2021 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

I was informed by the dealership that the engine issue with my 2021 Ford Explorer is the same issue for which a recall was issued. However, because my vehicle’s VIN was not included in the recall, I was required to pay for the engine replacement. I attempted to work with the dealership to have them coordinate with the manufacturer, but they declined to do so. I then contacted the manufacturer directly to file a complaint and request a review of the issue. I was advised that there was nothing they could do because my VIN is not listed under the recall. I am requesting that the manufacturer investigate this matter further and reimburse me for the repair costs if it is determined that the issue is applicable to my vehicle.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V598000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted and declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Police car started to run rough at low speed. Stalled in middle of road. Scanned codes and code for Catalytic converter showed up along with misfires from numerous cylinders. Brought to dealer and was told needed plugs and a wire. Vehicle was returned and the same issue occurred. Fixed again. Picked up and once again the same issue started. Turned around and brought it back to dealer. The mechanic stated he never checked the catalytic converter as he was never told it had a code for the converter being bad. Two weeks later I am informed that Cylinder 5 is bad. No compression. Two issues. Ford upped the warranty on the catalytic converters because of this common problem. The tech sheet shows that a bad cat will cause misfires, but never checked. Second issue is the recall 24s55 was for fords with a 3.o liter engine, built in Chicago, between the dates of 7/21 and 10/21. My vehicle was built in Chicago on 9/21 and has a 3.0 liter engine. I also received the post card regarding the recall and we had brought it t o the dealer. 24s55 states the valve could cause engine failure. Well now I have a bad engine. Ford says no recall even though prior Chief brought to dealer after receiving postcard for recall.

My explorer is only 4 years old and it suddenly suffered catastrophic engine failure due to low engine oil. The engine started knokcing and clattering BEFORE any warning lights came on the dash. This could also be due to premature bearing failure which is common in the 3.0 ecboost engines.

The vehicle has an ongoing oil leak originating from the engine/drivetrain area. The affected components include the intermediate shaft and related seals, which are subject to Ford technical service bulletins, and potentially the plastic engine oil pan and its sealing surfaces. The vehicle is currently operable and remains available for inspection upon request. he vehicle is actively leaking engine oil at approximately one drop per day. Oil leakage presents a safety risk due to the potential for oil contacting hot engine or exhaust components, reduced lubrication if the condition worsens, and the possibility of oil dripping onto road surfaces, which could reduce traction for other motorists. The condition has not caused an accident to date, but it presents an ongoing safety concern. Yes. A Ford dealership identified and documented oil leakage during a scheduled service visit in November. In addition, the dealership acknowledged known issues with the affected components and confirmed that the vehicle continues to exhibit oil leakage. The manufacturer has declined repair outside of warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ford dealership on multiple occasions. Ford Motor Company executive customer care reviewed the case and documented a decision to decline repair based on warranty status. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or messages were present prior to the discovery of the oil leak. The condition was first identified visually during a scheduled service visit in November when oil leakage was observed. The vehicle currently exhibits ongoing oil leakage without warning lamps or messages. I am also concerned that this model has had several recalls regarding the engin and our falls just outside the range of Ford recall it was build in January of 21 and the recall starts in May of 21. I would like to have that expanded to my vwhicle as well.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and parked and allowed the vehicle to cool down before driving back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine and the oil main bearings, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and then lost motive power. The engine made ticking sounds, and the vehicle was running rough. No warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into the driveway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who discovered that the timing chain, spark plugs, and intake valves were fractured. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Recall Action Soon Issue Since 06-20-2025 Unrequested second-row seat movement Unrequested second-row seat movement Recall incomplete Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now. We will inform you when the service is available. Or, you can contact your dealer. Contact Dealer Issue Date 2025-06-13 Campaign 25S67/25V393 Description On your vehicle, it is possible that the easy entry seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats may bind or stick if its surrounding trim bezel was installed incorrectly. If the button is stuck in the down position, the seat may unlatch, fold and or slide unexpectedly, potentially while driving. Safety Risk A seat that unexpectedly folds or slides while driving could increase the risk of injury, particularly in a crash. Remedy Ford Motor Company is working to provide parts for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford Motor Company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle was idle. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver had noticed an abnormal exhaust odor coming from the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had fractured at the welds location and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The vehicle was then taken to an exhaust system center, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21E11. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

We were driving the vehicle when we experienced a sudden loss of power and acceleration. We also noticed odors of gas. We took it to a Ford authorized dealership and they said it was due to antifreeze in the oil from what they said was a leaking water pump. They recommended a new engine due to the difficulty of changing the internal water pump and the fact it leaked antifreeze into the engine oil, possibly damaging the engine itself. This was the explanation for the fault codes, random gas odors, and loss of power. It was explained this was normal when the sensors detect something wrong with the oil in the engine. Estimated cost provided by the dealership was $11,000 to replace the engine.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that there was an abnormal shaking and vibrating coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a nearby mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinders #3 and #4 had lost compression, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V598000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,000.

I had complete engine failure on my 2021 115,000 mi Ford Explorer ST. The truck was only 3 years old. I heard a knocking noise and pulled over. Throughout the summer smoke had been coming out of the exhaust pipe every time I turned on the car before work. There was a cloud of smoke. A week before the engine failure I had the vehicle in the ford shop. They said everything was fine. I towed the vehicle to Currie Ford in Frankfort and they stated that there was catastrophic engine failure. Nothing could be done but I needed to put a new $12,000 engine in a $63,000 car. They said the warranty did not cover nor do I have any recourse. The safety of my family was placed at risk., I was travelling with my family, my wife, son, daughter, nephew who is [XXX] old and niece who is [XXX] . It left us stranded. There were no warnings. The dealership inspected the car a week before and said it was good to go. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled with an engine misfire. The contact stated there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that valve springs in the engine cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance by the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

On [XXX], I was driving to my destination. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a large amount of grayish smoke coming from both tailpipes. Less then 1 mile after that, the Explorer was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to Don's Ford in Utica NY where on October 8th they diagnosed the problem as a blown turbo within the engine. There were no symptoms that illuminated in the vehicle, made any noises and/or other issues that would have prompted me that there was a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated prior to the failure, the oil was changed 2-months prior at approximately 27,000. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it remained for further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust pipe detached and fell onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched online and discovered Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B35 (Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer Police Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost Engine Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection); however the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,300.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a traffic light, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day. The dealer diagnosed that both exhaust flex pipes had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70–75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 54,500.

I have a catastrophic engine failure. The dealership (Doherty Ford) in Forest Grove Or acknowledges it. They are working with me. However, Ford has not responded to the dealers request for warranty work. It will be two weeks since I took the car to the dealer with a loud ticking noise. Dealer found a BUNCH of metal in the oil. I'm waiting to hear how Ford will fix it. The car has 45k on it. They also gave me an extended warranty because of all the issues I had with the car when I first got it. The [XXX] steering coupler to the rack was loose and almost came off when I drove it home. I have had a number of other issues. All dealer repaired. The car has also been to Doherty Ford almost exclusively for all its oil changes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)