Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
While applying brakes coming to a stop light, the vehicle gave a message stating service brakes. The brakes still felt normal. Then after a few minutes, the brakes felt like they suddenly stopped working and then the rear tires started locking up and releasing. The frong brakes felt like they were not working at all. Stopping distance approximately tripled and not really any way to adjust braking pressure. Releasing the pedal would give a 2ish second delay before the brakes would reapply upon hitting the pedal again, and withing 1 second would lock up the rear brakes again, starting the cycle over again. Took approximately 3 applications to fully stop in a safe manner. Luckily I was already driving slow due to the warning and was able stop before hitting the car in front. Was driving approximately 30 mph when this happened. Under normal circumstances and driving distances this would have not been possible. The car was taken to the Ford. They determined there was internal failure in the electronic brake booster. The fix was to replace the full assembly (ebb, abs, etc), and flush the brake fluid. Along with diagnostics of the issue, the cost was $4,100. 87 to fix. Since replacing the ebb assembly, the problem has gone away. There were no other indictions of an issue before this happened. I know other Explorer years, and other models that use this same component have been recalled for similar issues as well, and think there is a issue with this module as well.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving, the brake was sticky on three occasions. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed in a parking lot, she had to lift the pedal with her foot after the brake was sticking. The contact stated that it felt like the parking brake was on. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power booster was gone. The part l1mz2005k - Ford power brake booster was backordered for a month. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who repaired the brakes, and informed the required parts were backordered for three months. The contact called the manufacturer, who confirmed the status of the parts, and there was no release date. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
I was stoped at a red light with cars in front of me and behind me when with my foot on the break the car accelerated forward like my foot was on the gas pedal but my foot was not on pedal, the car surged forward and came close to hitting the car in front of me I pressed the break and got stopped didn’t happen again but sometimes I can feel the car wanting to keep surging forward when breaking. If there is a problem this could cause me to hit someone in the rear or even worse could hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk please check this out.
Hi, I am concerned about the safety of my vehicle. I brought it to the attention of Ford motor company and an authorized dealer that I am getting a parking brake warning on my dashboard. The authorized dealer inspected it, and said that the braking system is contaminated due to liquid spilling from the damaged cupholders. I communicated to them, that 1. The cupholders are clearly not strong enough to be placed over a critical component of the vehicle such as a braking system. 2. I think that this is a design flaw as there are normally drips and spills from having liquid in your car, especially in the designated place for it (cupholders). I should not be held liable for the repair to the braking system. They insisted this should be for my account, and if I decided not to fix it, it could lead to the entire braking system malfunctioning while the car is in motion or at a stand still. I am noting this with the department of transportation for investigation hopefully prior to an incident/accident taking place and the risk of a fatality, I have communicated to the dealer but they feel they have no accountability for this. While this may seem to be a cosmetic issue "just a cupholder", it is directly over a critical system of the car, and based on research I have done, I am not the only one with a broken cupholder in my Ford Explorer.
Part 573 safety recall report 23v-675 the recall that is has been applied causes safety issues with the car when driving forward or in reverse. When putting the car into park the parking break auto applies. Now that is great however. . When putting the car into reverse or drive it does not release until the accelerator is applied. Now the problem is that the electric parking brake is delayed vs the acceleration causing the car to jerk forward or in reverse when the accelerator is applied. It acts like your trying to do a burn out holding down the break and it releases. This is not safe. A worker at the dealer almost rear ended a power pole in the parking lot because of this. My suggestion is to have the electric parking brake disengaged automatically when the car is put into drive or reverse. This will keep the protection of the electronic parking break being applied while in park and allowing smooth transition back to drive and reverse. Why has this issue been brushed under the rug. .
All of the adas along with the brakes of my vehicle fail. The dealership failed to inform me of the recalls prior to purchase. The dealership in town shows all of the parts in stock in their parts department but claim not to have any parts available. When I called, I was given the runaround then sent to a voicemail. When I showed up to the dealership they stated they can only order certain amount of parts and I wasn’t on the list yet was told over the phone I was placed on the list on may 22 2024.
The recall to replace the rear axle bolt was completed and new boil installed. They left the automatic emergency brake program engager which results in the vehicle lurching forward or backward when shifted into gear and results in collisions with other vehicles as the collision detection system is not working.
I haven’t been problem with the parking !when I set the packing bottoms it’s turns automatically into rear I already have an issues with that !! almost kill my son an nephew I’m scared this happened again in the parking lot at store almost crash other vehicle! I need my car fixed as soon is possible I hope I hear from your side! thank you!!!.
I already having problem with the parking !when I set the packing bottoms it's turns automatically into rear I already have an issues with that!! almost kill my son an nephew I'm scared this happened again in the parking lot at store almost crash other vehicle! I need my car fixed as soon is possible I hope I hear from your side! thank you!!!.
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph he had depressed the brake pedal to slow for a traffic signal and the vehicle had a brake functionality failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had to climb the median to avoid crashing into vehicles directly in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal, however he stated that the vehicle seemed to accelerate. The contact stated that he tried shifting the vehicle into neutral (n), however he stated that the shifter dial would not move. The contact stated he had attempted to turn the vehicle off but could not. The contact stated he was finally able to stop the vehicle prior to crashing into traffic directional poles. The contact stated the police arrived and wrote a report. The contact stated he had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the driver's side front shock absorber was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
On July 1, 2023, I had the vehicle parked on an incline with a trailer attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was in park and the parking brake was set. As I attempted to unload the trailer, the vehicle started to move and rolled down the incline. I was on the trailer and was moving with the vehicle, I could have been injured but fortunately the vehicle rolled into a pile of topsoil before it could pick up too much speed. However, both the vehicle and trailer were damaged my safety was put at risk as the vehicle was moving without anyone in it. This occurred in my driveway but could have happened on a busy street. I still own the vehicle and it is available for inspection. There were no indications, warning lamps, etc. That would have notified me of the impending failure. I contacted Ford and they have been of little help. It took them 2-1/2 months to get me scheduled to have one of their field service engineers to inspect the vehicle. I was not allowed to talk to the field service engineer and that person did not attempt to duplicate the conditions which caused the failure. The report from Ford to me said they inspected the vehicle on a lift. They said they could not find a problem and said they will take no further action. They have been extremely uncooperative and do not seem the least concerned about the safety of the vehicle. I am concerned that the problem will recur and cause significant damage or injury so I take precautions whenever I park it.
I had a reputable after market brake system installed on my 2021 Ford Explorer st at holman Ford in turnersville,NJ a couple years back. Since this time I have taken back the vehicle for my brakes being too spongy. I explained to the dealership that the brakes needed to be bleed again. The technician did not and adjusted the actuator on the brakes. Last year around the same time I had almost complete brake failure. This was do to the brakes having air in the lines and leaking from a fitting. The same concern I had from the beginning. The dealership fixed the problem and also added the parking brake software due to my vehicle only having one rear bolt in the subframe. Since this time, I have received numerous parking brake fault codes on my instrument cluster. The parking brake also disengages violently to the point where my vehicle lunges forward. It wasn’t until several days ago that my 2021 Explorer went back to the dealership for the parking brake issue and then saying my parking brake actuator broke apart. I have had nothing but issues with my brakes installed by the dealer and now I’m experiencing an issue caused from the software update.
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding a persistent issue I have been experiencing with my 2021 Ford Explorer for some time now, I have noticed a loud sound when braking and when navigating obstacles such as speed bumps or when entering and exiting the ramp of my parking lot. Concerned about this situation, I took my vehicle to the service department at your dealership, where I was informed that there was a recall to replace a part related to this issue. I appreciate that you have identified and committed to addressing this problem through the recall. However, I am concerned that despite more than one or two months having passed since my initial visit, I have still not received any notification regarding the availability of the necessary part for the repair. This delay has been particularly frustrating as the problem persists and even seems to have worsened over time. The loud sound when braking and navigating obstacles is becoming increasingly pronounced, significantly affecting the driving experience and my safety on the road. I understand that manufacturing and distribution processes can be complicated, but I need an urgent solution to this problem. As a loyal customer of your dealership, I trust that you will take the necessary steps to resolve this situation quickly and effectively. Since my vehicle is my primary means of transportation, I strongly request that you expedite the repair process and keep me informed of any developments related to the recall and the availability of the necessary part. I look forward to receiving a prompt response and a satisfactory solution to this problem. I appreciate your attention and prompt action in addressing this matter.
Loud popping metal sound from rear brakes as vehicle starts to move Ford has been contacted and replaced rear brake pads which made no difference. . Read more...
