Extended data
All campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer
| NHTSA campaign | Reported to NHTSA | Component (NHTSA) | Manufacturer | Units potentially affected (whole campaign, all models) |
|---|
| 26V451000 | Jul 14, 2026 | SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY | Ford Motor Company | 387,911 |
| 26V402000 | Jun 24, 2026 | POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | Ford Motor Company | 741,195 |
| 26V159000 | Mar 17, 2026 | SEAT BELTS | Ford Motor Company | 561 |
| 26V123000 | Mar 3, 2026 | BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE | Ford Motor Company | 889,950 |
| 26V117000 | Mar 3, 2026 | VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | Ford Motor Company | 604,533 |
| 25V685000 | Oct 10, 2025 | EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER | Ford Motor Company | 59,006 |
| 25V455000 | Jul 7, 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Ford Motor Company | 850,318 |
| 25V442000 | Jun 27, 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE | Ford Motor Company | 200,237 |
| 25V393000 | Jun 13, 2025 | SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY | Ford Motor Company | 304,662 |
| 25V166000 | Mar 14, 2025 | POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT | Ford Motor Company | 4,247 |
| 25V159000 | Mar 14, 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE | Ford Motor Company | 49,399 |
| 25V093000 | Feb 14, 2025 | SEAT BELTS | Ford Motor Company | 240,510 |
| 24V852000 | Nov 8, 2024 | EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | Ford Motor Company | 27,678 |
| 24V635000 | Aug 23, 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL | Ford Motor Company | 90,736 |
| 24V598000 | Aug 10, 2024 | ENGINE | Ford Motor Company | 85,238 |
| 23V675000 | Oct 6, 2023 | POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT | Ford Motor Company | 238,364 |
| 23V626000 | Sep 8, 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY | Ford Motor Company | 2,954 |
| 23V342000 | May 12, 2023 | BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA | Ford Motor Company | 442,973 |
| 23V305000 | Apr 28, 2023 | BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION | Ford Motor Company | 523 |
| 23V199000 | Mar 24, 2023 | POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) | Ford Motor Company | 674 |
| 23V069000 | Feb 10, 2023 | POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) | Ford Motor Company | 3,674 |
| 23V022000 | Jan 23, 2023 | BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA | Ford Motor Company | 382,759 |
| 21V870000 | Nov 10, 2021 | SUSPENSION:REAR | Ford Motor Company | 20 |
| 21V735000 | Sep 22, 2021 | BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE | Ford Motor Company | 228,297 |
| 21V652000 | Aug 23, 2021 | AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN | Ford Motor Company | 592 |
| 20V788000 | Dec 17, 2020 | ENGINE | Ford Motor Company | 1,405 |
By component area
| Component area | Campaigns |
|---|
| Back Over Prevention | 7 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Equipment | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
By year reported
| Year reported | Campaigns |
|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 5 |
How the figures are counted: each NHTSA campaign number is counted once for this exact make, model and model year as returned by the NHTSA recalls API; a campaign that covers several models is counted once on each model's page. “Units potentially affected” is the manufacturer-reported figure for the whole campaign, not for this model year alone.
Worked example: 2021 Ford Explorer: 26 campaigns = 26V451000, 26V402000, 26V159000 and 23 more.
Official campaign summaries
Campaign 26V451000 · reported Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company · Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V402000 · reported Jun 24, 2026
Ford Motor Company · Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Campaign 26V159000 · reported Mar 17, 2026
Ford Motor Company · Component: SEAT BELTS · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Campaign 26V123000 · reported Mar 3, 2026
Ford Motor Company · Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Campaign 26V117000 · reported Mar 3, 2026
Ford Motor Company · Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Campaign 25V685000 · reported Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company · Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V455000 · reported Jul 7, 2025
Ford Motor Company · Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Campaign 25V442000 · reported Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company · Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Open this campaign at NHTSA
Summary — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy — NHTSA text, quoted verbatim
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Showing NHTSA's text for the 8 most recent of 26 campaigns. All 26 are in the table above; read any of them in full at NHTSA.
Frequently asked questions
How many safety recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA's recall data lists 26 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Explorer. The most recent was reported on Jul 14, 2026 (campaign 26V451000); the earliest listed was reported on Dec 17, 2020 (campaign 20V788000). The full list with NHTSA's own summaries is on this page.
What was the most recent recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer?
Campaign 26V451000, reported to NHTSA on Jul 14, 2026 by Ford Motor Company, component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY. NHTSA's summary, consequence and remedy text for it is quoted unchanged on this page.
Does this list tell me whether my 2021 Ford Explorer has an open recall?
No. This page lists recall campaigns by make, model and model year only. Whether a specific vehicle is affected, and whether its repair has been done, depends on its VIN. Enter your 17-character VIN in the official lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which parts of the 2021 Ford Explorer are named in its recalls?
The component areas in NHTSA's data are: Back Over Prevention (7 campaigns); Power Train (5 campaigns); Seats (2 campaigns); Seat Belts (2 campaigns); Equipment (2 campaigns); Engine (2 campaigns); Visibility (1 campaign); Fuel System, Gasoline (1 campaign); Engine And Engine Cooling (1 campaign); Electrical System (1 campaign); Suspension (1 campaign); Air Bags (1 campaign).
Where does the information on this page come from?
From the public NHTSA recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov), which publishes the manufacturers' recall reports. Summary, consequence and remedy texts are shown exactly as NHTSA provides them; counts and groupings are calculated by this page and explained under Extended data.