Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jul 31, 2026 to Jul 31, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1253k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2021 suv
Severity index0.02021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-255 | Apr 14, 2022 | Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect | Powertrain | 252,936 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Detroit, MIEngine
Catalytic 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
NHTSA complaint 11754102
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
49 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- SSM 54702 Mar 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Aviator and 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be du… - SSM 54655 Mar 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers (but not all speakers). This may be due to other components located near the suspe… - SSM 54516 Jan 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Individual level III ballistic panel mounting tab service parts are now available: right-hand (78201B68) and left-hand (78201B69… - SSM 54354 Nov 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. The vehicle may exhibit a door ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on th… - 24N10 S1 Jul 14, 2025 · Other
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) Vehicles Engine Block Breaches This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the engine long-block for 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start da… - SSM 53982 Jun 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator, 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)… - SSM 53278 Jan 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2025 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. - 24N10 Dec 11, 2024 · Other
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) Vehicles Engine Block Breaches - SSM 52941 Sep 25, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various driveability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061B stored in the powertrain control m… - SSM 52917 Sep 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. - SSM 52652 Jun 26, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using p… - 24B34 Jun 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020 through 2023 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Units (PIU) Powertrain Control Module Software Update In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience various symptoms including lack of engine power, lag in throttle response, dela… - 22G07 S1 Apr 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
UPDATE Supplement Announcement - Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Owner letter added. First part submitted 08/03/23 - SSM 51945 Sep 22, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). Replacem… - SSM 51917 Sep 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - SSM 51875 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2023 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the drivers door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the drivers door is fully closed. When using pin… - SAN-Vol1 I1 Jun 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and othe… - SSM 51821 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - 22G07 S1 Jul 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Service Action: Confirm customer operates a low-band very high frequency (VHF) 2-way radio b… - 22G07 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade - SSM 51297 Jan 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal s… - TSB 23-2030 Jan 30, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor, 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Nov-2022 may exhibit an 8th gear start after coming to a stop and/or a no movement in Reverse condition. This may be due… - TSB 22-2350 Sep 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec (non-hybrid) engine may exhibit a delayed acceleration response at low vehicle speeds with no DTCs. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To co… - TSB 22-2342 Sep 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting the correct cooling value of the h… - SSM 50900 Jun 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, smell, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differ… - SSM 50745 Jun 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic transfer case operation and/or noise. This may be due to water intrusion between the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case installation procedure has bee… - SSM 50804 May 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as … - SSM 50748 May 5, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate p… - SSM 50661 Apr 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to… - SSM 50622 Mar 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 - 2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and… - TSB 22-2046 Feb 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the power… - SSM 50381 Jan 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additio… - SSM 50375 Dec 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the … - SSM 50354 Dec 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additio… - SSM 50321 Dec 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - SSM 50252 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using p… - SSM 50184 Oct 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns. Most concerns may be addressed with the PCM/TCM Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine. Re… - SSM 50156 Sep 28, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with… - SSM 49982 Jul 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before… - SSM 49870 Jun 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate p… - TSB 21-2195 Jun 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit inoperative turn signal lamps after replacement of the light emitting diode (LED) control module. This may be due to a lack of initialization caused by incomplete wiring circuits. To correct the… - SSM 49753 Apr 26, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming f… - SSM 49507 Jan 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the powertrain … - SSM 49484 Jan 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 F-150/Transit/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be… - SSM 49446 Jan 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with… - TSB 20-2429 Dec 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery ener… - SSM 49388 Dec 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing Section of the WSM. This… - SSM 49386 Dec 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0052, C0053, C0054 and/or C0055 stored in the TRM if the police steering wheel output circuits are not connected to any accessories. If these DTCs are detected duri… - SSM 49380 Dec 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to …
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.