About average for the Explorer
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 43,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,252 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer. The most reported problem area is the transmission and drivetrain (506, 40% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the driver assist systems. That ranks 6th of 13 Explorer years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 33 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2020 Ford Explorer before you buy.
Transmission and drivetrain
506 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and was unable to shift out of park(P). The message "Remain in Park" warning message was displayed. The vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle independently shifted to park(P), followed by a ripping sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 43-44 MPH and attempting to merge into the passing lane with his wife in the vehicle, the failure…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 6,000 miles
Electrical system
189 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 10,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
My wife was driving and the horn started blowing and the rear wiper started ejecting all the wiper fluid. When I showed up to assist, it smelled super hot and I had to pull the fuse and negative lead to make the wiper pump and horn stop. It was towed to a Ford dealer, who found the main engine harness had MELTED going into the engine…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was stopped and there was an abnormal burning rubber odor inside…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 113,849 miles
Driver assist systems
175 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 18,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (52), Sensing system: camera (32), Automatic emergency braking (29).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am writing to formally express serious concerns regarding the safety of a Ford vehicle that continues to carry a 5-star safety rating despite multiple known, safety-critical defects that emerged after relatively low mileage. Two major issues developed between approximately 62,000 and 72,000 miles. Both are documented by Ford Technical…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the vehicle experienced a failure with the back over prevention system. The contact stated that the image on the screen was occasionally blue, or the image was frozen.…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 65,000 miles
Engine and cooling
139 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 26,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving down road when motor started making noise. No lights on dash or anything then it started to buck and wouldn’t accelerate.i pulled over on the highway and shut it off and called a friend for a tow. Got the car checked out and turns out it was almost 5 quarts low on oil and has spun a rod bearing and almost locked up.Owner complaint, filed 2026
I drove to work with no issues, lights or warnings. I parked and worked for 7 hours. Upon leaving and cranking the engine, it immediately showed overheated and went into limp mode. I drove it less than 100Ft, parked and called for a tow. There was no puddles or other indications of an issue. Upon towing to the closest dealership, I was…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
125 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 48,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
91 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 7,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset. After researching this is a problem with my VIN that was offered free replacement until 2022 this should be a total…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electronic brake booster has failed. Ford has issued a customer service bulletin to address however ended the program in 2022. This needs to be turned into a recall as it could easily lead to a fatality if not addressed and replaced. Speaking with ford they have done numerous replacements of these.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Seats and seat belts
58 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
Safety recall 26S52 / 26V451 for the 2020 Ford Explorer. The passenger side second row seat will collapse while driving. It has been an ongoing issue for months. There is no part remedy at this time. I have asked to get this taken care of as I transport kids daily and just avoiding the seat is not feasible at all times. They state they…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My Ford explorer has a 3rd row headrest stuck in a down position. So, the passengers head will not be supported in a whiplash situation. I have found many complaints on this issue but cant find what should be a very important safety recall.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
52 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (33).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The fabric/plastic/felt under the car is falling to pieces! It's becoming a safety hazard. This complaint is posted in a lot of forums.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The A-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected the part and said that it needed replaced. I first noticed this…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
43 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Cruise in vehicle was set to 58 mph. Vehicle shut off going around a curve and would not restart. At 40mph emergency brake set as car wasn’t running and it was coasting to a stop. I sat on the road barely off the shoulder as car would not restart and would not come out of park to be able to push the rest of the way off the road. Had it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected using a scanner and provided an error code for the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 112,000 miles
Suspension
36 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
On 1/11/2026 while was driving vehicle started making screeching sound. Stopped vehicle and a bolt came off from the rear arm of vehicle and unit was towed for service, which at this moment Ford dealer claimed could not not find any recall notice on file. After researching the internet came across recall 21S11 re Rear Lower Control Arm…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was replacing the rear struts on 12/5/25. I noticed that both speedlogix vertical links were cracked in the exact same location. I called Speedlogix and they said they no longer carried those links (I see why). Asked for a refund and doesn’t appear I am going to get one. They were purchased November of 2024. No telling how long they’ve…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Cruise control and acceleration
29 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 11,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle occasionally exceeded 85 MPH and accelerated independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 72,000 miles
Steering
28 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 17,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for regular service, he was made aware that the driver’s side CV axle was leaking. The contact was informed that the driver’s side CV axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH and driving over a slight deformation in the road surface, the vehicle was swaying to the left and right with the Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated. The contact slowed down and regained control of the vehicle. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 118,000 miles
Wheels and tires
17 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a six-hour trip, the low tire message was displayed, and the tire quickly deflated. The contact slowed down and pulled into a service center and inflated the tire. The vehicle was then driven without failure. While pulling into a…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 57,065 miles
Wheels / Tire Pressure Monitoring System The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on my 2020 Ford Explorer intermittently fails to detect the tire pressure in one or more tires. The system will show missing pressure readings or fail to display a reading for a tire. The vehicle may operate without accurate tire pressure information…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
6 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The dash skin covering is deboning and lifting and it’s very concerning that the airbags might be compromised from inflating in an accident.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The dash board has a little split where the air bag is located. The split is in a line of or a crease of the outline of the air bag. I took it to the dealership and they were clueless. They recommended someone to fix it, but since it was closely related to the airbag I can't find anybody to work on it. This happened about a year ago it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Ford Explorer complaints by year
Compare the 2020 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2020 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer | About average | 33 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | Worse than most years | 4 |
| 2020 Honda Pilot | About average | 11 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | Among the worst years | 7 |
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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- Risk
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
Windows, mirrors 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.
Full recall 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 system Traction battery
- Risk
- Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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."
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Control module
- 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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 system 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.
Full recall 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 Recliner
- 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.
Full recall 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."
Transmission and drivetrain Gear position indicator
- Risk
- Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover.
Full recall 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."
2020 Ford Explorer questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas on the 2020 Ford Explorer are the transmission and drivetrain (506 complaints), the electrical system (189 complaints) and the driver assist systems (175 complaints).
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good year to buy?
About average for the Explorer. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 43,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 33 recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. The most recent, from Jul 2026, covers the mid / rear assembly. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 43,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 10,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
The Explorer years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2020 Ford Explorer?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model