2020 Ford Explorer Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11755523

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

Mileage

114,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures, and upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle shut off. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the electronic parking brake was unintendely engaged. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11754954

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

My 2020 ford Explorer had several issues with the hill assist, TCM control, power train malfunctions, it shifted very hard between first and second gear, at times it felt like it wouldn't accelerate at all and would pop into gear at higher speeds. I took it to Family Ford of Enfield several times for repairs which never fixed the overall problem. After several times at Family Ford of Enfield, I continued to drive my vehicle because my trusted dealership kept telling me the car was repaired. Now my vehicle needs a new transmission at 100% my cost.

NHTSA ID

11754900

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while downshifting, with a loud boom coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The vehicle was bouncing while downshifting from 4th gear to 3rd, 2nd, and into 1st gear. The failure reoccurred while downshifting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ID

11754374

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

Mileage

54,000 mi

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 unexpired recall. I could have lost my life or someone eles! It’s part of the Customer Satisfaction Program 20B51:

NHTSA ID

11753747

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....

NHTSA ID

11753585

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that while decelerating to approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an incorrect response from the immobilizer control module. The contact was advised not to continue driving the vehicle. The contact relayed the diagnostic information to the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid out of pocket with a possible reimbursement whenever the parts became available. The failure mileage was approximately 94,600.

NHTSA ID

11753325

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Mileage

94,600 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-55 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving from a complete stop. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11753283

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked back and forth and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11753258

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

90,000 mi

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 just appeared and each year I think it's getting larger.

NHTSA ID

11753200

Incident

Jun 12, 2024

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 compartment fuse box. The horn and wiper fluid pump also had to be replaced. It's fortunate this did not result in a fire. Ford dealer had the vehicle for TWO MONTHS to repair (and we had to take it back for the horn and washer pump). The Ford dealer said they could not give any reason for why this happened. The entire main harness and fuse panel had to be replaced. No check engine or warning lights appeared when this happened. My wife had to pull over on the side of the road.

NHTSA ID

11753061

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Back in 2026 I bought a vehicle from Wild West Ford in Guymon ok about three weeks after I bought the vehicle there was a safety recall on it for the rear axle bolt. Ever since the recall was done, I noticed a significant change in my vehicle rear and it shook real bad. basically I was eating my tires and so I took about to wild West and they told me to go get alignment done so I went and got an alignment done, and it still was doing it and I had taken it to at least four different Ford dealerships across two different states and they all told me that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle, so I looked it up on the forum in the procedure on how the recall was done and i find out that the bushing was improperly installed. One of The ford dealership is the one who send me a picture of the bushing even starting to rip. Please help my kids ride in this vehicle everyday and Wild West claimed the recall but did it completely wrong and refuses to fix it so I took it to different dealerships and with each dealership, I specifically asked them to re-look into the recall because I feel like it was done wrong and they all said that it was all up to four specs in the end. there was nothing wrong with it, but here’s the proof that it is so how do I get my vehicle fixed?

NHTSA ID

11752834

Incident

May 13, 2026

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

NHTSA ID

11752661

Incident

Jul 22, 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 informed the oil cooler failed putting coolant into the oil and "scorching" the engine and I need an entire new engine. The dealership confirmed there wouldn't be any warning lights of this happening.

NHTSA ID

11752617

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving. The vehicle displayed the warning message, **"Check Headlamp System – See Manual."** Initially, the headlamp would occasionally begin working again after restarting the vehicle, but for approximately the past three months, the passenger-side low beam has remained inoperative. The failed component is the passenger-side adaptive headlamp assembly and related headlamp system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety concern because nighttime visibility is reduced with only one functioning low-beam headlamp. It also makes it more difficult for other drivers to see my vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, especially on dark roads or during poor weather conditions. The warning message first appeared before the headlamp permanently failed. The problem was intermittent at first but has progressively worsened until the passenger-side low beam no longer functions. I have learned that numerous owners of higher-trim Ford Explorers equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps have reported experiencing the same issue. I understand that similar complaints have already been submitted to NHTSA. The replacement cost is extremely expensive and often requires replacement of the entire adaptive headlamp assembly, leaving owners to pay out of pocket for what appears to be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether a manufacturing or design defect exists and whether Ford should issue a recall or other corrective action. Also, I do have the vehicle available to show.

NHTSA ID

11752493

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V685000 (Equipment), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was concerned that the incomplete recalls presented significant safety risks, specifically because the contact resided in Alaska, where it rained constantly with low temperatures. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11752205

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

States “apply parking break before exiting” recall listed but not available. unable to drive vehicle

NHTSA ID

11751950

Incident

May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and Sam Wampler's Freedom Ford of McAlester (720 S George Nigh Expy, McAlester, OK 74501); were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11751876

Incident

Jul 21, 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.

NHTSA ID

11751819

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V675000 (Power Train), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle with the foot on the brake pedal, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), and the vehicle unexpectedly reversed and crashed into a nearby brick mailbox and came to a stop. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while parking the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 87,159.

NHTSA ID

11751786

Incident

May 21, 2026

Mileage

87,159 mi

The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford Safety Recall 26S14 / NHTSA Campaign 26V117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford claims my specific VIN falls just outside their designated production date window, leaving my vehicle uncovered under the safety recall despite suffering from the identical defect. Although Ford confirmed there is an active Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) listed for my vehicle's wiper motor, severe supply chain restrictions and dealership backlogs have prevented repairs. Ford has placed a restricted distribution hold on replacement motors, preventing independent shops and local dealers from securing parts, while requiring a multi-day diagnostic wait during which I am expected to drive a vehicle with non-functioning wipers. Driving a vehicle with active, unpredictable wiper failure poses an immediate safety hazard and severe crash risk. Ford's refusal to expand recall coverage or immediately supply unrestricted safety components leaves vehicle owners exposed to hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, customers face a mandatory four-day intake period solely for vehicle diagnostics. To qualify for a wiper motor replacement under warranty guidelines, Ford requires the motor to experience total failure while under dealership care. If technicians are unable to duplicate the fault condition during testing, the vehicle is returned to the owner without repair, leaving an ongoing safety hazard completely unresolved. I have also contacted Ford Corporate and filed a formal complaint and that was of no assistance.

NHTSA ID

11751765

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving and decelerating to merge onto the highway, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle felt as if the vehicle had been struck in the rear. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions while decelerating between 25-30 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ID

11751643

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

Mileage

76,000 mi

While traveling uphill in a turn on a county highway the 4WD fault notification arrived on the dash cutting power to the front 2 wheels. The vehicle slipped however was able to regain control. If road condition had been poor I could of slipped into on coming traffic causing a wreck. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they identified that the front axle disconnect actuator was failing and needed to be replaced. Two weeks prior to the code appearing, I had two episodes of unusual binding while in reverse. Ford has issued a TSB long ago to fix this failed design however will not fix it until it fails.

NHTSA ID

11751219

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to park(P). The transmission was inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired out of pocket because the part was not yet available, and then to submit documents for reimbursement after the part became available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11751133

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Mileage

114,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake and hill assist warning lights and several other unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. Several dealers were contacted; however, no appointments were available. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11751081

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi