2020 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission automatic

    14 stranded, 217 unsafe, 4 broken, 1 annoyance

    236
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,500–50,000 mi

    Median 10,000 mi, based on 111 reports (66% had no usable mileage)

    • "TRANSMISSION COOLER DRAIN SYSTEM LEAKED METAL FOUND IN TRANSMISSION PAN REPLACED WITH AN OEM TRANSMISSION. CAUSING POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION "~1,008 mi, complaint #1646339
    • "AT 4,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEARS UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST NOT DRIVE ABLE. WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD SLIP OUT OF GEAR AND AT 26 MILES PER HOUR IS WOULD JUMP GEARS."~4,000 mi, complaint #1642395
    • "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…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1689031
    • "VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING HARD SHIFTS WHEN IN LOWER GEARS, IT HAS A HARD TIME GOING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. ENGINE MAKES A HUMMING OR LOW GROWLING NOISE, LIKE IT DID BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER BUSTED IN DECEMBER 2020. THIS ALL HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE I…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1733740
    • "Transmission gose into limp mode when trying to pass other vehicles missed shift warning ⚠️ on dash also loud rattling noise from floor passengers side"~126,925 mi, complaint #2045335
  2. #2

    backup camera

    64 unsafe, 22 annoyance

    86
    incidents
    Typical range: 3,000–37,000 mi

    Median 12,000 mi, based on 52 reports (68% had no usable mileage)

    • "BACK UP CAMERA INOPERATIVE. IN REVERSE, THE VEHCLE WILL SWITCH TO THE BACKUP CAMERA BUT THE DRIVER CAN NOT SEE THE IMAGES, THE SCREEN WOULD BE DARK AND SNOWY."~500 mi, complaint #1709799
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the backup camera display image was very washed out, unclear and the colors appeared to be bleached out causing visibility issues for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1772228
    • "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 RE…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1707125
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse the backup camera failed to engage. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needin…"~22,900 mi, complaint #1770661
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the 360-degree camera view became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1863655
  3. #3

    sunroof

    55 unsafe, 2 broken, 19 annoyance

    76
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the interior panoramic sunshade cover detached from the interior roof headliner and fell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local deal…"~66,000 mi, complaint #2016551
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior sunroof shade cloth sagged down causing an obstruction of the rear window for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failed clip to…"~78,000 mi, complaint #2063758
  4. #4

    lighting exterior

    33 unsafe, 2 broken, 11 annoyance

    46
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side headlight intermittently failed to illuminate with the "Check Headlamp System See Owner’s Manual" message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure persisted, and th…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1964991
  5. #5

    brake hydraulics

    41 unsafe

    41
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,000–29,500 mi

    Median 13,000 mi, based on 54 reports (38% had no usable mileage)

    • "ON JANUARY 6, 2020, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND COULD NOT STOP. I WAS GOING AROUND 40 MPH. THEN, I BEGIN PRESSING ON THE BREAK WITH MY RIGHT FOOT AND COULD NOT STOP. NEXT, I USED BOTH FEET PRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND COULD…"~1,810 mi, complaint #1636691
    • "THE EXPLORER WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE DROVE FORWARD ABOUT 3 FT, JERKED, THEN SLAMMED INTO REVERSE. REACTION TIME ON MY BEHALF WAS SLOW AS IT WAS UNEXPECTED, I ALMOST HIT A LIGHT POLE. THIS OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT"~5,800 mi, complaint #1643892
    • "AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WITH BRAKE DEPRESSED SHIFTING TO REVERSE THE CAR MOVES REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PRESSURE APPLIED. ISSUE ONLY STOPS AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKES OR SHIFTING BACK TO PARK OUR NEUTRAL. ALL SITUATIONS HAVE BEEN ON FLAT LAND AND HAS OC…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1673135
    • "SAME FAILURE AS OTHER DRIVERS HAVE REPORTED. VERY OCCASIONALLY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGAGING DRIVE/REVERSE FROM A FRESH START, PARKED POSITION, BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. VERY HARD WALL ON BREAK PRESS WITH VERY LITTLE TO NO BREAKING AS A RESULT. VEHICLE CO…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1733986
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving with the auto-hold brake system engaged, the tires began to spin. The brake pedal was applied but the vehicle rolled and crashed into a vehicle. The charging system and engine warning…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1825345
  6. #6

    other

    2 stranded, 21 unsafe, 2 broken, 15 annoyance

    40
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 70,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY STOP ABRUPTLY WITHOUT WARNING. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE SUFFERED WHIPLASH WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING THE VEH…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1715101
    • "INTERIOR FLOODING, IN SPARE TIRE WELL AND ALL FLOORING AREAS. SIX GALLONS OF WATER REMOVED. WAITING FOR FORD DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT. THEY BELIEVE A WELD HAS GONE BAD."~17,000 mi, complaint #1733397
    • "The contact owned a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate its speed on its own. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and saw fire locate…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1825571
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front end of the hood was lower than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was not due to a collis…"~68,000 mi, complaint #2103743
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a hurricane, there was water damage inside the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that water had entered the vehicle through th…"~76,290 mi, complaint #2033652
  7. #7

