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CarMonitor

Transport Canada + NRCan

2021 Ford Explorer

Everything Canada’s open data holds on this vehicle: what has been recalled, what it costs to run, and how efficient it is compared with everything else on the road.

Recalls

21

19 current

Combined

10.3L/100 km

Fuel, a year

$3,193

20,000 km, Ontario prices

Recalls

Good news: Recall repairs cost you nothing. Book with any manufacturer dealer and quote the recall number — no time limit, however many owners the vehicle has had.

Seats And Restraints

Transport Canada recall 2026339 · manufacturer campaign 26S52

14 July 2026

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2026 · Aviator 2020–2026

What is wrong

On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair.

Why it matters

A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat fold switch trim and housing for one with an improved design.

26,900 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2026311 · manufacturer campaign 26S48

24 June 2026

Transport Canada lists: Expedition 2018–2021 · Explorer 2020–2021 · F 150 2021 · Aviator 2020–2021 · and 1 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, a problem in the transmission could cause the parking pawl to become damaged. As a result, when the transmission is shifted to Park, the vehicle could move if the parking brake is not applied.

Why it matters

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash.

What the dealer will do

To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should always use the parking brake when you park until the recall repairs are completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace any damaged transmission components.

33,012 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Seats And Restraints

Transport Canada recall 2026124 · manufacturer campaign 26C18

17 March 2026

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2021, 2025–2026 · Police 2020–2021, 2025–2026 · Aviator 2020–2021, 2023–2026

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the second-row outboard seat belt anchor bolt(s) may be loose or missing. As a result, the seat belt(s) could detach in a crash.

Why it matters

A seat belt that detaches could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, install, tighten or replace seat belt anchor bolt(s).

44 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVCompliance Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2026100 · manufacturer campaign 26C11

5 March 2026

Transport Canada lists: Escape 2020–2022 · Explorer 2020–2024 · Aviator 2020–2024 · Corsair 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

99,375 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVCompliance Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2026098 · manufacturer campaign 26S14

3 March 2026

Transport Canada lists: Escape 2020–2022 · Explorer 2020–2022 · Aviator 2020–2022 · Corsair 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the motor could fail and cause the windshield wipers not to work.

Why it matters

Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the windshield wiper motor.

54,078 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2026005 · manufacturer campaign 25SA4

9 January 2026

Transport Canada lists: Bronco 2021–2024 · Escape 2020–2022 · Explorer 2016–2024 · Focus 2016–2018 · and 4 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair.

Why it matters

A short circuit can create the risk of a fire.

What the dealer will do

To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.

138,783 vehicles affected in CanadaLight Truck & VanSafety TC

Fuel System

Transport Canada recall 2025366 · manufacturer campaign 25S75

8 July 2025

Transport Canada lists: Bronco 2021–2022 · Expedition 2022 · Explorer 2021–2022 · F 150 2021–2022 · and 8 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module software. For Super Duty models, the dealer will replace the fuel pump.

107,534 vehicles affected in CanadaTruck - Med. & H.D.Safety Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2025360 · manufacturer campaign 25S72

27 June 2025

Transport Canada lists: Bronco 2021–2024 · Ecosport 2020–2021 · Edge 2019–2020 · Escape 2020–2022 · and 18 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the SYNC software.

16,575 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Seats And Restraints

Transport Canada recall 2025328 · manufacturer campaign 25S67

13 June 2025

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2025 · Aviator 2020–2025

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row seats may not have been installed properly. As a result, the switch could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly.

Why it matters

A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat fold switch trim.

20,298 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2025140 · manufacturer campaign 25S27

14 March 2025

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2023 · Aviator 2020–2023 · Corsair 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S23 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-288) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

3,738 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2025135 · manufacturer campaign 25S22

14 March 2025

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recalls 22S27 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-198) and/or 23S16 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-172) may not have been done correctly. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine.

Why it matters

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

122 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2024492 · manufacturer campaign 24S55

23 August 2024

Transport Canada lists: Bronco 2021 · Edge 2021 · Explorer 2021 · F 150 2021 · and 2 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the intake valves may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the valves could break and cause the engine to fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine. This problem would cause the engine to run rough and the engine malfunction indicator lamp to turn on.

