KnownCarProblems2020 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,236 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer, most often about the transmission (40% of complaints, typically around 42,000 miles). It is 8th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints and has 33 recalls.
Most common 2020 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission
497 complaints · 40%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
When shifting into drive, vehicle will randomly have a hard brake pedal and vehicle will lurch forward with increased RPM. Use of e-brake or putting transmission in park required to stop movement. Place trans in park and restart of engine and problem gone until next time. Use of reverse, vehicle will suddenly stop and…
The contact owns a Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on a hill with the emergency brake engaged, the vehicle rolled and crashed into a 2019 jeep commander without warning. There were no reported injuries, fire, air bag deployment or police report filed. The vehicle was towed to nemer Ford(…
Other or unspecified
207 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles.
Tried to start the car and would not start. The screen on dash board went crazy and everything was flashing. Head lamps came on and air blower for heat came on high automatically. Seemed like some kind of electrical problem. The dash was flashing everything and would not start the car. Waiting for the tow truck for 2…
Total electrical shutdown when stopped at turn lane of 6 lane hwy intersection. Reportedly due to low transmission fluid automatic shut-down. Vehicle was recall buy-back repair to transmission cooler failed to correct leaking line connections. No warning. Shuts down all power to all systems. No warning flasher. No…
Electrical
187 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 10,000 miles. Parts named most often: adas, propulsion system, instrument cluster/panel.
I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer in february 2020. Since purchasing I've had several electrical and other problems. I wish I had never purchased Ford. I've had issues with the camera which had a recall which was fixed in november. I've also had a problem with both passenger and driver window not being operable or…
I have had this vehicle since february and it has been in the shop 5 times for various things! There is a jolt when it changes gears and when hitting brakes. I have a delay when I put the car in reverse which has almost caused accidents. It rolls forward, even with my foot on the brake and the jerks hard when it…
Engine
138 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 25,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust flex pipe had cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired.…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The dealer stated there were 2 cracks in the exhaust system, causing the exhaust to…
Backup camera
104 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 19,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensing system, warnings, rearview system braking, camera system.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v735000 (back over prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Brakes
87 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 7,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
I received my 2020 Ford Explorer back from the dealership on 01/23/2021, after it had been at the dealership since 12/22/2020 for an "overheating" issue, which turned out to be a module and sensor issue. While driving last night I received a warning for a "powertrain malfunction". I was able to get home with no issue…
Drivers seat appeared to shift when turning. This has resulted in the plastic trim at bottom of seat to break and come loose from seat while moving. This has occured twice. Additionally we have received error messages on the 4WD while on an extended trip. It dropped US out of cruise controlled an told US to service…
Driver assistance
85 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 11,000 miles. Parts named most often: warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection.
Car jerks from 1st to 2nd gear and sometimes 2nd to 3rd. Also, very long delay when putting the car into reverse. Takes anywhere from 5-10 seconds sometimes to shift into reverse.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a message indicating that the 360-degree camera was inoperable was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted while reversing. The contact also stated that the blind spot information system (blis) that activated an…
Visibility and wipers
69 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 7,000 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, defroster/defogger/hvac system, power window devices and controls, windshield.
Starting about the beginning of july my new 2020 Explorer st started slamming on the brakes in reverse, with no objects near by. Then it started throwing a fault for the reverse braking system. I have had the vehicle back to the dealer 3 times for the same issue. After the second time it had more fault codes for hill…
Several times when the rear camera just doesn't work - no particular reason but it's just out. It usually resumes normal operation after shutting off the car and restarting but sometimes I've had to shutdown and restart more than once (see picture from most recent issue). The emergency breaking system, particularly…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Ford Explorer recalls
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 identificati
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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
Full defect summary
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 to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Backup camera: software
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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, 2021-2024 bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Equipment: labels
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 requirement federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Engine
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 t
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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, "rear visibility."
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: traction battery
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: display function
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Brakes: electrical
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "park," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: rear
Risk: Broken rlca bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: storage
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: critical fasteners
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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: mid/rear assembly
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 included are certain 2020 ford explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 202, "head restraints" and 207, "seating systems."
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 114, "theft prevention" and 102, "trans shift lever seq/starter interlock/trans braking effect."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Underbody shields detachment
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition on august 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the âunderbody shieldsâ on model year (my) 2020 ford explorer vehicles. The petition alleges premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody shields, potentially leading to road debris. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11682326. A search of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to odi. No related complaints were found in nhtsaâs database for the subject vehicle population. Subsequently, odi conducted a broader search for related complaints and field reports involvin
Rear axle bolt failure
Summary
On july 17, 2023, the office of defect investigation (odi) opened this recall query (rq) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (my) 2020-2022 ford explorer vehicles (subject vehicles). The rq was opened to focus on the effectiveness of the remedies of recalls 22v-255 and 23v-199 related to the alleged problem. Recall 22v-255 involved replacing the bushing and axle cover in the following subject vehicles: 3.3l fhev police built before october 14, 2020, and 3.3l gas police vehicle built before january 31, 2021. For 2.3l RWD, 3.0l phev, 3.3lfhev, and 3.0lst retail (non-police) vehicles, th
Rearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance
Summary
On september 23, 2020, ford motor company (ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 cfr part 573 (NHTSA recall no. 20v-575), recalling 620,246 model year (my) 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 for a noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 111, rear visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (pcb) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera operation. The supplier of the cameras was magna electronics.according to ford's chronology in the par
Questions about the 2020 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (497 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); other or unspecified (207 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles); electrical (187 complaints, typically around 10,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
- 33 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 14, 2026 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 8th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 1,236 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.