    transfer case awd

    1 stranded, 33 unsafe

    34
    incidents
    Typical range: 47,000–89,000 mi

    Median 72,000 mi, based on 31 reports (60% had no usable mileage)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle alerted her that the power train malfunctioned, pre-collision assist was unavailable, and…"~24,186 mi, complaint #1863510
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and whenever attempting to accelerate the vehicle would display a jerking sensation. It would jump as if it wanted to fail and or stall. power train malfunctioning,…"~34,412 mi, complaint #1940518
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the pre-collision assist, service engine, four-wheel drive service, and advancetrac service warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, w…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1958962
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle failed to move and was seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the transfe…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1833430
    • "First I started randomly getting lights come up on my dash hill start assist not available powertrain malfunction traction control reduced power took it to ford multiple times they tell me there is nothing wrong. Finally I have to have my car towed due to not…"~102,207 mi, complaint #2044376
  8. #8

    seat mechanism

    24 unsafe, 3 broken

    27
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 35,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MIDDLE CAPTAIN SEATS FREE SLIDING DURING OPERATION WITHOUT WARNING TO DRIVER. CAUSED CHILD IN BOOSTER TO BE SLID FROM REAR MOST POSITION TO CONTACTING BACK OF PASSENGER SEAT DURING A HARD STOP. FINDING WAS THAT THE ELECTRONIC SEAT FOLDING BUTTON ON THE TOPS OF…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1688883
    • "PASSENGER MIDDLE ROW CAPTAIN CHAIR WAS NOT LOCKED IN PLACE RESULTING IN CHILD OCCUPANT TO BE PROPELLED FROM SEAT IN REAR MOST POSITION ALL THE WAY TO FRONT MOST POSITION WHILE ABRUPTLY BRAKING CAUSING CHILD TO STRIKE REAR OF PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. UPON DEALERSH…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1667804
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while loading her children into the vehicle, the driver’s, and passenger’s side rear second row seats collapsed and remained locked in the upright position. After a visual inspection, the contact o…"~20,000 mi, complaint #2121935
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger’s seat became detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer and determined that the failure was due to a design flaw…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1925766
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was positioned in the third-row seat, the head restraint unexpectedly slammed down on the tip of his left index finger. As a result, he sustained a severe injury that required immedia…"~110,000 mi, complaint #2225183
  9. #9

    adas collision warning

    25 unsafe

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 4,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "2020 FORD EXPLORER HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PRE-COLLISION ASSIST, WHICH OVERRIDES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND EFFECTIVELY DISABLES THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE THEN PUTS ITSELF INTO A SAFE MODE, WHICH PR…"~800 mi, complaint #1683794
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while shifting into reverse the Back Over Prevention screen failed to operate as designed. Additionally, the vehicle would respond without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact also stated…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1831877
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the back over protection screen turned blue and the contact was unable to see the road. The contact stated that the reverse brake assist warning light was illuminated. The c…"~5,100 mi, complaint #1762075
    • "VEHICLE DETECTED POSSIBLE COLLISION AND APPLIED BRAKES. THERE WAS NOTHING ANYWHERE NEAR ME. THEN SEVERAL FAULTS APPEARED. SERVICE 4WD, PRE COLLISION ASSIST FAULT, STABILITRACK FAULT, DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE FAULT. INFO SCREEN WENT ALL BLACK. I WAS DRIVING AT 4…"~6,342 mi, complaint #1696441
    • "VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY BREAKS, AS IF DETECTING A CRASH, WHEN THERE IS CLEARLY NO CAR AHEAD. VEHICLE TAKES OVER CONTROL OF BREAKS UNEXPECTEDLY. HAS HAPPENED ON REPEATED OCCASIONS AND ALREADY REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER MONTHS AGO."~10,700 mi, complaint #1643923
  10. #10

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 stranded, 22 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stat…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1981512
    • "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…"~54,000 mi, complaint #2115172
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger side tires were shredded. In addition, the curbside tire went flat. The contact's son replaced the tires. The vehicle was take…"~62,000 mi, complaint #2039972
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or while reversing, there was an abnormal shuddering sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes, 4-WD, Auto Stop, and Auto Hold warning lights were illuminated. The…"~108,436 mi, complaint #2013267
  11. #11

    engine stall or no start

    6 stranded, 17 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 7,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE WILL NOT START WHEN PARKED ON DRIVEWAY W/ NOSE FACING STREET IF THERE IS LESS THAN ABOUT A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS IN IT. WHEN TRIED TO MANY TIMES THE DASH READS CRANKING LIMIT EXCEEDED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP - 2021 LOANER WAS PROVIDED AND…"~651 mi, complaint #1722145
    • "I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BANK AND PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND WHILE I WENT TO THE ATM I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING I WASN'T AWAY FROM THE CAR FOR MORE THEN THREE MINUTES AND WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR IT STARTED SPUTTERING AND THEN JUST SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO START IT B…"~5,687 mi, complaint #1724918
    • "STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND ENGINE SOUNDS AS IT IS GOING TO STALL AT SPEEDS BETWEEN, 35 AND 45 MPH. FORD HAD VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS TOTAL AND CONFIRMED ISSUES. THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TP FIX. THEY SAID VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS' "~8,000 mi, complaint #1731406
    • "THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, MOST RECENTLY TODAY (JANUARY 30, 2021). WHILE DRIVING AND THEN ACCELERATING, THE CAR SPUTTERED AND ALMOST DIED. WE WERE PULLING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND NEEDED TO ACCELERATE. WE PUSHED ON THE…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1723653
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop at a red traffic light, the vehicle inadvertently shut off in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. The battery warning light was illuminated. No further i…"~112,000 mi, complaint #2109022
  12. #12

