When given gas to move from a complete stop, vehicle lost all power. After vehicle lost all power to rear wheels, warning lights flashed on cluster. Manually moved vehicle to side of road and checked under SUV to see rear axle was at a unusual angle and later discovered rear axle bolt on road. Vehicle was towed to dealership, which originally completed recall repair in July of this year, for this …
2021 ford Explorer powertrain problems
moderate 97 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
97
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure shortly after the vehicle was serviced. The contact stated that after shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost automotive power.…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle suddenly shifted into park, after which the vehicle went into LIMP mode. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was unable to shift out of park and displayed the "Automatic Emergency Braking Unavailable" message. The traction control, start-to-stop, and hill start assist warning lights were illuminated. …
The contact leased a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that five minutes later the vehicle went into safety mode and the vehicle failed to move. The low battery message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or rep…
While driving on the freeway, the customer experienced a power train failure, which resulted in the vehicle stopping. Though the vehicle was able to continue driving, it would unpredictably jump gears and eventually became immobile. The "service engine" wrench light first appeared on [XXX], signaling the issue. The vehicle was inspected by Curt Service in Oak Park, Michigan, and no additional code…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2021 ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 97 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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