2021 Ford Explorer FFV AWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Gasoline Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDPart-time 4-Wheel Drive
City
16
MPG
Highway
23
MPG
Combined
19
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic (S10)
Gasoline or E85 FFV
City
16
Hwy
23
Comb
19
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,550

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-5,750

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 3/10
GHG Score: 3/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
471 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
15.7 barrels

Specifications

Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
Transmission
10-speed Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 2-3 (6,001–10,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
3.3L, 6-cylinder
Induction Type
Direct Injection
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline
Alt Fuel
E85

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,545/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,703/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$3,069/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$3,265/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,570/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,561/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$4,414/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,646/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$3,429/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,512/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 19 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems382 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 382 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer FFV AWD. Top reported issues include power train, engine and electrical system. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Power Train
104
Engine
53
Electrical System
39
Visibility / Wipers
34
Advanced Safety (ADAS)
23
Brakes
21
Structure
21
Fuel System
20

2021 Ford Explorer FFV AWD problems by category: Power Train: 104 complaints, Engine: 53 complaints, Electrical System: 39 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 34 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 23 complaints, Brakes: 21 complaints, Structure: 21 complaints, Fuel System: 20 complaints.

21
Crashes Reported
7
Fires Reported
19
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

SuspensionFiled: 02/03/2026ODI#11715221
On [XXX], we sent a 2021 Ford Interceptor to J.C. Lewis Ford located at 309 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville, Georgia 31313 for a recall under 23S55. The recall is a safety issue related to a rear axle …
Other / UnknownFiled: 11/17/20251 InjuryODI#11699971
My vehicle is experiencing exhaust fume issue where the exhaust fumes are entering into the cabin for Explorer and Aviator models (Any model with the 3.0L Ecoobost). Upon inspection by 3rd party mecha…
Electrical SystemFiled: 05/13/2022ODI#11464541
I am having major issues with the 3rd row seating on my Ford explorer getting stuck and not able to be moved. This is happening causing children to not have places to sit and seatbelts to secure them…

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

Ford Explorer FFV AWD MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year

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