    exhaust system

    20 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    22
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 25,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon rapid acceleration at various speeds, exhaust fumes from the tailpipes would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact also stated that after heavy rains, water-filled the spare tire compart…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1760258
    • "ON A [REDACTED ADDRESS] TRIP ON A HIGHWAY, WE STARTED FEELING EXHAUST FUMES IN THE INSIDE CABIN. FELT NAUSEA AND WATERY EYES AND HAD TO STOP COUPLE OF TIME TO GET A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS IT DISAPPEARED AFTER AN HOUR. SCARY THING IS…"~2,200 mi, complaint #1626976
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a complete stop, she would hear abnormal rattling sounds coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring inc…"~5,500 mi, complaint #1847140
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the odor was prese…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1998757
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the engine was running abnormally loud. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a bolt had loosened, leading to…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1933458
  13. #13

    control module

    1 stranded, 19 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 7,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AUTO HOLD FEATURE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY FAULT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY SAY IT'S FIXED. IM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL FAULT WHEN IM STOPPED AND CAUSE A COLLISION. FORD CUSTOMER CARE CAN BARELY UNDERSTAND ENGLISH LET ALONE LISTEN T…"~750 mi, complaint #1654258
    • "WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY 70ISH MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND THE FOLLOWING ERRORS CAME OUT OF NO WHERE LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAD THE OIL CHANGED THE DAY BEFORE (BY A CERTIFIED FORD DEALER) POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER, PRE-COLLI…"~4,900 mi, complaint #1696356
    • "ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON KEPT FLASHING THAT EVERYTHING WAS WRONG. THEN THE WHOLE DASH BLACKED OUT. I HAD NO LIGHTS. NO TURN SIGNALS. THEN THEY WOULD COME BACK ON AND OFF AGAIN. HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER ON 7/20/20 WHEN IT KEEP SAYING HEAD ON COLLISION…"~13,303 mi, complaint #1711419
    • "VEHICLE WAS PARKED. VEHICLE LOCKED INTO PARK AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK OR START, BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED FULLY. DASHBOARD MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE NOT AVAILABLE PLUS SCROLLED THROUGH EVERY OTHER MODE OR FEATURE AND INDICATED 'NOT AVAILABLE.' BUT LCD SCREEN…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1679222
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud, dragging sound underneath the vehicle. The contact believed that an object was dragging underneath the vehicle; however, there was…"~185,000 mi, complaint #2216648
  14. #14

    glass and windshield

    17 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the trim on passenger’s side windshield had detached from the windshield. The contact stated that the trim on the driver’s side windshield had also detached. The vehicle was diagno…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1906726
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the sunroof fractured without impact. Additionally, the fractured glass fell onto the contact and all over the interior of the vehicle. The contact sustained cuts from the fracture…"~109,000 mi, complaint #2086130
  15. #15

    wiring harness

    15 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 23,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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 AN…"~5,761 mi, complaint #1693156
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A DRIVE THRU WINDOW, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE OF FORD HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO TRI-CITY FORD, [REDACTED ADDRESS], EDEN…"~7,850 mi, complaint #1698600
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that rodents had eaten through…"~15,000 mi, complaint #2119920
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The doors locked, after which several attempts to exit the vehicle failed, and smoke began to enter the interior thr…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1930599
    • "Various electrical issues GPS not working also drivers seat electrical "~126,925 mi, complaint #2046456
  16. #16

    interior trim

    9 unsafe, 2 broken, 3 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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. I…"~7,500 mi, complaint #1714142
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer XLP. The contact stated that his wife received a minor cut from the front driver’s side interior door handle because the chrome wrap on the door handle had started to deteriorate. No warning lights were illuminated. The ve…"~17,000 mi, complaint #2043827
  17. #17

    power windows and locks

    11 unsafe, 2 broken, 1 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "DRIVER DOOR AND WINDOW VIBRATING WHEN REAR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. *TR"~1,400 mi, complaint #1665834
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side window would not remain closed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side window regulator modu…"~4,800 mi, complaint #1988456
    • "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 W…"~9,900 mi, complaint #1717357
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon raising the front passenger's side power window switch, the window rolled up and then rolled back down unintentionally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power window control modu…"~70,000 mi, complaint #2049364
  18. #18

    trunk or liftgate

    10 unsafe, 2 broken, 2 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear hatch closed without driver input. The contact stated that the buttons were inoperable and failed to open the hatch as needed. While the hatch was closing, it pinned and violently struck t…"~35,000 mi, complaint #2026147
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the rear hatch had failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined tha…"~40,000 mi, complaint #2073973
  19. #19

