2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

I was driving the vehicle through a neighborhood and there was a clunk noise and it sounded like my brakes were metal on metal. I stopped to ensure my brakes were okay. Then I continued to drive home when there was a louder clunk and the reared on my vehicle locked up and the car would no longer move. The reared differential unit had failed and exploded parts and put holes in the unit causing fluid to exit onto the street and lock up the drive tires. The vehicle was stranded in the middle of the street and could not move. There was no warning or indication of a failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and components were replaced under extended warranty.

NHTSA ID

11732065

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP MAKING NECESSARY REPAIRS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES INSIDE THE GARAGE OF THE INDEPENDENT SHOP. NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE IS AWAITING INSURANCE ADJUSTOR INFORMATION FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE THAT OCCURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V687000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. DARLING'S403 HOGAN RD, BANGOR, ME 04401 (207) 992-1560 WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RECALLS WERE UNDER THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND HAS PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA ID

11383331

Incident

Dec 8, 2020

Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with the replacement fuel filler door assembly. If diagnostics in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 Body > Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems > lead to fuel filler door switch replacement, install a new fuel filler door assembly ordered from depot stock to correct this condition. Suspect parts have been cleared from parts depot inventory.

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test G located in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates.

Some 2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the incorrect installation of additional police equipment. Equipment should only use the provided rear power access point and must not use the 12V cranking or 12V auxiliary batteries for power. The vehicle will go to sleep after the ignition key is removed and is not designed to power equipment when the vehicle is not running. If equipped, the Police Engine Idle feature can be used to allow the vehicle to securely remain idling and to power equipment. Refer to the Owners Manual.<br /><br /> If it is determined additional equipment has not been added to the 12V cranking or 12V auxiliary batteries, continue with normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, Section 303-04C Engine > Fuel Charging and Controls > Diagnosis and Testing > Pinpoint Test QE.<br /><br /> For general upfitter installation guidelines, refer to:<br />

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and auto start/stop disabled. This may be due to a loose wiring connection to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P0A1E. Refer to the WSM, Section 303-06 Starting System, Diagnosis and Testing, Starting System for applicable diagnosis.

2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections, when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. To correct this condition, update the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger to the latest software level by navigating to the Main Menu > Settings > About (i) then selecting the download button in the bottom right corner of the tool's screen.

Some 2020-2023 Explorer 3.3L full hybrid electric (FHEV) vehicles built on or before 12-Nov-2023 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software thresholds in the PCM