2021 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Explorer
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (121 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 121 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (48 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 48 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (43 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 43 NHTSA complaints
Back Over Prevention complaints Check
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (36 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 36 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (24 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 24 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
58 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
26
Suspension Check
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine Red flag
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Power Train Red flag
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Visibility Check
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train Check
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 26 recalls for the 2021 Explorer. The most serious involve Engine (20V788000) and Air Bags (21V652000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (121 complaints) and Unknown or Other (84 complaints), out of 426 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 121 complaints for this model-year.