2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid: 1 recall, 7 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V255000 · 2022 · 252,936 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid has 7 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 Explorer Hybrid model years for complaints (3.5× the average Explorer Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2023 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 59,073 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (2 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (1 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (2), other / unknown (2), body & structure (1).
Where can I get a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.