    infotainment head unit

    6 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE ELECTRONICS IN SYNC HAVE BEEN GENERATING BLUE SCREENS, WHICH DISABLE: TRONT & REAR SENSORS & CAMERAS, FRONT & REAR COLLISION AVOIDANCE, CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE, AND ADVANCETRAC. FORD THUS FAR IS UNABLE TO FIX ISSUE. 3 ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO…"~4,500 mi, complaint #1675335
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the touchscreen monitor and backup camera display were extremely hot to the touch. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the…"~104,009 mi, complaint #2072646
  20. #20

    differential

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminat…"~64,158 mi, complaint #2017590
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was in to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (POWER TRAIN); the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the rear axle differential fluid. The contact was advised that…"~68,000 mi, complaint #2052954
  21. #21

    catalytic converter

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, exhaust fumes were present inside the cabin of the vehicle and an excessively loud exhaust sound was coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was taken to the local…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1991350
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Additionally, an abnormal exhaust odor was detected while the vehicle was idling. The v…"~47,500 mi, complaint #1848975
  22. #22

    door latch and hinge

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "HOOD HAS NO SAFETY LATCH. CAR WAS IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH ON A SUBDIVISION STREET AND HOOD ABRUPTLY LIFTED ONTO WINDSHIELD AND BUSTED WINDSHIELD. THIS RESULTED IN GLASS PARTICLES FLYING INTO THE CAB ONTO BOTH FRONT SEATING AREAS."~3,300 mi, complaint #1695000
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver's side door opened while the contact was making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Door Ajar" chime sounded. The contact was wearing his seat belt a…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1884075
    • "DOOR LATCH FAILURE. DOOR WILL NO SHUT. STUCK OPEN."~12,000 mi, complaint #1715827
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that during cold weather conditions, the front driver’s and passenger’s side door latches failed to unlock to allow the doors to be opened. In addition, the contact was using the rear passenger’s side d…"~67,000 mi, complaint #2066649
  23. #23

    engine internal

    3 stranded, 8 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "MY BRAND NEW 2020 FORD EXPLORER PLATINUM TOP OF LINE MODEL (VIN [XXX]) BROKE DOWN ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2019 AFTER A COMPLETE ENGINE SEIZURE WITH LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND LEFT US STRANDED WITH MY FAMILY FOR HOURS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWE…"~2,100 mi, complaint #1636437
    • "ON SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH, 2020 AT 12:10 PM, I WAS HEADED EAST BOUND ON A TWO LANE STATE ROAD WITH DOUBLE YELLOW LINES. MY VEHICLE (NEW FORD EXPLORER ST, 2407 MILES ON ODOMETER) WAS ON INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR [REDACTED ADDRESS]' MODE. WITHOUT ANY WARNI…"~2,407 mi, complaint #1670694
    • "I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND SUDDENLY HEARD A STRANGE SOFT REPETITIVE NOISE. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS/WARNINGS ON THE DASH. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THANKFULLY DECIDED TO PULL OVER INTO THE SERVICE LANE. THE VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO PULL OVER AND TH…"~7,038 mi, complaint #1664519
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light or while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure was intermittent at first but became a…"~60,000 mi, complaint #2060408
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after coming to a stop. The contact stated that the oil pressure message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had…"~130,000 mi, complaint #2105380
  24. #24

    stability and traction control

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I JUST PULLED OUT FROM A PARKING LOT INTO TRAFFIC AND THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNK AND WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH. ONE SAID "SERVICE ADVANCETRAC" AND THE OTHER SAID "4WD FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED." THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR AND WOULD NOT…"~832 mi, complaint #1675800
    • "I HAVE NUMEROUS FAULT MESSAGES, PRE COLLISION ASSIST FAULT, 4WD TEMP DISABLED, 4WD SYSTEM FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED, SERVICE REQUIRED, DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE FAULT,AUTO HOLD SYSTEM FAULT,SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, VEHICLE WILL NOT SWTICH INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL. I WAS IN…"~4,500 mi, complaint #1677971
    • "OUR VEHICLE WAS IN PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND ROLLED DOWN TO THE STREET. THE FRONT WHEELS WERE ON DRY PAVEMENT AND THE REAR ON SOFT ICE (IT WAS 52 DEGREES OUTSIDE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT). THE CAR ROLLED SLOWLY BACKWARD DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS CAUGHT ON OU…"~9,900 mi, complaint #1722247
    • "The contact owned a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the advanced traction control, 4-wheel drive pre-collision assist, and drive mode assist warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure oc…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1983475
    • "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 illumin…"~118,000 mi, complaint #2085045
  25. #25

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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 PRESSING THE BREAK AFTER GOING FREEWAY SPEEDS."~2,500 mi, complaint #1692788
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted, hesitated, and jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not…"~97,000 mi, complaint #2058003
  26. #26

