Dealer visit checklist
2021 Ford Explorer checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2021 Ford Explorer problems to check
- Oil pan leaks and oil consumption issues on the 2.3L EcoBoost engine have been reported and can be costly if ignored
- Panoramic moonroof rattle or water intrusion complaints are documented in NHTSA records for this generation
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting on the 10-speed automatic, particularly during low-speed maneuvers
- Rear HVAC system blowing warm air — a known blend door actuator or refrigerant issue on several 2020–2021 units
- Electrical gremlins including SYNC infotainment freezes and random warning light activations that often require dealer resets
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- SUSPENSION:REAR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS).
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $29,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away