2020 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls (1,228 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2020 Ford Explorer is Transmission / driveline (33% of 1,228 owner reports). There are 34 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-15 1,228 complaints · 34 recalls

What problems show up on the 2020 Ford Explorer?

404 of 1,228 filings named Transmission / driveline (33% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Rear camera / backup safety (89 reports).

There are 34 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Electrical, Fuel system, Airbags, Seat belts, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Parking brake, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2019 has 294 reports on file; this year has 1,228. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2020 Ford Explorer

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 34 campaigns on file below.
  2. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  3. Rear camera / backup safety. Confirm the rear camera works and that related campaigns are closed.
  4. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Transmission / driveline. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Transmission / driveline 404 complaints · 32.9% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 36
  • Fires 11
  • Injuries 38
  • Deaths 0
All Ford Explorer years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) appears in 404 of 1,228 owner complaints (32.9%) in this vehicle snapshot. Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 404 complaints, 32.9% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 6 crash reports 404 · 32.9% Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION): 89 complaints, 7.3% of reports Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION) 7 crash reports 89 · 7.3% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 82 complaints, 6.7% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 3 fire reports 82 · 6.7% Engine (ENGINE): 81 complaints, 6.6% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 crash reports 1 fire reports 81 · 6.6% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 54 complaints, 4.4% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 2 crash reports 54 · 4.4% Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE): 52 complaints, 4.2% of reports Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 3 crash reports 52 · 4.2% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 49 complaints, 4.0% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 49 · 4.0% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 37 complaints, 3.0% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 2 crash reports 37 · 3.0% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 30 complaints, 2.4% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 crash reports 30 · 2.4% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 413 complaints, 33.6% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 21 crash reports 6 fire reports 413 · 33.6% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 404 32.9% 6 crashes · 0 fires
Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION) 89 7.3% 7 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 82 6.7% 1 crashes · 3 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 81 6.6% 2 crashes · 1 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 54 4.4% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 52 4.2% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 49 4.0% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 37 3.0% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 30 2.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 413 33.6% 21 crashes · 6 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 2019; the first recall shown was reported in Aug 2019. 2019-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2020-Q1: 29 owner reports 29 2020-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2020-Q3: 33 owner reports 33 2020-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 2021-Q1: 55 owner reports 55 2021-Q2: 20 owner reports 20 2021-Q3: 39 owner reports 39 2021-Q4: 22 owner reports 22 2022-Q1: 21 owner reports 21 2022-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2022-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 2022-Q4: 20 owner reports 20 2023-Q1: 38 owner reports 38 2023-Q2: 33 owner reports 33 2023-Q3: 62 owner reports 62 2023-Q4: 52 owner reports 52 2024-Q1: 54 owner reports 54 2024-Q2: 47 owner reports 47 2024-Q3: 45 owner reports 45 2024-Q4: 56 owner reports 56 2025-Q1: 65 owner reports 65 2025-Q2: 101 owner reports 101 2025-Q3: 103 owner reports 103 2025-Q4: 48 owner reports 48 2026-Q1: 48 owner reports 48 2026-Q2: 55 owner reports 55 2026-Q3: 77 owner reports 77 2026-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 Owner reports Aug 2019 Oct 2026 Recall campaign 19V575000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V575000 Recall campaign 19V633000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V633000 Recall campaign 19V687000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V687000 Recall campaign 19V859000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V859000 Recall campaign 20V497000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V497000 Recall campaign 20V549000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V549000 Recall campaign 20V575000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V575000 Recall campaign 20V693000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V693000 Recall campaign 20V730000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V730000 Recall campaign 20V788000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V788000 Recall campaign 21V154000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V154000 Recall campaign 21V735000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V735000 Recall campaign 22V255000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V255000 