    engine cooling

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING VEHICLE (IN GARAGE) AND WHILE IT WAS STILL IN PARK, I SAW WHITE SMOKE RISING UP TO THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR. IT LOOKED AS IF THE SMOKE HAD COME FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTER VENT. AS A RESULT, I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND WENT T…"~896 mi, complaint #1663170
    • "THIS VEHICLE WAS GIVEN TO ME ON OR ABOUT 12 NOVEMBER 2019 AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A 2020 FORD EXPLORER, VIN [XXX], PURCHASED FROM SAMES FORD IN LAREDO, WHICH TWICE HAD FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS NEW VEHICLE B…"~1,021 mi, complaint #1628731
    • "ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CAME ON 10/15/20 WHILE DRIVING.. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A THERMOSTAT PROBLEM WHICH COULD WAIT UNTIL THERE WAS A LONER CAR AVAILABLE. ON 10/20/20 WHILE DRIVING 70 MILES /HR, THE ENGINE COOLANT O…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1701635
    • "VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT WITH NO ISSUES AND WHEN WENT TO DRIVE THE NEXT MORNING TO TAKE KIDS TO SCHOOL VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 10 MPH. IT GAVE THE WARNING THERE WAS A POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION, ENGINE COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE (WHICH WE JUST HA…"~14,080 mi, complaint #1739336
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the engine coolant overheat warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact pulled over…"~93,000 mi, complaint #2058757
  27. #27

    fuel tank and lines

    4 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN STOPPING, MOVING SLOW OR PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT OR GARAGE YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL THE FUEL IN THE TANK SLOSHING BACK AND FORTH. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS AT LEAST 1/2 FULL AND IS VERY NOTICEABLE BUT SEEMS TO GO AWAY WHEN FUEL IS UNDER 1/2 TANK…"~750 mi, complaint #1735155
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a relative who became a…"~54,000 mi, complaint #2012021
  28. #28

    software or update

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) and the fix stated that the dealer would update the electronic parking brake software but not replace the bolts. The contact was concerne…"complaint #1821216
    • "The issue started after the car was brought in for a recall. They said it was only a software update, so it may be a coincidence. When starting to drive the car after being in park, the front of the car sounds like things are screeching and halts the car sudde…"complaint #1843123
    • "My vehicle has had 3 software updates to try correct blue screen issues. Recently under a blue screen i was backing up in a parking garage and hit the wall as i could not see with the screen being blue. Fortunately I was going slow but it did scrape my bumper…"complaint #1896016
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AWD became inoperable. The park assist, traction control, ABS, Lane Keep System, front radar, and the parking sensor also became inoperable. The map displayed…"complaint #1925786
    • "On July 16th, 2023, while driving from Ohio to Indiana, my vehicle would not accelerate properly, and the power train malfunction warning illuminated on my dashboard. (The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.) My entire family's safety was put at…"complaint #1927880
  29. #29

    throttle and pedal

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE FIRST ISSUE WAS WITH THE CAR ACCELERATING WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS. RPMS WOULD INCREASE AND CAR WOULD SOUND AS IF IT WAS ACCELERATING AS WELL, WHEN SLOWING DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING GARAGE. THE CAR ALSO DOWN SHIFTS AND ACCELERATES ROUGHLY. IT IS NOT SM…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1715821
  30. #30

    abs module

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE VECHILE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. MY NEW CAR HAS BEEN INCREASING SPEED ON ITS OWN. THE AGENCY HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE A RESOLUTION AND WARNING SENSOR GOES OFF THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. THIS HAPPENED FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT, THE TRU…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1698056
    • "ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AT APROX. 3,000 MILES. TOOK TO DEALER TOLD BAD GROUND AT MODULE CONNECTOR. DEALER SAID WOULD HAVE TO ORDER 2 NUTS AND BOLTS WOULD CALL WHEN PARTS ARRIVED. TWO WEEKS LATER NO CALL. CALLED DEALER & GOT VOICE MAIL, LEFFT MESSAGE NO CAL…"~2,800 mi, complaint #1653054
  31. #31

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 7 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DEEP SLEEP MODE ACTIVATES AFTER 2 DAYS. MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE INVOLVED HAVING TO JUMP START THE CAR AFTER SETTING 3 DAYS."~5,300 mi, complaint #1633424
    • "CAR GOES INTO DEEP SLEEP AFTER TWO DAYS OF BEING PARKED AND HAS TO BE JUMPED TO START. HAPPENS ON REGULAR BASIS. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE CAR SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED."~6,500 mi, complaint #1660477
    • "THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY WHEN THE MESSAGE 'SERVICE CHARGE SYSTEM NOW'. THE BATTERY ICON APPEARED BRIEFLY ON THE DASHBOARD. I CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE SAME MESSAGE REAPPEARED EVERY 5 MINUTES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE MESS…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1667127
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charging system fault warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently shifted into to park(P) and stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehi…"~50,000 mi, complaint #2006354
  32. #32

    parking brake

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was started and in park(P) in the driveway, he exited the vehicle to retrieve a package left inside the residence; however, when he returned, the vehicle had rolled down the driveway a…"~5,600 mi, complaint #1969863
    • "TL* 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 DEPLOY…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1722591
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled and almost struck two pedestrians. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated…"~41,000 mi, complaint #2106621
  33. #33

    steering electric assist

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 7,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAYTHE 'STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW LIGHT' CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH MILES ON ODOMETER 900. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT THE 'STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY' MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD I HAD TO D…"~900 mi, complaint #1650954
    • "WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS BELOW MINUS 5 DEGREES STEERING IS HARD, AT SLOW SPEED STEERING LOCKED HAD TO JERK IT TO CONTROL. ABOVE 60MPH STEERING OK. HAPPENED AT PARKING LOT SPEED (LOCKING UP) AND BELOW 60MPH HARD STEERING."~1,000 mi, complaint #1656534
    • "ON SATURDAY AUGUST 22, I DROVE MY 2020 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TO WORK IN MY COMPANY PARKING LOT. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE WORK TO GO HOME, AFTER STARTING THE CAR, I RECEIVED A SUCCESSION OF WARNING NOTICES - HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE / REVERSE BRAKE ASSIS…"~7,731 mi, complaint #1689671
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 - 75 mph, the contact was switching lanes and felt the vehicle was swerving. The contact stated that there were vibrations felt coming from the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to…"~17,999 mi, complaint #1758224
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to simultaneously accelerate and make a left turn, the steering wheel forcefully turned in the opposite direction. During the failure the messag…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1822337
  34. #34

    unintended acceleration

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents
    Typical range: 50,000–87,000 mi

