2021 Ford Explorer hybrid problems

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The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.

The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.

Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.

For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).

In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.

2021 Ford Explorer hybrid

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Common 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, several common problems have been reported:

  • Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, including a clunky shift when switching between electric and gas modes, as well as occasional lag in lower RPMs due to the tight ratios in the 10-speed transmission.
  • Engine Failure: Catastrophic engine failure has been reported by some owners, leading to significant repair needs and rendering the vehicle unreliable.
  • Quality Control Issues: The 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid has been associated with major quality control problems during production, with a significant number of vehicles requiring rework at the manufacturing plant.
  • Random Gremlins: Owners have faced random malfunctions in various vehicle systems, such as the Auto Hold feature faulting out, intermittent backup camera failures, and poor camera quality, especially at night.
  • Transmission Reliability: Reports of transmission issues, including the need for a new transmission at low mileage and subsequent problems with the transmission cooler, have highlighted concerns about the vehicle's reliability.

These issues indicate a range of mechanical and electronic problems that have affected the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, impacting the overall driving experience and reliability for some owners.

2021 Ford Explorer hybrid engine

Are there any problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Lots of common issues.

Constantly need to unhook the battery to reset everything. GPS still won't work. Rear camera issues - 'blue screen' And finally left my wife stranded with not starting. I have two Explorer ST.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.

How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid get?

27 city/28 highway MPG

The 2021 Ford Explorer has a gas mileage of up to an EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG on gas-powered models. With the available hybrid trim level, the Explorer can reach an EPA-estimated 27 city/28 highway MPG.

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid a plug in?

Electric driving

The Explorer Plug-In Hybrid powertrain offers the range and performance of a modern, sophisticated petrol engine alongside the efficiency and refinement of an electric vehicle.

Are there any problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Lots of common issues.

Constantly need to unhook the battery to reset everything. GPS still won't work. Rear camera issues - 'blue screen' And finally left my wife stranded with not starting. I have two Explorer ST.

Are there any recalls on 2021 Ford Explorers?

2021 Ford Explorer Recalls

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

What kind of engine is in the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid?

The 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid comes in a single trim, the Limited. This Ford is outfitted with a 3.3-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that combine for 318 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.

What is the gas mileage on the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid?

MPG Estimates

The 2021 Explorer Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive models get 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

2021 Ford Explorer hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2021 Ford Explorer hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid.

2022-04-14
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid problems:

2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review / It's Much Better as a Hybrid ...
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review / It's Much Better as a Hybrid ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdHKM9AVKic

Mar 27, 2021 ... Full Ford Explorer Hybrid Review: https://mgreviews.com/review-2021-ford-explorer-hybrid/ ...

Interested in a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid - questions before I sign ...
Interested in a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid - questions before I sign ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/FordExplorer/comments/yb547n/interested_in_a_2021_ford_explorer_hybrid/

Oct 23, 2022 ... It doesn't do it all the time either and is pretty common in most hybrids. I hardly ever notice the transition from electric only to gas. Gas ...

2021 Ford Explorer Reliability - Consumer Reports
2021 Ford Explorer Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/explorer/2021/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Body Hardware · Exhaust · Transmission Minor · Engine Electrical · Transmission Major.

2021 ford Explorer XLT multiple issues : r/FordExplorer
2021 ford Explorer XLT multiple issues : r/FordExplorer
https://www.reddit.com/r/FordExplorer/comments/10ay0h2/2021_ford_explorer_xlt_multiple_issues/

Jan 13, 2023 ... The splash shield is unfortunately a common issue. Usually, it's not that soon, though. It ended up totaling my Focus. What happens is instead ...

2021 Limited AWD Hybrid Drivetrain issues..... | Ford Explorer Forums
2021 Limited AWD Hybrid Drivetrain issues..... | Ford Explorer Forums
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2021-limited-awd-hybrid-drivetrain-issues.495299/

Sep 21, 2021 ... My issue was NOT related to being a AWD Hybrid, the problem has been reported in numerous ford vehicles. It's a wiring harness in the trans ...

Other years of Ford Explorer hybrid

ford explorer hybrid 2021 photo
Explorer hybrid 2021
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