Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:96 erroneously stored in the ABS module. This condition occurs during connection or power interrupt to the EBB module. If this code is stored and the ABS system has been reassembled, clear the DTC code using Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool and check for recurrence. If the DTC persists, perform normal diagnostics. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Explorer brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Explorer | 11 |
| 2018 Explorer | 6 |
| 2019 Explorer | 3 |
| 2020 Explorer | 41 |
| 2021 Explorer (this page) | 15 |
| 2022 Explorer | 6 |
| 2025 Explorer | 6 |
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine may exhibit a red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P050F in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and a firm brake pedal. This may be due to contamination in a brake booster vacuum line. To correct this condition, replace the vehicle's vacuum hose (MB3Z-2420-A). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 for installation instructions. For claiming, use casual part 2420.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator hybrid vehicles may exhibit a brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied. The customer may state that the anti-locking brake system (ABS) system is activating without any indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the regenerative braking software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure Steps to perform a coordinated flash on the powertrain control module (PCM) and ABS module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe multiple distinct brake failures in the 2021 Explorer. The most severe: sudden, complete brake loss where stopping distance triples and rear wheels lock and release in cycles, traced to Electronic Brake Booster internal failure requiring full assembly replacement ($4,100+). A second major issue involves power brake booster failure causing sticking pedals around 85,000 miles, with critical parts on three-month back order with no release date.
Parking brake problems appear frequently. Owners report vehicles rolling down inclines with the parking brake engaged and no warning lights. After Safety Recall 23V-675, the automatic parking brake fails to disengage smoothly when shifting to drive or reverse, causing the car to lurch forward or backward—one dealer employee nearly hit a pole. Some owners also describe the brake system becoming contaminated by liquid spilling from defective cupholders positioned directly above brake components.
Additional complaints cite ABS engaging inappropriately on dry roads, brake grabbing at final stops, and adaptive cruise control applying hard braking at highway speeds without driver input. One owner experienced rear brake popping noise post-recall that brake pad replacement didn't fix. Several owners report parts shortages preventing recall completion, with dealers claiming unavailable inventory despite showing stock in their systems.
Same Ford Explorer brakes reports on nearby years: 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) Internal Failure
Complete loss of braking function with rear-wheel lockup and release cycling, extended stopping distance (tripled), and delayed brake reapply after pedal release. Owners reported the EBB assembly requires full replacement.
When: Sudden onset during normal driving; one case at 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Service brake warning message; Front brakes felt inoperative; Rear tires locking and releasing in cycles; Stopping distance tripled; 2-second delay before brakes reapply; 1-second lockup cycle after pedal reapply
Repairs/costs cited: Full Electronic Brake Booster assembly replacement plus ABS module, brake fluid flush, and diagnostics; cost reported at $4,100.87
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes other Explorer model years and other models have been recalled for similar EBB issues
Power Brake Booster Failure
Power brake booster becomes inoperative, causing sticking brake pedal and loss of power-assist braking. Owners report parts shortages and extended lead times.
When: At 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sticking on multiple occasions; Brake pedal requires manual pulling to raise after depression; Feels like parking brake engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Part L1MZ2005K (Ford Power Brake Booster) on back order for one month at dealer; independent mechanic reported three-month back order with no release date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed parts on back order with no release date; referred owner to NHTSA
Automatic Parking Brake Malfunction Post-Recall
After recall application (23V-675), automatic parking brake does not release smoothly when shifting into drive or reverse, causing jerking and lurching. Delayed release relative to acceleration creates unsafe lurch-forward behavior similar to aggressive burnout.
When: After Safety Recall 23V-675 application
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake does not release until accelerator applied; Jerking forward or backward when accelerator applied; Delayed brake release versus acceleration; Vehicle lurches like holding brake while accelerating; Dealer employee nearly hit pole due to lurch
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 23V-675 applied; owner requests automatic disengagement when shifting into drive or reverse
Parking Brake Manual Engagement Failure
Vehicle with parking brake manually engaged rolls down incline without warning or notification. No warning lights or indicators precede failure. Ford field service inspection on lift found no problem and took no action.
