repaired · 2024 Q4
Power train: axle assembly
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.
2021 Ford Explorer HybridProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 22V-255 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Power train1 crash/fire/injury
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Seat belts1 crash/fire/injury
1Steering1 crash/fire/injury
1Structure
1Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Explorer Hybrid year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer Hybrid median. How we score
'20'21'22'23'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Explorer Hybrid owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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)…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic "lift gate ajar" warning was activated; however, the liftgate was not open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who adjusted the liftgate striker, and the failure was…
Own a 2021 Explorer Hybrid?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.