    Median 67,000 mi, based on 30 reports (17% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV VERY HIGHLY AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1620184
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHI…"~10,200 mi, complaint #1672288
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1935343
  35. #35

    brake booster

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE LAST WEEK OF JUNE 2020 WHILE DRIVING MY EXPLORER XLT A CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS. THE MESSAGE WAS DIFFICULT TO READ SINCE IT WOULD GO ON AND QUICKLY OFF. MY FORDPASS MESSAGE CENTER NOTED ANTILO…"~1,340 mi, complaint #1681715
    • "PERIODICALLY, AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, AND SELECTING A GEAR (EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE), I EXPERIENCE A "HARD BRAKE" WHERE I CANNOT PRESS DOWN THE BREAK PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO ROLL. THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL AND I CANNOT USE THE BRAKE PED…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1664215
    • "PERIODICALLY WHEN STARTING MY 2020 FORD EXPLORER THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BECOME VERY HARD TO PUSH AND THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL ON ITS OWN. AFTER ABOUT 15 SECONDS THE BRAKES WILL RESPOND AND THEN BRAKE VERY HARD. ALTERNATIVELY, I HAVE TO SWITCH THE EXPLORER INTO PA…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1681082
  36. #36

    suspension arms and bushings

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing there was an abnormal bumping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to drive forward after the failure. The tow truck was called to…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1828346
  37. #37

    suspension struts shocks

    5 unsafe, 1 broken

    6
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 43,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CAR WAS THUMPING AT LEFT REAR AFTER RECALL (FOR TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER) WAS JUST COMPLETED. I HADN'T LEFT THE PARKING LOT. FORD MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE SHOCK. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO BRING IT BACK AFTER 3 DAYS. I'M HAVING MY DOUBTS A…"~3,100 mi, complaint #1729787
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle would make an abnormal, roaring sound as well as vibrate without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would violently jerk…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1811707
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a metallic clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed driver’s side rear shock absor…"~43,000 mi, complaint #2024304
  38. #38

    transmission manual clutch

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On April 6, 2023, I put on brakes and my car jerked extremely hard. I then proceeded to the next red light and when I had to put on brakes again it jerked extremely hard again. I pulled in to a local tire shop because I was afraid to drive the car and they d…"complaint #1891983
    • "Ford dealer said one of the clutch's is failing. When getting up to speed it shifts fine. But when slowing down, there is a loud bang/jolt around 30 mph. The car is only 4 yrs old. This should not be happening."complaint #1998242
    • "Transmissions “A” clutch failure diagnosed by Ford service department. There were no warning lamps indicating there was an issue Car start jolting upon acceleration and deceleration in 2nd to 3rd gear. Because of the jolting effect, especially upon deceleratio…"complaint #2043273
    • "Transmission failure & clutch needs replacement. Vehicle started hard shifting at low MPH."complaint #2113239
    • "The component that failed was the CDF Clutch Hub. Very hard shifting when accelerating from a stop and when going up hill. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford dealership. I had no warning prior to this happening. Safety concerns in that I could not acce…"complaint #2145299
  39. #39

    engine head gasket

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1755053
  40. #40

    fluid leak unspecified

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE AND THE CONTACT DISCOVERED AN UNKNOWN LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOGGUS FO…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1671364
  41. #41

    heater core and blower

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Has burning smell of wires when heat is on, only has heat on drivers side, blows cold air on passenger side, had Avis Ford Dealership look at it, said it was the heater core and they don't know when it will be in stock."complaint #1792779
    • "I have a 2020 Ford Explorer that has had intermittent issues with the passenger side losing heat since aprox 11/18/2023. On Friday 2/16 we had snow begin falling at 7AM locally. I park in the GARAGE. 1/2 way to work, on a major highway, my passenger side began…"complaint #1968628
    • "Heating on passenger side of vehicle has failed multiple times. "complaint #2024090
    • "The car leaks water into the cabin on the front passenger side from the HVAC system. This has been a consistent issue and has not been resolved by Ford. The car has no sunroof and the water drips from behind the glovebox. It is enough water to make a large pud…"complaint #2080240
    • "Water has been leaking on my passenger side front floor, and now the blower motor has completely seized. Ford quoted me over $1,000 for a blower motor! I have requested asking for satisfaction warranty for this to be covered via email, with no response. Blower…"complaint #2109663
  42. #42

    instrument cluster

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT 85 MPH. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GEWEKE FORD LOCATED AT…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1667291
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel would remain inoperable, resulting in a loss of speedometer and tachometer functions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1795438
  43. #43

    wiper and washer

    3 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while activating the windshield wipers, the driver’s side windshield wiper was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the driver’s side windshield wiper was replaced; however, the fail…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1835134
  44. #44

