NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Explorer scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 26 recalls, and 389 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD's extensive recall history significantly affects its overall safety assessment. Despite strong crash-test performance, 25 recall campaigns have been issued, resulting in a zero out of 20 defect record score. This record ultimately limits the vehicle to an Average band ranking, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100.
The 2021 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Explorer ranks 90 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 26 |
| Owner complaints | 389 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Explorer?
The 2021 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD earns a Safety Index of 76 out of 100. This score, identical to the 2020 model year, reflects a dichotomy in its safety profile. Crash protection contributes a near-maximum 66 out of 70 points, and the avoidance technology package earns a full 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Despite strong crash-test star ratings and comprehensive avoidance technology, the defect record component scores zero out of a possible 20 points. Twenty-five recall campaigns for a single model year represent a significant number, and these campaigns address critical safety systems. The recall regarding second-row seat belt anchor bolts is particularly consequential, as seat belt integrity is a foundational element of occupant protection. Further campaigns include a transmission recall affecting both 2020 and 2021 Explorers, and a software recall for the backup camera. The 389 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA reinforce the pattern suggested by the recall volume; powertrain allegations alone account for over one in four reports. The zero defect record score is the defining safety characteristic of the 2021 Explorer HEV SUV 4WD.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Explorer perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Explorer achieves 5 out of 5 stars in overall, frontal, and side protection in NHTSA's crash-test regimen. Its rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent risk of rollover in the agency's evaluations. The Explorer did not tip in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15425
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes, with 25 recall campaigns, this model year carries a heavy defect record. Active campaigns cover the automatic transmission, second-row seat belt anchor bolts, windshield wiper motors, backup camera software, and engine block heaters. Shoppers should verify whether each remedy has been completed on any specific vehicle using its VIN at NHTSA's recall database.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 notif
Reported 2026-07-14
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V402000
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 th
Reported 2026-06-24
SEAT BELTS26V159000
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-03-17
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-03-03
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2025-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-07-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: 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: 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.
Reported 2025-06-27
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Reported 2025-06-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V159000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Reported 2025-03-14
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT25V166000
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
Reported 2025-03-14
SEAT BELTS25V093000
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5
Reported 2025-02-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Explorer?
Owners have filed 389 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 13 crashes, 5 fires, and 15 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train (105 reports), followed by unknown or other issues (77), engine (44), electrical system (39), back-over prevention (34), and structure (23). All are unverified consumer allegations.
389 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Explorer?
The 2021 Ford Explorer has accumulated 25 recall campaigns, a substantial figure that necessitates careful review. Prospective owners should verify that all recall remedies have been performed, especially those addressing the seat belt anchor bolt and transmission issues, by checking the specific vehicle's VIN with NHTSA's lookup tool.
- The 2021 model year scores zero out of 20 on the defect record component of the Safety Index, driven by 25 active NHTSA recall campaigns, the highest-impact factor separating this year from a higher safety band.
- A 2026 recall specifically targets second-row seat belt anchor bolts on 2020 through 2026 Explorer vehicles, making verification of remedy completion by VIN a critical step for any used-market buyer of this year.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 5 out of 5 stars in overall, frontal, and side crash protection, with rollover rated at 4 out of 5 stars and a 15 percent rollover risk figure recorded.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA total 389 unverified allegations, with power train issues accounting for 105 of those reports, a concentration that aligns with the active automatic transmission recall campaign covering this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Explorer places
The 2021 Ford Explorer qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Explorer safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Explorer crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Explorer, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Explorer crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Explorer earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 26 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Explorer?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 389 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Explorer years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15425), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 90 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.