Thinking about getting a 2021 Ford Explorer… any advice?

I’m planning to go check out a 2021 Explorer XLT tomorrow. I’m currently driving a 2019 Subaru Forester, but I’m looking to switch to something with a 3rd row. I’ve got two kids under 4, so I’m hoping this will be a better fit for us. I heard there were some issues with the engines around 2020. Anybody know if that’s still a problem?

I’ve got one with 60k miles, and it’s been solid overall. There was some road noise, but I fixed it myself. No issues with the transmission (I know that was a problem with the 2020 models). We’ve used it for everything—six people plus sports gear, road trips to the Tennessee mountains, and even snowy conditions without problems.

By the way, if you hear weird wind noise or flapping on the highway, it’s probably from the plastic washers rubbing against the metal screws on the underside. The fix is pretty simple—pry out the plastic washer, add a large metal washer, and secure it with a #6 nut. I did that at 50k miles, and the noise hasn’t come back.

@Cary
This is happening to me too! Also, the bolts that hold the trim to the rear hatch all fell off. Super annoying.

@Cary
I keep hearing wind noise near the passenger side too. It sounds like a window is slightly open around the second-row seat. I’ve checked the seals but can’t figure it out. The dealership fixed the underbody noise, but this wind thing is driving me nuts. Any idea if it’s the same issue?

@Wyatt
I had that same issue. The dealership replaced the rear passenger-side quarter glass, moldings, and seals, which helped for a bit, but the noise came back. Eventually, I figured out it was the undershield being loose. The black plastic nut/washer combo wasn’t holding tight enough. I replaced it with a metal washer and a #6 nut from Lowe’s. That fixed it permanently.

@Cary
Thanks! I’ll check under there again and see if that helps. Fingers crossed.

I haven’t heard about engine issues with the 2021 models. The EcoBoost engines have been around for a while now. The 10-speed transmission is a newer design, but I think most of the bugs have been fixed. Just make sure the transmission recall reprogramming has been done.

2020 was when they did a big redesign, and there were some issues with the new transmission in the first couple of years. That’s probably what you heard about.

I have a 2021 Limited, but I had an XLT loaner for a day when the dealer was fixing a few things. The XLT had paddle shifters, and I kind of wish I went for that or even an ST. Paddle shifters are fun!

The recall that just came out this week is for the 2.7 and 3.0 engines. If it’s an XLT, it’s probably a 2.3, so it shouldn’t be affected by that. The transmission is a 10R60, which doesn’t have the best reputation, but mine’s at 66k miles and still doing fine.

@Luca
Thanks for checking! Yep, it’s a 2.3. It’s got 52k miles on it, but the price is amazing.

I’ve got a 2021 XLT, and I love it. No issues so far!