When: Vehicle parked on incline with trailer; no mileage reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls down incline despite parking brake set; No warning lights or indicators before failure; No indication of impending problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford field service engineer inspected on lift, could not find problem, took no further action; Ford deemed uncooperative per owner
Brake System Contamination from Defective Cupholders
Brake system becomes contaminated by liquid spilling from damaged cupholders placed directly above critical brake components. Owners report design flaw placing cupholders over braking system and multiple incidents across the model line.
When: Normal use with liquid in cupholders
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake warning on dashboard; Brake system contaminated by spilled liquid
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed contamination to cupholders and charged owner for brake system repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated repair is owner responsibility; no acknowledgment of design flaw
ABS Module and Wiring Harness Issues
ABS module failure and wiring harness problems cause loss of proper braking response at low speeds. Replacement of ABS module did not resolve the problem; wiring harness replacement needed but not completed.
When: At 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle failed to respond to brake pedal at 30 mph; Owner had to activate parking brake to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnosis: ABS module replacement (completed but problem persisted); secondary diagnosis: wiring harness replacement (not completed)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and case filed; vehicle not repaired
ABS Engagement on Dry Roads and Brake Grab
ABS system engages inappropriately on dry road surfaces during normal turns and stops, and brakes grab suddenly at final stop, causing abrupt stopping.
When: From new; occurs at various speeds including 35-41 mph and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages on dry roads; ABS engages during normal turns into driveway; ABS engages at traffic light stops; Brakes grab at final stop; Sudden hard stop at end of braking
Adaptive Cruise Control Unwanted Braking
Adaptive cruise control system causes extreme braking at highway speeds without driver input. Events occur while passing other vehicles and while maintaining highway speeds.
When: At highway speeds during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme braking at highway speeds without driver touching brake; Braking while passing vehicle on road; Sudden braking on Interstate 75
Rear Brake Popping Noise Post-Recall
Loud popping metal sound from rear brakes during initial acceleration after recall service (Safety Recall 22S27). Brake pad replacement did not resolve the issue.
When: Started August; after Safety Recall 22S27 completion
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping metal sound from rear brakes; Sound occurs as vehicle starts to move; Persists after brake pad replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads replaced; problem persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 22S27 applied
Brake Pedal Sticking (Aftermarket System)
Spongy brake feel requiring bleeding, air in brake lines with fitting leaks, and parking brake actuator failure after aftermarket brake system installation and subsequent service updates.
When: Began after aftermarket brake installation; escalated issues over time
Symptoms owners cite: Spongy brakes requiring bleeding; Air in brake lines; Brake fluid leaking from fittings; Parking brake fault codes after software update; Parking brake disengages violently causing vehicle to lunge forward; Parking brake actuator broke apart
Codes mentioned: Parking brake fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Technician adjusted actuator instead of bleeding brakes (incorrect fix); later fixed with bleeding and parking brake software added; parking brake actuator later broke apart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parking brake software update applied; software update created new parking brake issues per owner
Brake and ADAS System Failure with Unresponsive Shifting and Shut-off
Multiple brake-related and ADAS warning lights with limp mode and system unresponsiveness. Vehicle fails to accelerate or shift properly when in limp mode. Requires module updates.
When: At 54,230 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Master warning light; Brake warning light; Battery warning light; ABS warning light; Brake system warning light; STOP Safely Now message displayed; Vehicle enters limp mode; Vehicle fails to respond to accelerator input in limp mode; Neutral shift does not respond as intended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed 11 undisclosed modules needing update and hybrid system inoperative; vehicle not repaired
Recall Parts Availability and Dealer Obstruction
Recall parts not available despite dealer parts department showing stock. Owners placed on waiting lists but given inconsistent information about availability and ordering limits.
When: 2024 recall-related service attempts
Symptoms owners cite: ADAS and brake failures requiring recall parts; Dealer claims no parts available despite showing stock in system; Voicemail runaround from dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claims parts ordering limits prevent repair; owner placed on waiting list May 22, 2024
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but parts not available for service
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2021 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 45,308 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.