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 broken, 3 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THIS IS A POLICE CRUISER. 3,510 MILES. THE AIR CONDITIONING ONLY SEEMS TO COME ON WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 50 DEGREES. BELOW THAT WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ACTIVATED AND ON LOW THE VENTS BLOW WARM AIR MAKING IT VERY HOT INSIDE THE PASSENGERS CO…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1734217
  45. #45

    airbag system

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "* Upon a significant partial front and complete side impact, the airbags failed to deploy. No front, side, curtain, etc... * The vehicle has been seen by the original tow company, the insurance assigned tow company (from original tow company to a body shop) an…"complaint #2114978
    • "The dash board is warped and literally peeling off. I took it to a dealer to get it looked at to see if Ford could help. They won't. My concern is that if the airbag had to deploy, they won't operate properly. I don't know what to do. "complaint #2142147
    • "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…"complaint #2229855
    • "The dash skin covering is deboning and lifting and it’s very concerning that the airbags might be compromised from inflating in an accident. "complaint #2239528
  46. #46

    hv system fault reduced power

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I am associated with the City of Brookings, SD Police Dept. We have two 2020 Ford Hybrid SUV patrol vehicles. Both vehicles since we obtained them in October of 2020 have experienced loss of power. Both vehicles dash indicators lights come on and the vehicles…"complaint #1763600
    • "Powertrain malfunction/reduced power came on when I came home from work as I pulled in my driveway. The check engine light comes on and off for the past week or two prior to the powertrain malfunction. "complaint #2088550
    • "Powertrain malfunction/ Reduced power Bill start assist warning Pre-collision assist not available"complaint #2146630
    • "When trying to accelerate on interstate drive train light and I have to pull over turn off car on interstate then start again to keep out of limping mode also when backing up car stalls jumps and makes a grinding noise need a remedy "complaint #2208459
  47. #47

    tpms

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The tire pressure system for all four tires has completely went out on the monitoring system. It originally started where it was only on one tire then it happened to two then the final monitor keeps going in and out. "complaint #2061331
    • "The tire pressure monitoring system has failed. Per the dealership, each tire needs a new battery, which run around $150/each. The first sensor went out approx 1 month ago, with the other 3 going out shortly after. While this does not pose an immediate risk fo…"complaint #2109758
    • "Tire pressure sensor fault. A rear tire pressure sensor has defaulted more than once. As this is built into the wheel assembly, I believe this is a safety issue"complaint #2124300
    • "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…"complaint #2183524
  48. #48

    adas lane keeping

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This issue has happened 4-5 time in a years time. When driving with cruise control and lane assist enabled the car will pull to the left when it see's a dark line in the road. If i were not holding on to the steering wheel I would have been in the lane next to…"complaint #1757631
    • "The issue was initiated when you turn the vehicle on. The vehicle would process through normal startup modes, and then produce several error codes and light illuminations, all within several seconds. The illuminations would consist of; Traction Control Error,…"complaint #1882839
    • "Drivers assist failed and caused me to cross lanes into the cable barrier on interstate 40 causing 18,000 dollars worth of damage now the parking assist no longer works"complaint #1961699
  49. #49

    alignment and pull

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car pulls on the left when driving. And ticking noise"complaint #2064576
    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle felt misaligned and made an abnormal rubbing sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the dealer…"complaint #2081532
    • "After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recal…"complaint #2103222
  50. #50

    cruise control conventional

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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.…"~26,000 mi, complaint #2182489
  51. #51

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED ITSELF 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS. IT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF AND THE KEYS ARE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. IT LOCKS AND STARTS AS IF IT WAS AUTO STARTED BUT DOES NOT SHUT OFF AND NO ONE HAS STARTED THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN STATIONARY…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1736959
    • "NO ACCIDENT AT THIS TIME. THIS IS REGARDING THE KNOB SHIFTER AND ITS ABILITY TO AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK WHEN DISCONNECTING THE SEAT BELT AND OPENING THE DRIVERS DOOR. THE SYSTEM WORKS GREAT UNLESS YOU ARE USING A SEATBELT EXTENDER. I THINK T…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1715067
  52. #52

    mirror

    1 broken, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AND ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE MIRROR FAILED TO OPEN. THE CLIMATE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, WHICH CREATED A VISIBIL…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1682404
  53. #53

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger’s side rear brakes were scraping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1962781
  54. #54

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle at start-up. The seat heating and cooling system was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken four times to the local deale…"~26,978 mi, complaint #1805530
  55. #55

    engine turbo supercharger

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Since I have bought my 2020 Ford Explorer (brand new off the lot) it has had to have the turbo replaced several times now . Currently the turbo is bad again and I’m looking at a $3500 repair for a turbo that was already replaced 2 times since I bought it. I fe…"complaint #2158229
    • "My explorer was very slow/unable to accelerate onto the highway. The next time I started it there was rattling and lots of non engine noises, along with all kinds of warning lights. I took it to the dealership. In his words ‘the turbo grenaded itself into the…"complaint #2159798
  56. #56

    evap system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EVAP system was leaking. The vehicle was not repaire…"~82,253 mi, complaint #1948275
  57. #57

    fuel pump

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS MULTIPLE TIMES FOR FUEL PUMP, ELECTRICAL, AND POWER TRAIN PROBLEMS. THE FIRST TIME IT SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A PARKING LOT, IT WAS TOWED WAS AT 1720 MILES. IT CURRENTLY HAS 7772 MILES. I WOULD GET IT OUT OF THE…"~7,300 mi, complaint #1709790
  58. #58

