CarModelProblems.com

2020 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 4.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
1,155Complaints
32Recalls
34Crashes
10Fires
36Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (37.8% of complaints) — is covered by 7 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Power Train complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train437 · 37.8%RecalledRecall 20V693000 · Recall 19V575000 · Recall 23V069000 · Recall 23V199000 · Recall 23V675000 · Recall 25V166000 · Recall 26V402000
Electrical System177 · 15.3%RecalledRecall 19V687000 · Recall 23V626000
Engine110 · 9.5%RecalledRecall 20V788000 · Recall 24V598000
Service Brakes79 · 6.8%No official action
Visibility/wiper53 · 4.6%No official action
Exterior Lighting51 · 4.4%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN437 · 37.8%
Unspecified / other197 · 17.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM177 · 15.3%
ENGINE110 · 9.5%
SERVICE BRAKES79 · 6.8%
VISIBILITY/WIPER53 · 4.6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING51 · 4.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM40 · 3.5%
BACK OVER PREVENTION40 · 3.5%
SEATS34 · 2.9%

Percentages are the share of the 1,155 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 32 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 19V859000 · 2019 · reported 12/04/2019

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V788000 · 2020 · reported 12/17/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V154000 · 2021 · reported 03/10/2021

Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 21V735000 · 2021 · reported 09/22/2021

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly

NHTSA campaign 20V549000 · 2020 · reported 09/10/2020

Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 20V693000 · 2020 · reported 11/10/2020

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 20V575000 · 2020 · reported 09/23/2020

Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

NHTSA campaign 20V730000 · 2020 · reported 11/24/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 20V497000 · 2020 · reported 08/21/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 2019 · reported 08/28/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 19V687000 · 2019 · reported 09/30/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 19V575000 · 2019 · reported 08/05/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 23V022000 · 2023 · reported 01/23/2023

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 23V069000 · 2023 · reported 02/10/2023

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 23V199000 · 2023 · reported 03/24/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 23V305000 · 2023 · reported 04/28/2023

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 23V342000 · 2023 · reported 05/12/2023

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

NHTSA campaign 23V626000 · 2023 · reported 09/08/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 23V675000 · 2023 · reported 10/06/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 24V188000 · 2024 · reported 03/08/2024

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 24V598000 · 2024 · reported 08/10/2024

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 2024 · reported 11/08/2024

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 25V093000 · 2025 · reported 02/14/2025

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 25V159000 · 2025 · reported 03/14/2025

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 25V166000 · 2025 · reported 03/14/2025

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · 2025 · reported 06/13/2025

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 2025 · reported 06/27/2025

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · 2026 · reported 03/03/2026

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:software

NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 2026 · reported 03/03/2026

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · 2026 · reported 03/17/2026

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 26V402000 · 2026 · reported 06/24/2026

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“VEHICULE WAS PURCHASED NEW END OF MAY 2020 AND TRANSSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 2500 MILES IN SEPTEMBER 2020. FRECUENTS JOLTS WOULD…”NHTSA complaint 11361201 — filed 09/25/2020 · POWER TRAIN
“VEHICLE IS JERKING WHILE ACCELERATING. RPM GAUGE HAND IS JUMPING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 1,750 AND 2,250. TAKES AROUND 10 SECONDS TO DOWN SHIFT WHEN…”NHTSA complaint 11355288 — filed 09/15/2020 · POWER TRAIN
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11355021 — filed 09/14/2020 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

920191772020182202111120222892023284202443420251492026

Frequently asked questions

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

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 437 of 1,155 NHTSA complaints (37.8%), followed by unspecified/other issues (197), electrical system (177), engine (110). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?

1,155 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, and 36 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — 32 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V859000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Ford Explorer's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.