Skip to main content
(682) 978-8641
O Trucking
Hire Drivers Contact Website Call
NHTSA Recalls

2021 Ford EXPLORER

2 open or recent recalls

2 open recalls
Open recalls
2
Units affected
0
Trucks in our DB
0
Carriers in DB
0
O Trucking From the O Trucking network How to start a trucking business Authority, insurance, MCS-150, and first-load checklist. Start here

What this means

2 open or recent NHTSA recalls affect the 2021 Ford EXPLORER. Recall repairs are free at OEM dealers — but only if you take the truck in. If you operate this model, verify recall service status by submitting the VIN at the OEM dealer or via NHTSA.gov. Insurance underwriters and freight brokers increasingly ask carriers to confirm recall service is current before contract loads.

All 2 recalls for this vehicle
NHTSA Campaign
21V870000
0 affected

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.

NHTSA Campaign
21V652000
0 affected

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Prote

Fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an open recall fail a DOT inspection on a 2021 Ford EXPLORER?
An open recall does NOT automatically fail a Level 1, 2, or 3 DOT roadside inspection — those focus on brake, tire, light, HOS, and driver-fitness items. However, if the recall affects a safety-critical component that is showing visible defect (cracked brake line, leaking fuel line, etc.) and the inspector identifies the defect itself, it can result in an out-of-service violation. Best practice: complete recall service promptly to avoid the question entirely. Recall completion is free at the dealer.
How do I check if my specific VIN has open recalls?
Three ways: (1) Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls — free, instant. (2) Call any Ford dealer and provide your VIN — they'll look up open campaigns. (3) Use our VIN decoder tool at /vin/ which cross-references against our recall database. The fastest is the NHTSA site; the most useful for fleet operators is the dealer call (they can also schedule the repair on the spot).
Who pays for recall repairs?
The manufacturer pays. Recall service is free at any authorized OEM dealer regardless of the truck's age, mileage, or who owns it now. The exception: if recall service is more than 10 years old, some manufacturers can decline (rare on commercial trucks). Ford/EXPLORER recall service typically takes 1–4 hours of dealer shop time depending on the campaign — usually no charge for parts or labor.
What's the difference between a recall and a TSB on a Ford?
A recall (NHTSA campaign) is a manufacturer-mandated safety repair — free and required. A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is the manufacturer telling dealers about a known issue and the recommended fix, but TSB repairs are typically NOT free — owners pay parts and labor. Recalls fix safety risks; TSBs fix quality/reliability issues that aren't safety-related. If you're seeing a problem that ISN'T on the recall list, search TSBs for Ford EXPLORER 2021 — there may be a documented fix.
Can I keep operating a 2021 Ford EXPLORER with an open recall?
Legally yes (no federal law prohibits operating a vehicle with open recalls on a commercial truck — only some passenger-vehicle resale rules apply). Practically: depends on the specific recall. Safety-critical recalls (brakes, steering, fuel system) should be addressed immediately — both for safety and because insurance carriers and shippers increasingly track this. Less-critical recalls (lighting, infotainment) can wait until your next dealer visit. Always review the specific recall summary to understand severity.

Vetting a carrier? Talk to dispatch.

(682) 978-8641 Send a message

Ready to Grow Your Trucking Business?

Dispatch support for your trucking business. Explore our current service options.

Get Started Free (682) 978-8641