2021 Ford Explorer: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 129 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771685 (filed 10/16/2026): “My vehicle was just diagnosed with trouble code p2888 (park lock actuator circuit/open). this prevents the vehicle from shifting safely into park. shift sys failure was the error displayed in the dash readout. this matches the exact model, year, and dangerous symptoms outlined in ford safety recal…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769594 (filed 10/07/2026): “The contact owns a 2021 ford explorer. the contact received notifications of nhtsa campaign numbers: 26v117000 (visibility), 26v402000 (power train), and 26v451000 (seats); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769389 (filed 10/06/2026): “I was driving down the road and the vehicle started to cut out like it was running out of fuel. maybe 1 minute later it died in the middle of heavy traffic and would not re-start. i had to have it towed and i called ford and they told me to wait until the repair remedy was available to have it fixed…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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