2021 Ford EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 |
Engine: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 |
2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 116.7%ODI 11170308 · 112,000 miEXHAUST MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING DRIVER HEADACHES. NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING BANK 1 AND BANK 2 MANIFOLDS. VEHICLE IS A POLICE INTERCEPTOR AND HAS BEEN USED ON PATROL. | 1257.1%ODI 10992729 · 120 miODOR OF FRESH GAS NOT EXHAUST COMING FROM VEHICLE WHETHER IT IS RUNNING OR NOT. IT CAN BE SMELLED POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE VENTS WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON AND ALSO AFTER VEHICLE SITS OVER NIGHT. LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SUPPOSEDLY RAN A "SMOKE" TEST TO CHECK FOR GAS LEAKING COULD NOT FIND ONE. THERE IS NO GAS ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AFTER SITTING OR RUNNING. | 555.6%ODI 10938805 · 6,500 miTHIS A POLICE PATROL VEHICLE USED AS A K-9 UNIT. DEPUTIES HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF HEADACHES AFTER SHIFT. LAST NIGHT THEY HAD TO BE SEEN BY EMS. THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF A SULFUR SMELL INSIDE THE EXPLORER. THEY HAD THE FIRE DEPT CHECK THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS AND IT WAS OVER 100PPM. IT IS AT A FORD DEALER NOW AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED. THIS IS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND IT HAS ALWAYS DONE THIS WE JUST DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. | 133.3%ODI 11752869Purchased: ford explorer police vin:[XXX] From: Advanced auto recycling, 1375 west alameda avenue , denver Co 80223 . No bill of sale provided, only Nebraska title , odometer on dash shows (155.320) but title shows (174.388) miles . Suspected odometer fraud , A few days later, the person who sold it to me confirmed that the fraud had indeed taken place , title fraud , unlicensed sale . Day purchase: Thursday XXX Name seller : [XXX] Phone number : [XXX] Address: [XXX] Email: [XXX] I tried to contact him three times: the first time, he told … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Body | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 523.8%ODI 11011617THE VEHICLE HAS 12-15 PPM OF CO IN THE INTERIOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED OUT OF SERVICE AFTER TESTING. | 444.4%ODI 11195908 · 23,339 miTHE PLASTIC IS COMING OFF ON THE "A" PILLAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. | 266.7%ODI 11195976 · 2,650 miTHE PASSENGER SIDE A PILLAR COVER IS COMING OFF. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 350.0%ODI 11072716 · 135,000 miTHIS VEHICLE IS USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE. COMPLAINTS OF EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. INSPECTION SHOWED LEFT EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED. ALREADY RECALLED FOR EXHAUST FUMES AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THIRD PARTY HOLES. | 419.0%ODI 11011617THE VEHICLE HAS 12-15 PPM OF CO IN THE INTERIOR WHILE IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED OUT OF SERVICE AFTER TESTING. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11754102Catalytic converter and it was confirmed by independent service center my car only has 88k miles There is a catalytic converter recall on year 2020 but Ford refuses to do a recall for the year 2021 and I have another car that have the same catalytic converter problem with only 84k miles and it’s also 2021 and Ford refuses to do any work on that one two I can provide the vin for the other one if requested | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 29.5%ODI 11034848WHILE DRIVING THE EXPLORER ON THE DASHBOARD, A WARNING THAT INCLUDED THE WORD 'TERRAIN' FLASHED ONCE OR TWICE. THE REVERSE GEAR WAS DISCOVERED TO HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY UPON ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK.. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO REIMBURSE A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONSUMER RELUCTANTLY, ACCEPTED. UPDATED 10/17/2017*JS | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11757821On my 2020 police interceptor through a no issue for the transmission, failing at early mileage, jerking in a drive and slamming gears when shifting and low gears, I believe the component is the CDF drum in the transmission, which is thousands of dollars to fix Ford offered to replace it under warranty, but the issue typically doesn’t arise until after warranty is expired | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 116.7%ODI 11090523 · 90,000 miVECHILE SHIFTS DOWN INTO FIRST WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL POPS WHEN TURNING AND LOCKS UP | 29.5%ODI 11166639 · 26,406 miI STARTED MY VEHICLE AND PUT IN DRIVE MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED IN ONE POSITION I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT I STARTED GETTING SEVERAL LIGHTS ON MY DASH FROM HILL START ASSIST, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, STEERING ASSIST FAULT. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN MY VEHICLE & HAD TO BACK IN THROUGH THE PARKING LOT BACK INTO A SPOT, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF TURNING VEHICLE ON AND OFF I WAS ABLE TO GET THE STEERING COLUMN TO RELEASE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER AND VEHICLE WAS OPERATING LIKE AN OLDER VEHICLE WITH NO POWER STEERING, IT TOOK A LOT OF MUSCL… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 29.5%ODI 11121271 · 38,297 miFUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, SENDING UNIT. FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE HAD 38,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER CHARGED 600.00 PLUS TO FIX, NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.8%ODI 11121271 · 38,297 miFUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, SENDING UNIT. FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE HAD 38,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER CHARGED 600.00 PLUS TO FIX, NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11757205My check engine light has come on multiple times flashing and numerous issues with loss of power while driving. My vehicle will begin running rough and begin shaking while using the throttle. Prior to being made aware of this recall which describes the issues my vehicle is having perfectly, i took it to a Ford dealership to have it inspected. I replicated the issue in person for the mechanics and they never fixed it, charged me for bringing the vehicle in, and never notified me of this recall. Today on the way home the issue got bad enough that… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 116.7%ODI 11456600 · 111,000 miThe contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer Police Intercept. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The dealer performed an oil change and reprogrammed the computer; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer directed the contact to file a complaint with t… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 1 | None | ODI 11754102Catalytic converter and it was confirmed by independent service center my car only has 88k miles There is a catalytic converter recall on year 2020 but Ford refuses to do a recall for the year 2021 and I have another car that have the same catalytic converter problem with only 84k miles and it’s also 2021 and Ford refuses to do any work on that one two I can provide the vin for the other one if requested |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2021: 0 complaints · 2022: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Engine |
|---|---|
| Engine | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.