2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 29%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid, 29% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic lift gate ajar warning was activated; however, the liftgate was not open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who adjusted the liftgate striker, and the failure was remedied; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, while driving at speeds between 5 - 20 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and vibrating with the RPM’s extremely elevated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not identified. …”
NHTSA complaint #11501484, filed 2023-01, 22,000 miles“A Police Officer's Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrid SUV while driving had a vehicle malfunction where the rear wheels began to wobble/vibrate and while driving in a straight line with front wheels facing straight caused the vehicle to fishtail out of the control (loss of control to the rear wheels) and slam into a tree at approximately 50mph injuring the officer. Officer's injuries were broken left leg and two knee fractures. Upon further research, this incident may have been caused by the rear bolt fracture issue Ford is having with these specific Ford Explorers. …”
NHTSA complaint #11556088, filed 2023-11Related recalls
- 22V255000Apr 14, 2022Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV…Covers: Ford Explorer Hybrid 2020–2022, Explorer 2020–2022, Explorer Intercept Hybrid 2020–2021 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11031640Apr 27, 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain…
- 11026518Dec 4, 2025Some 2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp…
- 10250306Feb 9, 2024Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles…
- 10220380Sep 12, 2022Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology