2021 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Ford Explorer?
126 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2021 Ford Explorer, 28% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 18,000–77,000 miles. 5 recalls cover this area.
126 complaints 28% of all 2021 complaints 46,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (30 of 126). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by Explorer year
Related recalls
Automatic transmission
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 26V402000 · Jun 2026Driveshaft
Can stallThe rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Recall 25V166000 · Mar 2025Driveshaft
Can stallThe rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found.
Recall 23V675000 · Oct 2023Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Electrical
Can stall3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
Recall 23V199000 · Mar 2023Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage. A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 23V069000 · Feb 2023Get an email when your 2021 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
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Common questions
What are common 2021 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, axle assembly and gears.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Explorer transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 18,000–77,000 miles. The middle value is about 46,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
Yes: 26V402000, 25V166000, 23V675000, 23V199000, 23V069000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Explorer year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2020 Explorer, with 496 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.