2021 Ford Explorer: engine overheating

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · PA

On October 21, 2026, after an approximately one-hour round trip in our 2021 Ford Explorer, we arrived home and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. When we opened the hood, we found oil spread throughout the engine compartment. The smoke and oil leak raised concerns about a possible fire and the safety of continuing to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received its second replacement engine, installed by Stuckey Ford of Bellefonte on September 2, 2026. We brought it back to that dealership on October 23. Service staff told us they believed the oil leak involved the valve cover gasket on the recently installed long block. This is a preliminary diagnosis; we have not received written confirmation of the cause. As of October 26, the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting repair and is available there for inspection upon arrangement. Whether Ford has independently inspected this new issue is unknown. The vehicle has a history of repeated oil loss and low oil pressure warnings. The original engine was replaced under warranty in June 2024 at approximately 39,574 miles after the dealership documented oil in cylinder 2 and heavy cylinder wall scoring. In June 2026, we again reported almost no oil and a low oil warning. In July 2026, at 77,206 miles, the dealership documented excessive oil consumption and internal oil burning in cylinder 3, leading to the September replacement. Shortly after that replacement, the vehicle also displayed an overheating warning and required towing. The dealership found that a coolant hose had come off and repaired it in September. Whether warning lights or messages appeared before the October 21 oil leak and smoke incident is unknown. The repeated engine problems and this new incident have left us concerned about safely using the vehicle.

Filed Oct 10, 2026 · Engine · MI

Vehicle: 2021 Ford Explorer XLT - 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 VIN: [XXX] Odometer: 127,824 Date of failure: [XXX] Complaint Description: I am reporting a complete engine failure due to coolant intrusion on my 2021 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost. This is the known defect affecting 2016-2024 Explorer 2.3L engines. Independent shop diagnosis from attached receipt states: "Engine failure due to Head problem, which cylinder 3 + 4 and head in engine known for coolant intrusion. Cylinder Head failure, carbon build up plus Turbocharger also failure." Vehicle stored DTCs P0300, P0302, P0304, P0316 - random misfire and start-up misfire. Symptoms included rough idle on cold start, white smoke from exhaust, loss of power, check engine light. Mechanic confirmed coolant in cylinders 3 and 4 due to cylinder head failure. This matches Ford's own TSB process for coolant intrusion where if coolant is found, the long block must be replaced. Safety Risk: Loss of drive power, stalling, overheating. This occurred at 127k miles with regular maintenance. This is not wear and tear - this is the documented design defect where machining grooves in the head allow coolant to pool and leak into cylinders. I have requested Ford Customer Relationship Center (1‑866‑436‑7332) open a case for goodwill and check VIN for open recalls including 23S05 (PCM/10R60) and the June 2026 2.3L long block recall for roller finger failure. Ford has not yet issued a formal recall for coolant intrusion despite class action litigation. Request: the federal safety agency investigate and expand recall to include 2021 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost coolant intrusion / cylinder head failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While our 2021 Ford Explorer with 47,000 miles to work the vehicle warning light came on stating the vehicle was overheated and shut down. We allowed the vehicle to cool for 20 minutes as recommended by the owners manual and then restarted the vehicle which immediately overheated again. We had the vehicle towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the issue as coolant in the oil forcing a replacement of the engine and coolant systems.

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Seats · TX · 1 injury

Front passenger seat overheated and caused 2nd degree burns

Filed Jun 30, 2021 · Transmission · IN

The transmission in the Ford Explorer failed on June 28th. This was noticed by observing the vehicle struggle to shift gears, and sometimes failing to shift at all resulting in extremely high RPMs. It also resulted in rough transitions from Park to Drive, combined with lurching forward suddenly. The vehicle is currently awaiting service at the Ford dealership, which was originally scheduled for June 29th. Upon notification to the dealership (where vehicle was purchased) of a transmission issue, the dealership moved the appointment to July 6th, thus encouraging me to drive a dangerous vehicle until then. During the next couple of days, the car intermittently exhibited both check engine and service lights, but neither consistently. It also produced another alert which automatically put the car into park from drive. Once the car turned off and back on, the alert did not repeat. The car was then taken to a separate dealership where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission due to an engine coolant leak. The dealership did not provide any means of transportation in response despite the vehicle being under warranty.