2020 Ford Explorer
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 616 |
| 1992 | 640 |
| 1993 | 944 |
| 1994 | 1231 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3294 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1196 |
| 2012 | 824 |
| 2013 | 2229 |
| 2014 | 1674 |
| 2015 | 1771 |
| 2016 | 2443 |
| 2017 | 1677 |
| 2018 | 720 |
| 2019 | 291 |
| 2020 | 1198 |
| 2021 | 412 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 106 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 95 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
40% of complaints: power train — 477 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and hoses and fittings.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V675000 (Power Train), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
Also filed under VISIBILITY
I WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE RAMP IN A PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO MANEUVER OUT BETWEEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND REVERSE A FEW TIMES TO GET OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201127
The vehicle downshifts hard while driving at regular speeds, revving the engine. As you drive, you can feel it downshifting heavily. The transmission now has metal in it and is undriveable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
15% of complaints: electrical system — 185 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing management system/energy control module (bms/becm) and sensors.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The camera system does not work and disables the reverse braking and other safety features while reversing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231022
Also filed under BACK OVER PREVENTION
9% of complaints: engine — 113 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The part that is affected is the engine/transmission. When the temperature outside reaches approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine seizes upon starting and it will not engage in gear until it is warmed up. That's take anywhere from 5-10 min.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
9% of complaints: back over prevention — 112 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing camera and warnings.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed.
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.
Campaign 19V575000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines.
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.
Campaign 19V687000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 19V633000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V859000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V497000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V549000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V730000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V693000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V575000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V788000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles.
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.
Campaign 21V154000 — check if this car was fixed
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
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.
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.
Campaign 21V735000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V022000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
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.
Campaign 23V069000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V199000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS).
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.
Campaign 23V305000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V342000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V675000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V188000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines.
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.
Campaign 23V626000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 24V852000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V159000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V166000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V093000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V393000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package.
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.
Campaign 24V598000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 25V442000 — check if this car was fixed
Underbody shields detachment
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.
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.
Campaign 26V159000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026.
Campaign 26V451000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 26V117000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
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, are expected to be mailed August 3, 2026.
Campaign 26V402000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (477 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (185 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (113 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V685000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V117000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V402000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V575000 (electrical system, parking brake, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V687000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V633000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V859000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V497000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V549000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V730000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V693000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V575000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V788000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V154000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V735000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V022000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V069000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V199000 (parking brake, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V305000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V342000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V675000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V188000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V626000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V852000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V159000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V166000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V093000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V393000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V598000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V442000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V159000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V123000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V451000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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FAQ
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ford Explorer is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
33 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.