Total Complaints
1518 filings
FORD EXPLORER · model year
1518 NHTSA complaints, 50 crash reports, and 31 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020FORDEXPLORER carries 1518 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 50 crashes, 16 fires, 46 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 EXPLORER is power train with 396 filings, followed by unknown or other (182) and electrical system (168). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 31 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2020 EXPLORER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1518 filings
Crashes Reported
50 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 396 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 182 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 168 |
| ENGINE | 104 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 75 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 45 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 45 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 40 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 38 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 32 |
| SEATS | 31 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA | 30 |
| SUSPENSION | 27 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 26 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 26 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview i
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or dist
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt a
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it t
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.
ENGINE
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 exhaus
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these v
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles
My Explorer has the optional double moonroof with an electric sunshade that opens or closes with a button. A week ago when I tried to retract the sunshade I noticed that the driver side of the fabric started drooping. After trying a few more times the roller failed to retract the fabric completely. So when I try to open the sunshade the fabric just hangs from the roller and impedes my view out the rear window, thereby creating a safety hazard
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including âShift System Faultâ and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including âShift System Faultâ and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in
Sunroof clip broke and fabric sags which can affect visibility.
The rear differential axle bolt on my vehicle has broken. There was no impact or collision prior to this failure. The vehicle suddenly made a loud noise and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while I was driving with my [XXX] daughter in the car. This created a serious safety hazard. Although my VIN does not currently appear under an active recall, I am aware that there have been prior recalls issued for this specific issue on the same vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed promptly for safety concerns and potential coverage, as the failure occurred without warning and placed my family at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The back camera screen went blue, even though I already replaced the camera as per the previous recall. This time, the entire screen went blue.
The catalytic converters (both) on my 5-year-old Ford Explorer both failed due to cracked welds. This failure appears to be common with the v6 ecoboost engines. It happened sometime before 124000 miles, it was only noticed because my wife and daughters started complaining about headaches and sleepiness when riding in the vehicle. The failure was only noticed when a mechanic evaluated it, the failure was not noticeable otherwise. I believe this is a very dangerous condition, as the fumes were evidently getting into the vehicle somehow and causing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The estimate to repair both is $5000, but according to the repair shop, there are currently none available. Ford has acknowledged this defect in Customer Satisfaction Program 21B35 and the 2025 service bulletin covering cracked weld failures. At about the same time, the transmission suddenly. The failure is very specific, and is documented in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2411 as a known defect. Th
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Driving at speed and starting to slow down the vehicle downshifted hard and afterwards would shift hard on every shift. Vehicle was taken to dealership and was diagnosed with CDF drum failure. Vehicle was under 100k miles and not under warranty.
Sun roof sun shade malfunctions and the shade sags down unable to see out of rear of vehicle, or rear view mirror. Also sags down on rear passengers and children and could cause your passengers to stop breathing from covering your face. Very dangerous.
LED Headlight assembly failure. Loss of headlight is a safety concern because by law you need both headlights working. It allows cars to see you. The malfunction of the headlight has been confirmed by a Ford Dealership. There are several reports online of this happening to the 2020 Explorer LED headlamps. The only warning was the message system.
Sunroof shade failed during normal operation. It is hanging down and obstructing the back window.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly while upshifting or downshifting before slamming into gear. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. There was transmission fluid odor coming from the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the engine unexpected revved while driving on the freeway. The contact stated that when the transmission slammed into gear, the vehicle felt like the parking brake was activated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the repairs were put on hold until the warranty had ended. Most recently, the contact stated that while his wife was drivi
Mileage: 50,000
Sagging sunroof shade.
**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle ...ie: drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the BCM (is what I am told.) So the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. at least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still g
**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle ...ie: drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the BCM (is what I am told.) So the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. at least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still g
**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle ...ie: drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the BCM (is what I am told.) So the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. at least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still g
The middle row passenger side seatbelt randomly unbuckles when we drive. We have had ford dealership look at it and are going to fix it as there is not a spicific recall for this but it is a saftey concern as the seatbelt doesn't stay fastened when driving.
Car will be in drive or reverse, start to move with foot on gas then will shift itself into park
Passenger side headlight quit working, except on high beams. Also, dashboard warning came on about headlamp not working. Tried to get new bulbs and was told that the whole headlight assembly had to be replaced and dealership charges $1500+
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.