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "This vehicle has 17,000 miles and has developed a very scary vibration that starts at 50mph. The vehicle is very unsafe and cannot be taken down the road. Nobody should be driving it! Local ford was called and really don't care and booked my vehicle 6 weeks o…"complaint #1871182
    • "Is making a noise and I have 2 incomplete recalls "complaint #2063106
  59. #59

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 22N17 (Power Window Switch Chrome Tip Replacement); however, the failure occurred with the driver's and passenger's side doo…"~40,302 mi, complaint #2078867
  60. #60

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Passenger side seatbelt reactor is broken. Now I am unable to have a passenger safely due to faulty ford seatbelt. When I attempted to purchase seatbelt, ford had it on back order. "complaint #2038133
    • "The middle row passenger side seatbelt randomly unbuckles when we drive. We have had ford dealership look at it and are going to fix it as there is not a spicific recall for this but it is a saftey concern as the seatbelt doesn't stay fastened when driving."complaint #2168425
  61. #61

    starter

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "2020 FORD EXPLORER XLT PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER 04/2020. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE STARTER WOULD NOT ACTIVATE TO START THE CAR. WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED THE STARTER BUTTON AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER, BUT THE CAR STA…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1715698
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNDER THE CAR PORT AND TURNED OFF, A FIRE IGNITED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BURN AND ALSO CAUSING BURN DAMAGE TO THE HOME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1744990
  62. #62

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicle steering wheel felt loose, took the vehicle to a local Ford dealer where they found that the steering wheel bolt was loose almost to the point of falling off. They tightened up the bolt and sent me on my way. "complaint #1789323
    • "Upon starting and before driving (still parked) steering column started making vibrating, creaking, cracking, screeching noises when adjusting to proper driving position and seems to be beginning to fail. This is worse when the vehicle has been heated by hot…"complaint #1907619
  63. #63

    steering rack mechanical

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PURCHASED NEW [REDACTED ADDRESS] AND THE STEERING FAILED 3 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER EACH TIME FOR REPAIRS. IN ALL CASES SOME OR ALL STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. ON JUNE 15TH I HAD A SEVERE WRECK AND TOTALED THE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1693741
    • "I HAVE A 2020 EXPLORER PLATINUM. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS. MILEAGE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT IS 6853. I WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE COUNTRY ROAD, THERE WAS ABOUT ONE INCH OF FRESH SNOW ON THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING 20MPH. I CAME TO AN S CURVE THAT I WA…"~6,853 mi, complaint #1716105
  64. #64

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY 2020 FORD EXPLORER WHICH I PURCHASED A WEEK AGO AND IS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK KINERGY GT TIRES HAS ME ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MILES PER HOUR ON STRAIGHT AWAYS ALONG WITH CURVES. IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WITH SHO…"complaint #1664805
    • "I recently had an increasing tire vibration problem on my 2020 ST with 18,[REDACTED ADDRESS] to a Costco tire center to have the tire balance checked for lost weight, damaged rim or whatever. Balancer had massive weight shift so they took tire off the rim. Unk…"complaint #1949718
  65. #65

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY 20 FORD EXPLORER HAS EXPERIENCED TWICE WHERE THE SPEED LIMITER (ACC ADAPTED CRUISE CONTROL)-(SSR SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION) READS THE SPEED LIMIT SIGNS INCORRECTLY. POSTED SPEED WAS 65 MPH AND IT INCREASE SPEED TO 85 MPH. I WAS DRIVING THRU COLUMBUS OHIO,…"~11,162 mi, complaint #1734829
  66. #66

    adas autonomous driving system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "Multiple warnings lights from advanced drivers assistance 4x4 went accelerate and could not error code u0102 also rattling from right second row seat."~126,299 mi, complaint #2033973
  67. #67

    adas blind spot

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES VARIOUS FAULT CODES: BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT; CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAIL; AND REVERSE BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, AIR CONDITIONING DOES NOT WORK, INCLUDING RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW AND RIGHT SIDE MIRRORS. FAULTS MAIN…"~5,234 mi, complaint #1679785
  68. #68

    phone connectivity

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I have a 2020 Ford Explorer and a Motorola Andriod phone. When I plug my phone into my Explorer to use the maps my display blinks like crazy the charging does not work and my phone gets so hot I am afraid it is going to start a fire. The Ford dealer I talked t…"complaint #2003319
  69. #69

    transmission cvt

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Transmission does a hard downshift from gear 7 to gear 6. There is a TSB bulletin for it but no recall. Car is under 100k miles but out of warranty and estimated to cost $3500 to repair. Also, the screen and backup camera frequently freeze or go black"complaint #2017690
  70. #70

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact drove the vehicle to the side of the road and performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact noticed that 3 of the 4 lug nuts w…"~90,000 mi, complaint #2022475

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.