Why it matters

An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels and increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.

11,821 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2023543 · manufacturer campaign 23S55

6 October 2023

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2022 · Police 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 22S27 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-198) may not address all safety risks. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing could move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This could result in a loss of power to the rear wheels. Also, if the previous recall was not completed, the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used.

Why it matters

A parked vehicle that moves suddenly could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. The dealer will also inspect the rear axle cover, and replace it as necessary.

9,343 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2023288 · manufacturer campaign 23S23

15 May 2023

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2023 · Aviator 2020–2023 · Corsair 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall replaces recall 23S02 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-018). Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this second repair.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

43,582 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2023172 · manufacturer campaign 23S16

27 March 2023

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the software update that was installed by a Ford dealer during recall 22S27 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-198) prior to July 2022 may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine.

Why it matters

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

68 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2023056 · manufacturer campaign 23S05

13 February 2023

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the powertrain control module (PCM) could reset while driving and cause damage to the transmission park system. If this happens, you may not be able to shift the transmission into Park. If you try to exit the vehicle while the transmission is not in Park, and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move unintentionally. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.3 L engine.

Why it matters

Unexpected movement of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the transmission park system for damage, and repair it as necessary.

33 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVCompliance Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2022198 · manufacturer campaign 22S27

14 April 2022

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2022 · Police 2020–2021

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used.

Why it matters

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail. For Police Interceptor Utility models, you will be instructed to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace a bushing and the rear axle housing cover. For all other models, you will be instructed to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

10,607 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2021586 · manufacturer campaign 21S44

24 September 2021

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2021 · Aviator 2020–2021 · Corsair 2020–2021

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to not appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

24,101 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety Mfr

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2021525 · manufacturer campaign 21C19

23 August 2021

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2021 · Aviator 2021

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the side airbag in the seat may not be properly attached. As a result, the side airbag may not inflate properly in a crash.

Why it matters

A side airbag that does not inflate properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the side airbag assembly.

98 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVCompliance Mfr
2 replaced by later campaigns

Electrical

Transport Canada recall 2025554 · manufacturer campaign 25SA4

10 October 2025

Replaced: This recall has been replaced by a later campaign. Check the newer one — the repair may have changed.

Transport Canada lists: Bronco 2021–2024 · Escape 2020–2022 · Explorer 2016–2018, 2020–2023 · Fusion 2019–2020 · and 4 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in.

Why it matters

A short circuit can create the risk of a fire.

What the dealer will do

To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater.

128,886 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSuperseded

Visual System

Transport Canada recall 2023018 · manufacturer campaign 23S02

24 January 2023

Replaced: This recall has been replaced by a later campaign. Check the newer one — the repair may have changed.

Transport Canada lists: Explorer 2020–2023 · Aviator 2020–2022 · Corsair 2020–2023

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to not appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear.

Why it matters

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

39,978 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSuperseded

Efficiency and running cost

Class
Sport utility vehicle: Standard
In its class
More efficient than 84% of 155 2021 vehicles in this class
Tailpipe CO₂
242 g/km

Set your own distance and pump price · Full efficiency ranking

Watch this vehicle

Recall letters go to whoever owns the car on paper, which may not be you. Save your 2021 Ford Explorer and we will email you the day Transport Canada issues a new recall for it.

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Common questions

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Transport Canada has 21 recalls on record for the 2021 Ford Explorer, of which 19 are current and 2 have been replaced by later campaigns. Recall repairs are free at any manufacturer dealer.
What fuel economy does the 2021 Ford Explorer get?
NRCan rates the 2021 Ford Explorer at 10.3 L/100 km combined, emitting 242 g of CO2 per kilometre. There are 5 rated versions; this is the median.
What does it cost to run a 2021 Ford Explorer for a year?
At 20,000 km a year and Ontario average prices, about $3,193 in fuel, producing roughly 4,759 kg of CO2. Your own distance and prices will change this — the calculator lets you set both.

Source: Transport Canada — Vehicle Recalls Database; NRCan — Fuel consumption ratings. Data current as of 30 July 2026. Running cost uses Ontario average prices (155 ¢/L, 14.5 ¢/kWh), which are hand-maintained estimates. 30,784 rated vehicles on file.