Recall campaign 23V022000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V022000 Recall campaign 23V069000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V069000 Recall campaign 23V199000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V199000 Recall campaign 23V305000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V305000 Recall campaign 23V342000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V342000 Recall campaign 23V626000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V626000 Recall campaign 23V675000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V675000 Recall campaign 24V188000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V188000 Recall campaign 24V598000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V598000 Recall campaign 24V852000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V852000 Recall campaign 25V093000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V093000 Recall campaign 25V159000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V159000 Recall campaign 25V166000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V166000 Recall campaign 25V393000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V393000 Recall campaign 25V442000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V442000 Recall campaign 25V685000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V685000 Recall campaign 26V117000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V117000 Recall campaign 26V123000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V123000 Recall campaign 26V159000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V159000 Recall campaign 26V402000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V402000 Recall campaign 26V451000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V451000 Investigation RQ21002 ● Investigation RQ21002 Investigation DP22005 ● Investigation DP22005 Investigation DP22005 ● Investigation DP22005 Investigation RQ23002 ● Investigation RQ23002 Investigation DP25001 ● Investigation DP25001
  • Campaign 20V693000 was reported 333 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V730000 was reported 290 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V154000 was reported 188 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V735000 was reported 304 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V255000 was reported 853 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V022000 was reported 792 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V069000 was reported 1,155 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V199000 was reported 92 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V305000 was reported 887 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V342000 was reported 901 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V626000 was reported 1,396 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V675000 was reported 1,393 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V188000 was reported 1,202 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V852000 was reported 1,808 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V159000 was reported 1,573 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V166000 was reported 1,918 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V393000 was reported 2,025 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V442000 was reported 1,678 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V685000 was reported 2,144 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V117000 was reported 2,105 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V123000 was reported 1,927 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V402000 was reported 2,385 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V451000 was reported 2,421 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2019-Q4 Owner reports 7
2020-Q1 Owner reports 29
2020-Q2 Owner reports 17
2020-Q3 Owner reports 33
2020-Q4 Owner reports 32
2021-Q1 Owner reports 55
2021-Q2 Owner reports 20
2021-Q3 Owner reports 39
2021-Q4 Owner reports 22
2022-Q1 Owner reports 21
2022-Q2 Owner reports 24
2022-Q3 Owner reports 18
2022-Q4 Owner reports 20
2023-Q1 Owner reports 38
2023-Q2 Owner reports 33
2023-Q3 Owner reports 62
2023-Q4 Owner reports 52
2024-Q1 Owner reports 54
2024-Q2 Owner reports 47
2024-Q3 Owner reports 45
2024-Q4 Owner reports 56
2025-Q1 Owner reports 65
2025-Q2 Owner reports 101
2025-Q3 Owner reports 103
2025-Q4 Owner reports 48
2026-Q1 Owner reports 48
2026-Q2 Owner reports 55
2026-Q3 Owner reports 77
2026-Q4 Owner reports 7
Recall campaign 1 19V575000
Recall campaign 1 19V633000
Recall campaign 1 19V687000
Recall campaign 1 19V859000
Recall campaign 1 20V497000
Recall campaign 1 20V549000
Recall campaign 1 20V575000
Recall campaign 1 20V693000
Recall campaign 1 20V730000
Recall campaign 1 20V788000
Recall campaign 1 21V154000
Recall campaign 1 21V735000
Recall campaign 1 22V255000
Recall campaign 1 23V022000
Recall campaign 1 23V069000
Recall campaign 1 23V199000
Recall campaign 1 23V305000
Recall campaign 1 23V342000
Recall campaign 1 23V626000
Recall campaign 1 23V675000
Recall campaign 1 24V188000
Recall campaign 1 24V598000
Recall campaign 1 24V852000
Recall campaign 1 25V093000
Recall campaign 1 25V159000
Recall campaign 1 25V166000
Recall campaign 1 25V393000
Recall campaign 1 25V442000
Recall campaign 1 25V685000
Recall campaign 1 26V117000
Recall campaign 1 26V123000
Recall campaign 1 26V159000
Recall campaign 1 26V402000
Recall campaign 1 26V451000
Defect investigation 1 RQ21002
Defect investigation 1 DP22005
Defect investigation 1 DP22005
Defect investigation 1 RQ23002
Defect investigation 1 DP25001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Safety Recalls (34)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Electrical, Fuel system, Airbags, Seat belts, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Parking brake, and Glass / wipers / cameras.