After receiving a Ford issued recall for a potential rear axle bolt fracture, the dealer reprogrammed the pcm per Ford's reported repair solution. After this pcm update, the vehicle would randomly slam to a complete stop while driving. It happened several times with 3 different drivers (myself, my wife, and my son), each happening at 30-35 mph or less. It was usually preceeded by an audible clicking sound, but not always. We took the vehicle to the dealership several times, but they said they were not able to reproduce the issue, and continually returned the vehicle to us despite our grave concern for high risk of crash and injury. We even contacted Ford's customer service and legal departments several times, who ultimately refused to allow us to continue using a loaner vehicle and demanded that we return the loaner and retake possession of our Explorer because they said they had not received any other similar complaints, and their field engineer could not reproduce the issue and cleared the vehicle as safe, although Ford was never able to supply us with service records proving the repairs they purported despite our repeated inquiries. Ultimately, the issue happened again, and slammed while driving down a hill at about 40-50 mph, but this time the slamming was immediately followed by seemingly disengaging the drivetrain and causing the vehicle to roll downhill with no ability to accelerate, ultimately causing me to roll into a utility pole. Ford has since repurchased the vehicle, but given the severe safety risk associated with this issue and Ford's poor handling of our situation, I wanted others and the NHTSA to be aware in case other similar issues are reported in a effort to protect others from potential injury, especially in light of the increasing number if pcm-related issues and recalls reported against Ford. . . One of which was a pcm recall pertaining to our reported issue, but was not issued until after our repurchase was complete.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he had received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 22v255000 (power train). During a routine maintenance check, the recall was serviced; however, upon return of the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard with the parking brake fault, uphill assist, and abs warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal hardened and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact's wife called the dealer and was informed that there were 5 other vehicles that had experienced the same failure. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
While in a driveway at a decline (approximately 5% grade), I placed the vehicle in park and set the emergency brake; when I decompressed the brake to turn the vehicle off it took off sliding down the street. A coworker was with me and was about to get out at the time as well. Fortunately I was able to gain control before I hit the mailbox in front of us and no one or thing was injured this was the second time this happened; however, the first time the emergency brake was not set. Also, starting at 23k miles, I am repeatedly getting a "auto hold system fault" error every few days. This occurs sometimes at startup and sometimes while driving and the auto hold will not work when it comes up. However, if I stop and restart the vehicle, it will go away and work. I am not sure these are related.
I took possession of a Ford Explorer approximately October 12, 2021. Two weeks later on October 20, 2021, I took the car to a carwash and after paying with a credit card, the barrier went up and as I was putting my card back into my wallet, and my foot not on the accelerator, the car took off on its' own to approximately 20 to 25 mph, so I applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor with no braking. I applied the brakes continually, as the car jumped a curb traveled through a meadow went through a fence and crashed into a tree. I had the car towed to the dealer so they could analyze what went wrong and they said they couldn't find anything wrong, but they couldn't say as to why the Explorer spontaneously accelerated without brakes. The carwash had a video surveillance system and the video clearly shows the car accelerating, jumping the curb and eventually going into the forest to hit a tree. It is a blessing that I was in a remote area with no people around as the only control I had for the vehicle was steering and had there been people around someone would have been injured or killed. I contacted the texas dmv lemon law department and they couldn't help because I hadn't tried to get the malfunction repaired more than three times. They did recommend I contact the NHTSA as safety of this vehicle and possibly others of the type represent a major safety hazard. Is there anything the NHTSA can do to look into this case and first see that this malfunction is fixed on future products and second see that I can be treated fairly by the dealer and Ford motor company? the car has been declared a total loss, as it would cost too much to repair. It is in a aaa insurance lot.
Vibration: first use of the day, at about 35 mph vehicle exhibits vibration throughout, especially around 40-41mph. Felt in steering wheel, seat, and with a loud rumble often heard. Has been since car was new. Has a vibration in rear view mirror at highway speeds. Goes away after driving for 15 miles or so, and at least a half hour. Returns after vehicle cools off. Cruise control: adaptive cruise sometimes causes extreme braking at highway speeds for no reason. This happened while driving past a vehicle on alligator alley causing all my passengers to comment, even though I had not touched the brake. Happened again 10/28 on 75 coming down from sarasota. Braking: abs engages on dry roads, especially when turning, for example into a driveway, but it cold be just a normal stop for a traffic light. The brakes also “grab” when coming to final stop, causing the car to stop suddenly.