for all 5 passengers and surrounding vehicles. Vehicle is being towed to Augusta, KS Ford dealer…
    NHTSA complaint #11765785 · source
  3. Filed Aug 15, 2026MOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic. No check engine light is or has been on. I’ve been to 2 different ford dealerships and after there inspection they claim nothing wrong with my car. It’s already cost me a lot if money. When driving I can feel the car surge likes it’s not getting fuel…
    NHTSA complaint #11757170 · source
  4. Filed Jul 20, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any help with my situation
    NHTSA complaint #11751556 · source
  5. Filed Jul 18, 2026KYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so Ford will do nothing to remedy the situation and parts are impossible to find as dealers scramble to fix the vehicles included in the recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11751268 · source
  6. Filed Jul 12, 2026WIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I was traveling on an 8 hour drive after just getting a new battery and fresh oil change, I also had a full diagnostic ran the week before travel and no issues were found in my vehicle. When we arrived at our destination we stopped 1 final time and attempted to start our vehicle to go to dinner and the car would not turn over. There were not any warning lamps or messages that appeared. We used roadside assistance to tow it to the [XXX] dealership and they ran another full…
    NHTSA complaint #11749871 · source
  7. Filed Jun 22, 2026VAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power and stalled in active traffic. I lost motive power and had to safely coast through traffic to the shoulder. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a repair facility. The failure matches the exact symptoms of Ford Recall 25S75 / NHTSA Campaign 25V455000 for low-pressure fuel pump failure, but my VIN is currently excluded from the recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11745753 · source
  8. Filed Apr 14, 202645,000 miILFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionVisibility & Wipers
    The contact 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers were activated, and the driver’s side windshield was not cleared, causing limited visibility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11731103 · source
  9. Filed Mar 19, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    vehicle stalls when diving . After pulling over ina coast and turning off with start stop button then turning it back on with start stop button vehicle runs fine until it happens again intermediately cold be days could be months apart. about the 6th time over 2 years that it has occurred
    NHTSA complaint #11725690 · source
  10. Filed Feb 3, 202680,000 miTXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband, who was an independent mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle and discovered a failure with the emissions system. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11715228 · source
  11. Filed Oct 27, 202560,000 miILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11695828 · source
  12. Filed Jul 19, 2025VADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now. We will inform you when the service is available. Or, you can contact your dealer. Contact Dealer Issue Date 2025-06-13 Campaign 25S67/25V393 Description On your vehicle, it is possible that the easy entry seat fold switch on the second-row outboard…
    NHTSA complaint #11674796 · source

Other 2021 Ford Explorer problem areas

Back to all 2021 Ford Explorer problems →

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