  1. Recall campaign 19V575000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 19V633000

    Safety recall 19V633000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 19V687000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 19V859000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 20V497000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    Consequence:
    If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 20V549000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 20V575000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 20V693000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 20V730000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 20V788000

    Safety recall 20V788000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 21V154000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 21V735000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 22V255000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 23V022000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 23V069000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 23V199000

    Parking brake

    Report date
    Component:
    Parking brake (PARKING BRAKE)
    Consequence:
    Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Recall campaign 23V305000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Recall campaign 23V342000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  19. Recall campaign 23V626000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  20. Recall campaign 23V675000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  21. Recall campaign 24V188000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 20V-575 and 22V-252.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  22. Recall campaign 24V598000

    Safety recall 24V598000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  23. Recall campaign 24V852000

    Safety recall 24V852000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  24. Recall campaign 25V093000

    Safety recall 25V093000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  25. Recall campaign 25V159000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  26. Recall campaign 25V166000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  27. Recall campaign 25V393000

    Safety recall 25V393000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  28. Recall campaign 25V442000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  29. Recall campaign 25V685000

    Safety recall 25V685000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  30. Recall campaign 26V117000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  31. Recall campaign 26V123000

    Rear camera / backup safety

    Report date
    Component:
    Rear camera / backup safety (BACK OVER PREVENTION)
    Consequence:
    An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  32. Recall campaign 26V159000

    Safety recall 26V159000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  33. Recall campaign 26V402000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  34. Recall campaign 26V451000

    Safety recall 26V451000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-14
Safety incident filters
Showing 6 of 1,228 complaints · page 1 of 50
2026-10-08Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 11769838
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Power steering doesnot work , steering was hard also antilock brake failure
2026-10-08STEERING
NHTSA ODI 11769834
CrashFireInjuryDeath
on the highway it was raining heavily, and my 6 years old was in car back seat. Suddenly wipers stopped working, Steering wheel wasn't working, indicator was not working, I was getting multiple warnings on my screen. We would have ended up in a major accident.
2026-10-07Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11769700
CrashFireInjuryDeath
On [XXX], while driving on the freeway with my family, my 2020 Ford Explorer ST violently and unexpectedly commanded a severe transmission downshift on its own. Upon stopping the vehicle, the transmission completely failed to engage Drive or Reverse, entirely immobilizing the vehicle and rendering it a severe hazard. The vehicle had to be towed 142 miles away to Diamond Ford in Lancaster, CA. Diamond Ford has officially diagnosed the failure as a broken parking pawl actuating rod. This mechanical failure perfectly aligns with the mechanical damage dynamics explicitly described in active Safety Recall 26S48 (NHTSA Campaign 26V-402), where faulty transmission logic causes temporary park pawl engagement while the vehicle is in motion, destroying internal park components. I am filing this safety violation complaint because both Ford Motor Company Corporate Support and Diamond Ford are refusing to honor the safety recall remedy mandated by federal guidelines. Under Campaign 26V-402, the official remedy explicitly states that dealers will "inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge". However, a Ford Corporate Case Manager explicitly stated on October 5, 2026, that because the software patch portion of the recall remedy is delayed until 2027, Ford will not cover the physical component replacement. They told me I am required to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a new transmission right now and apply for a refund years later, and they proceeded to unilaterally close my corporate case (Case #[XXX]) Forcing a consumer to pay out of pocket to fix a physically broken, catastrophic component caused by an active safety defect violates federal recall mandates. I request that NHTSA investigate Ford Motor Company’s refusal to execute component-replacement remedies on immobilized, defect-damaged vehicles under Recall 26S48. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2026-10-04Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
NHTSA ODI 11768857
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Drivers side low beam intermittently does not operate. Becoming more and more common. Now, passenger side lamp is doing the exact same thing, and both shut down while in motion at night. These lamps should not fail like this. There is an existing recall for 2026 vehicles with the exact same issues.
2026-10-03Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11768756
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Both headrests in the third row have broken. Neither headrest will stay up in the locking position.
2026-10-02Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11768546
CrashFireInjuryDeath
"CHECK HEADLAMP SYSTEM SEE MANUAL" appears intermittently on the dash with headlights going out. As hundreds of others have reported here and on internet forums, we too are dealing with intermittent headlights. This is a major SAFETY issue while driving at night and your headlights go out suddenly. After bringing our vehicle to a Ford Dealership (who regularly service our vehicle) and paying a diagnostic fee, they could not properly diagnose the issue and said the only fix THEY THINK MIGHT correct the issue is to replace the entire headlamp assembly at an over a $3500 cost. The problem is Ford does not know that this will correct the issue. If it truly was a headlamp issue wouldn't our headlamps go out completely after approximately a year of experiencing the headlights going out intermittingly, especially when they are supposed to last the life of the vehicle. The dealership printed out the detailed list of codes on our vehicle going back to January and it confirms the headlights intermittently going out. Besides the dealership, we have spoken to Ford corporate multiple times and they are unwilling to help us in any way nor do they want to address this dangerous issue. An investigation needs to be opened into this matter before a serious accident occurs and Ford needs to answer why this issue is happening to so many vehicle owners and create a recall. NHTSA has helped me before with a problem/recall I had on my Dodge Durango many years ago and I am hopeful that we will be helped on this issue as well.

Ford Explorer Complaints by Year

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 404 of 1,228 reports (33%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 34 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Electrical, Fuel system, Airbags, Seat belts, Rear camera / backup safety, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Parking brake, and Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2020 Ford Explorer?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-14. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources