2021 Ford Explorer engine problems

“On October 21, 2026, after an approximately one-hour round trip in our 2021 Ford Explorer, we arrived home and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. When we opened the hood, we found oil spread throughout the engine compartment. The smoke and oil leak raised concerns about a possible fire and the safety of continuing to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received its second replacement engine, installed by Stuckey Ford of Bellefonte on September 2, 2026. We brought it back to that dealership on October 23. Service staff told us they believed the oil leak involved the valve cover gasket on the recently installed long block. This is a preliminary diagnosis; we have not received written confirmation of the cause. As of October 26, the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting repair and is available there for inspection upon arrangement. Whether Ford has independently inspected this new issue is unknown. The vehicle has a history of repeated oil loss and low oil pressure warnings. The original engine was replaced under warranty in June 2024 at approximately 39,574 miles after the dealership documented oil in cylinder 2 and heavy cylinder wall…”

“They have fixed zero recalls. I have no wipers at all. I’ve attempted to get a resolution multiple times with no care or concern nor resolution. This is ridiculous. A recall almost 8 months and people have zero wipers!!! And the engine recall. It’s going to blow up before it’s fixed!”

“Vehicle: 2021 Ford Explorer XLT - 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 VIN: [XXX] Odometer: 127,824 Date of failure: [XXX] Complaint Description: I am reporting a complete engine failure due to coolant intrusion on my 2021 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost. This is the known defect affecting 2016-2024 Explorer 2.3L engines. Independent shop diagnosis from attached receipt states: "Engine failure due to Head problem, which cylinder 3 + 4 and head in engine known for coolant intrusion. Cylinder Head failure, carbon build up plus Turbocharger also failure." Vehicle stored DTCs P0300, P0302, P0304, P0316 - random misfire and start-up misfire. Symptoms included rough idle on cold start, white smoke from exhaust, loss of power, check engine light. Mechanic confirmed coolant in cylinders 3 and 4 due to cylinder head failure. This matches Ford's own TSB process for coolant intrusion where if coolant is found, the long block must be replaced. Safety Risk: Loss of drive power, stalling, overheating. This occurred at 127k miles with regular maintenance. This is not wear and tear - this is the documented design defect where machining grooves in the head allow coolant to pool and leak into…”

“I had a very serious safety failure of my 2021 Ford explorer. On Monday, XXX my 2021 Explorer suffered an unprompted, catastrophic failure matching recall 26S48, but Ford is denying coverage based on build dates. After driving roughly 35mph, pressing the brake, and nearing a stop sign, the explorer put itself into park. The engine compartment made noises and the vehicle continued to roll until the I quickly prompted activating the emergency brake before rolling into the intersection with heavy traffic. Even in park, the vehicle continued to roll (until the e-brake was activated). I had my [XXX] child in the vehicle with me, and thankfully nobody was injured. I had no dash warning lights, or any other signs of impending failure. I had it towed to my trusted (certified) mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the following: The transmission output shaft is sheered off, right at the parking pawl. He states this would only happen if the vehicle put itself into park, while moving. This catastrophic failure could lead to a tragic accident, and could kill somebody.”

“I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability concerns involving my 2021 Ford Explorer ST in Fresno, California. The vehicle has experienced recurring transmission and driveline problems, including harsh or delayed shifting, hesitation, abrupt gear engagement, jerking/surging, and inconsistent acceleration. These symptoms are similar to transmission concerns documented by Ford for 2021 Explorers equipped with the 10R60 automatic transmission, including harsh/delayed engagement or shifting and potential issues involving transmission controls, solenoid strategy, and main-control valves. The vehicle has also required CV axle/half-shaft repairs, raising additional concerns regarding driveline reliability. I am also concerned about the known rear differential/rear axle mounting-bolt defect affecting 2021 Explorers. Ford has documented that the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, allowing the axle housing to move. This can result in severe vibration/noise and possible driveshaft or half-shaft disconnection, potentially causing loss of propulsion. The defect may also contribute to a vehicle rollaway hazard. These combined transmission, CV axle,…”

“There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic. No check engine light is or has been on. I’ve been to 2 different ford dealerships and after there inspection they claim nothing wrong with my car. It’s already cost me a lot if money. When driving I can feel the car surge likes it’s not getting fuel sufficiently real bad at traveling at or below 50 mph. I’m afraid it will stall and get us t- boned but the mechanics say nothing wrong I disagree there is something wrong. I know another person who had the same problem and he got rid of the car, I can’t afford to do that, please do something to get a recall or something before we’re seriously injured or worse.this started about a year ago and getting worse.”