Problems · by component

2021 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

48 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Explorer cite electrical system, 11% of all 452 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
48
11% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The passenger window and the driver window will not respond. The windows will not go up on either side, exposing the driver and passengers to the elements of rain. In addition, the car is vulnerable to theft and break-ins. The windows are part of a larger electrical problem that the car has, including key fob delays and screen shut off during driving. The problem has been confirmed by the service center. No warning signs are available for these problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11769505
“Ladder being shut off, I exited the vehicle. I shut the driver side door. The car locked itself after shutting . Locking the keys and entrapped my 1.5 year old for 30 minutes while I waited for police to come and assist.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Electrical systemODI 11769252
“I was driving down the road and the vehicle started to cut out like it was running out of fuel. Maybe 1 minute later it died in the middle of heavy traffic and would not re-start. I had to have it towed and I called Ford and they told me to wait until the repair remedy was available to have it fixed. I have been without this vehicle for 6 weeks now and still no remedy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769389
“Within a month of Purchasing the Vehicle, around end of June, the image on the back up camera would flip upside down when trying to reverse. This only happens occasionally but the times that it has happened I have backed into a ditch and ran over a child's bicycle. There has been no damage to my vehicle as of yet. Because this does not happen regularly the dealership has not been able to look at it and diagnosis it. They tell me to bring it when it is doing it but that is impossible unless I drive in reverse the entire way to them.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2026Electrical systemODI 11768704
“On 9/3/26, car completely shut down/went all black while we were parking. Car was towed to shop the next day. On 9/22/26, Ford told us the battery junction box is the issue and there is currently no ETA as the part is on back order because there is a national shortage on this part. Car has been in the shop for 19 days. Car payments and insurance payments are still being made. In the mean time, I am without a car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026Electrical systemODI 11766518
“While attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission/gear-selection system malfunctioned. When Drive or Reverse is selected, the vehicle does not remain in the selected gear and instead returns to Park, preventing the vehicle from moving. The condition is repeatable and the vehicle is currently disabled. The exact failed component is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. An authorized Ford dealer has declined to work on the vehicle after we requested written clarification regarding coverage. Ford Motor Company has been contacted and a corporate case has been opened. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can become completely immobile and cannot be relied upon to enter or remain in a drive gear when transportation is needed. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle remains available for inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11762803

Showing 6 of 48 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: traction battery

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Electrical systemReported Sep 9, 2023NHTSA 23V626000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.