2021 Ford Explorer Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 395 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Ford Explorer overview page.
What owners report
“I bought a new Ford Explorer XLT in 2021. I was driving with my kids on highway 101 at 70mph on 08/13/2023, wrench symbol came…”NHTSA complaint 11538462 — filed 08/14/2023
“Numerous times over the recent 2 months, I have experienced different issues with my 2021 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was purchased used in 2022 with…”NHTSA complaint 11528839 — filed 06/26/2023
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall…”NHTSA complaint 11516000 — filed 04/07/2023
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Ford Explorer: 103 of 395 complaints on file (26.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have in total?
395 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 13 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 15 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
