I had a very serious safety failure of my 2021 Ford explorer. On Monday, XXX my 2021 Explorer suffered an unprompted, catastrophic failure matching recall 26S48, but Ford is denying coverage based on build dates. After driving roughly 35mph, pressing the brake, and nearing a stop sign, the explorer put itself into park. The engine compartment made noises and the vehicle continued to roll until the I quickly prompted activating the emergency brake before rolling into the intersection with heavy traffic. Even in park, the vehicle continued to roll (until the e-brake was activated). I had my [XXX] child in the vehicle with me, and thankfully nobody was injured. I had no dash warning lights, or any other signs of impending failure. I had it towed to my trusted (certified) mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the following: The transmission output shaft is sheered off, right at the parking pawl. He states this would only happen if the vehicle put itself into park, while moving. This catastrophic failure could lead to a tragic accident, and could kill somebody. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11765091 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle failed to connect or communicate with the computer and module. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact the manufacturer was not responsible to cover the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was unknown.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11752671 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

While applying brakes coming to a stop light, the vehicle gave a message stating service brakes. The brakes still felt normal. Then after a few minutes, the brakes felt like they suddenly stopped working and then the rear tires started locking up and releasing. The frong brakes felt like they were not working at all. Stopping distance approximately tripled and not really any way to adjust braking pressure. Releasing the pedal would give a 2ish second delay before the brakes would reapply upon hitting the pedal again, and withing 1 second would lock up the rear brakes again, starting the cycle over again. Took approximately 3 applications to fully stop in a safe manner. Luckily I was already driving slow due to the warning and was able stop before hitting the car in front. Was driving approximately 30 mph when this happened. Under normal circumstances and driving distances this would have not been possible. The car was taken to the Ford. They determined there was internal failure in the Electronic Brake Booster. The fix was to replace the full assembly (EBB, ABS, etc), and flush the brake fluid. Along with diagnostics of the issue, the cost was $4,100.87 to fix. Since replacing the EBB assembly, the problem has gone away. There were no other indictions of an issue before this happened. I know other Explorer years, and other models that use this same component have been recalled for similar issues as well, and think there is a issue with this module as well.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11712289 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

All 4 tire TPMS sensor have failed. 2 at 67,057 on ~ 2/20/26, 2 at 71,024 miles on ~6/10/26. Car is a 2021. Sensors should not have failed within 5 years of owing the car. I have a 2012 Ford F50m only 1 has failed in over 14 years. Asking consideration for a recall to cover costs.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753594 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Dashboard separation concerned with airbag. Every day driving you run the risk of more damage. Have spoken to Koons Ford who states cannot help due to warranty. No one has looked at it except for pictures. This should not be the owners responsibility since I am not alone with issues of this problem

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11744570 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic seat back adjustment malfunctioned, causing the right side of the seat to rise while the left side failed to respond, resulting in extreme discomfort for the driver while operating the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure and offered the replacement part for purchase. The contact purchased the part to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764501 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov