2021-2022 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (24V598)

Recall 24V598 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford Explorer in recall 24V598?

In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 Explorer with recall 24V598?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the engine.

Which vehicles are included in recall 24V598?

Recall 24V598 covers 85,238 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford Explorer.

NHTSA lists 85,238 vehicles in this campaign, built November 10, 2018 to August 1, 2022. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Explorer engine recall?

Yes. Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment.

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

When was recall 24V598 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 24V598 to NHTSA on August 9, 2024. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as August 15, 2025.

This recall was filed 26 months ago, and vehicles were built over a span of 1360 days. If your Explorer was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Explorer is part of recall 24V598?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 24V598 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 24V598000 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 24S52. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should Explorer owners do about recall 24V598?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 24V598000 applies to your Explorer.
2. Book the recall appointment with any authorized Ford dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the engine happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are Explorer owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 697 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 84 of them about the engine.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 697 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 84 of them involve the engine. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Ford Explorer: 430 complaints in total, 53 about the engine
• 2022 Ford Explorer: 267 complaints in total, 31 about the engine

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

When driving or on neutral the vehicle shakes between 1000rpm-1500rpm. During driving or stationary you can feel the vehicle vibrating when in that rpm range. Under load the car does feel a bit hesitant and tampers acceleration. They're is a TSB 22-2377 which may be related to this issue as well.

2021 Ford Explorer owner, MD, NHTSA complaint 11633774, filed January 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power train warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to exit the highway and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road.

2021 Ford Explorer owner, LA, NHTSA complaint 11638709, filed January 27, 2025

I had complete engine failure on my 2021 115,000 mi Ford Explorer ST. The truck was only 3 years old. I heard a knocking noise and pulled over. Throughout the summer smoke had been coming out of the exhaust pipe every time I turned on the car before work. There was a cloud of smoke.

2021 Ford Explorer owner, IL, NHTSA complaint 11647022, filed March 7, 2025

Can recall 24V598 make my Explorer a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this engine recall means their Explorer qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

An engine problem that leaves you stranded, or that keeps lighting up the check engine light after a repair, is the kind of defect that can substantially impair a vehicle's use, value or safety.

This is not the first recall for this problem. When a manufacturer has to recall the same engine again, that suggests the earlier fix did not work. If your 2021-2022 Ford Explorer has had this repair more than once, keep every repair order.

Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 20V788000, 22V454000.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Explorer went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 24V598