Extended warranty worthiness profile

2021 Ford Explorer

Broad repair planning ranges plus reported complaint, recall and manufacturer communication signals. Reports describe submitted cases and do not measure the probability of failure.

405complaint reports

27recall campaigns

318manufacturer communications

6leading reported components

Animated diagnostic view representing the 2021 Ford Explorer

Model-year reading

What the 2021 record can and cannot say

Owners submitted 405 complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer in this database. That count lands 0 above the median year in this model file, without adjusting for sales or time on the road.

The leading tag is Power Train, attached to 107 reports. Its 26.4% share points toward a contract section worth reading, not the next component destined to fail.

The largest applicable parts midpoint belongs to Engine replacement or major internal repair at $7,000. Coverage has value only if the administrator accepts both the component and the cause.

Vehicle configuration

2021 EPA specification range

The official dataset contains 10 matched configurations for this model year. The range reflects trim and drivetrain choices, not changes to the complaint count.

Vehicle classStandard SUV

Fuel choicesGasoline, Gasoline or E85, and Hybrid

Drive layoutsFour-wheel drive and Rear-wheel drive

Engine range2.3 to 3.3 L; 4 to 6 cylinders

EPA efficiency19 to 27 mpg

Transmission typesAutomatic

EPA figures vary by configuration. Confirm the exact engine, drive layout and fuel system from the VIN or original window sticker. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, updated 2026-06-16.

Estimated repair bills

Major repair cost range

Parts and labor benchmarks combined with an independent-shop labor model for Dallas, TX. Published model estimates calibrate supported repairs; model-year configuration data removes incompatible scenarios.

Repair	System	Estimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repair	Engine	$5,860-$16,847
Transmission replacement	Transmission	$3,492-$11,122
Hybrid high voltage battery replacement	Hybrid powertrain	$4,986-$5,316
Transfer case replacement	Driveline	$2,044-$8,129
Turbocharger replacement	Turbo and Supercharger	$1,520-$6,465
Head gasket replacement	Engine	$2,286-$3,619
Timing chain replacement	Engine	$1,895-$2,968
Catalytic converter replacement	Exhaust and emissions	$2,241-$2,517
Steering rack replacement	Steering	$2,164-$2,584
Strut and control arm repair	Suspension	$946-$4,495

Compare years

Other Ford Explorer model years

202588 reports · 21 recalls 202419 reports · 10 recalls 2023103 reports · 15 recalls 2022248 reports · 25 recalls 2021405 reports · 27 recalls 20201,169 reports · 35 recalls 2019286 reports · 6 recalls 2018714 reports · 7 recalls 20171,671 reports · 15 recalls 20162,453 reports · 15 recalls 20151,759 reports · 9 recalls

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