2021 Ford Explorer: Price, Value & Reliability
Updated
As of Nov 7, 2026, a used 2021 Ford Explorer lists for a median $22,945 (middle half $19,933–$26,147) at 80,625 mi, across 3,152 dealer listings. That's 56.8% below today's median new Explorer price. Reliability: no avoid flag in our NHTSA complaint analysis. NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns covering the 2021.
Used 2021 Explorer for sale
| Trim | Listings |
|---|---|
| XLT | 1,539 |
| Limited | 622 |
| ST | 448 |
| Platinum | 190 |
| Utility Police Interceptor | 146 |
| Base | 132 |
| TIMBERLINE | 41 |
| King Ranch | 30 |
| Limited HEV | 3 |
| Timberline | 1 |
| State | Listings |
|---|---|
| Texas | 311 |
| Florida | 162 |
| Illinois | 159 |
| Ohio | 141 |
| Pennsylvania | 138 |
| Michigan | 127 |
| California | 125 |
| North Carolina | 117 |
| New Jersey | 116 |
| Missouri | 109 |
2021 Explorer reliability and recalls
Verdict: No avoid flag — compared with the Explorer's other model years on severity-weighted NHTSA complaints. 2021 Explorer problems by component →
| Component | Campaign | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 26V451000 | Jul 14, 2026 |
| Powertrain / transmission | 26V402000 | Jun 24, 2026 |
| Seat belts | 26V159000 | Mar 17, 2026 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 26V123000 | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Visibility | 26V117000 | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Equipment | 25V685000 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| Fuel system | 25V455000 | Jul 7, 2025 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 25V442000 | Jun 27, 2025 |
| Seats | 25V393000 | Jun 13, 2025 |
| Powertrain / transmission | 25V166000 | Mar 14, 2025 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 25V159000 | Mar 14, 2025 |
| Seat belts | 25V093000 | Feb 14, 2025 |
| Equipment | 24V852000 | Nov 8, 2024 |
| Engine & cooling | 24V635000 | Aug 23, 2024 |
| Engine | 24V598000 | Aug 9, 2024 |
| Powertrain / transmission | 23V675000 | Oct 6, 2023 |
| Electrical system | 23V626000 | Sep 8, 2023 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 23V342000 | May 12, 2023 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 23V305000 | Apr 28, 2023 |
| Parking brake | 23V199000 | Mar 24, 2023 |
| Powertrain / transmission | 23V069000 | Feb 10, 2023 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 23V022000 | Jan 23, 2023 |
| Suspension | 21V870000 | Nov 10, 2021 |
| Backup camera / back-over prevention | 21V735000 | Sep 22, 2021 |
| Air bags | 21V652000 | Aug 23, 2021 |
| Engine | 20V788000 | Dec 17, 2020 |
Check whether a specific car's recalls were completed by running its VIN.
2021 Explorer value vs new
At 5 years old, the 2021 lists 56.8% below today's median new Explorer price of $53,756 (2026).
Other Explorer model years
More on the Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer FAQ
How much is a used 2021 Explorer worth?
The median asking price is $22,945, with the middle half between $19,933 and $26,147, at a median 80,625 mi (3,152 listings).
Is the 2021 Explorer reliable?
The 2021 is no avoid flag in our NHTSA complaint analysis of the Explorer's model years.
Does the 2021 Explorer have recalls?
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns that cover the 2021 Explorer, most recently seats (Jul 14, 2026). Check a specific car by VIN to see whether they were completed.