Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 1,218 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 1,218 · page 1 of 49
Driving down road when motor started making noise. No lights on dash or anything then it started to buck and wouldn’t accelerate.i pulled over on the highway and shut it off and called a friend for a tow. Got the car checked out and turns out it was almost 5 quarts low on oil and has spun a rod bearing and almost locked up.
I was driving back home going approx 40mph and my car started to slow down on its own. Got back up to speed and it continued to do this the whole way home. It sounded like it was downshifting. Making it extremely dangerous turning, lane shifting.
Transmission downshifts hard, jerks at take off
My 2020 Ford Explorer Limited has a broken transmission matching Recall 26S48. The car cannot be driven. My local dealer wants to help but has zero loaner vehicles available. Ford Corporate is refusing to fund an outside rental car or an emergency interim repair while delaying the official fix until next year. I am completely stranded by a manufacturer safety defect. It is setting at the dealer, and they have said it needs a whole new transmission.
Passenger headlight module has blown and seems to be an issue with the 2020 Ford Explorer.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the message “Shift System Fault” was displayed. The vehicle restarted and shifted out of park. The contact stated that on several occasions the transmission was shifted into park but failed to remain in park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there were metal shavings inside the transmission. The failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 113,390.
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Active Recall: Ford #26S48 The transmission on my 2020 Ford Explorer has completely failed, leaving my vehicle inoperable and my family stranded. The vehicle is currently located at a local Ford dealership, just sitting there waiting for a fix. My vehicle started shifting gears randomly while driving, causing a lot of jerky movements. My wrench light came on the dashboard, and I instantly took my SUV to a local Ford dealership for inspection. After the inspection, the dealership described metal shards floating in my transmission fluid and stated that the only way to fix the issues is to pay for a brand-new transmission to be installed. Having both the dashboard warning light (wrench icon) and shifting issues alongside metal shards strongly points to active internal mechanical damage matching the 26S48 recall pattern associated with my exact VIN. Although my VIN is tied to active safety recall 26S48 for this exact component failure, the dealership refuses to repair it, stating that an official corporate remedy/parts are not available yet. Furthermore, the dealership attempted to quote me roughly $10,000 out of pocket for a transmission replacement for an emergency fix. When I contacted Ford Corporate, they confirmed the lack of a current remedy and refused to provide alternative transportation (such as a loaner or rental vehicle), instead telling me to pay out-of-pocket for a rental or independent repair and "hope" for a future reimbursement. As a single-income family currently navigating an extreme financial hardship due to medical issues, paying thousands out-of-pocket or taking on high debt for a manufacturer defect seems impossible and an unfair burden. Forcing a family to choose between severe financial strain or being left indefinitely without a vehicle due to a delayed manufacturer remedy defeats the entire protective intent of the safety standards enforced by NHTSA.
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, VIN 1FMSK8DH6LGA35229. While driving, my vehicle displayed “4WD Fault – Service Required” along with the powertrain wrench warning. I then became unable to select/change drive modes. Pre-Collision Assist became unavailable, I experienced Lane Keeping/Lane Assist problems, and additional stability/traction warnings appeared. A professional diagnostic scan found AWD codes C0631:7E-68 and C0631:7F-6C related to the front axle disconnect actuator. The ABS module also stored U0102 (Lost Communication With Transfer Case Control Module) and U0155 (Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster). My mechanic diagnosed failure of the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate-shaft system. The repair requires removal of the original disconnect system and installation of Ford’s revised intermediate shaft/axle components, replacement of the vent/breather hose, and AWD programming. I was quoted approximately $1,337. The mechanic will then determine whether the transfer case/AWD control module also requires replacement, which would cost approximately $828 additional. Ford has issued TSB 25-2373, superseding TSB 23-2174, for certain 2020-2021 Explorer AWD vehicles. The bulletin specifically identifies C0631 and/or C00A6 and the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft and directs replacement with a revised intermediate shaft. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the failure resulted in AWD/drive-mode malfunction while multiple driver-assistance systems became unavailable. I request that NHTSA investigate this known failure and determine whether a safety recall is warranted.
I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/NHTSA safety recall (26S48 / NHTSA 26V-402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in NHTSA's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.
I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/NHTSA safety recall (26S48 / NHTSA 26V-402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in NHTSA's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.
Sunroof headliner sagging. It completely blocks use of rear view mirror when open. Does not retract.
I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer in December 2020. The first incident occurred around June 2021 while I was on a road trip. While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted/downshifted on its own and caused a sudden change in the vehicle's movement. At first, I thought there might be an issue with the rotary gear selector. The problem occurred again, and in 2023 I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership and reported the issue. I was told there was a recall and recall-related work was performed. However, the unexpected shifting continued afterward. I contacted the Ford dealership multiple times about the continuing problem but was told that without an applicable recall I could be charged for diagnosis and that the problem might not be detected unless it occurred during a test drive. I reported the shifting problem again when the vehicle was at a Ford dealership for recall service in 2025. I specifically told the service advisor that the vehicle was still unexpectedly shifting while driving. The advisor told me the vehicle was driven but the problem did not occur during their test drive. The problem has continued. During a recent incident, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted/downshifted while I was driving and I nearly had an accident with my children in the vehicle. I am concerned that the sudden change in the vehicle's movement could cause me to lose control or be struck by another vehicle. I recently contacted the Ford dealership again and was informed that my vehicle has another open recall related to the transmission/park system. I was given an appointment for October 23, 2026, but was told Ford does not expect the recall remedy to be available until November. I am concerned about continuing to drive the vehicle while waiting for a remedy because this malfunction has occurred repeatedly while the vehicle is in motion and the most recent incident nearly resulted in an accident. The vehicle is available for inspection. The dealership has previously inspected/test-dr
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted erratically. The messages "Service Advancetrac”, "See Owner’s Manual" and an unknown message were displayed. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while depressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle lurched forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, and the vehicle had become undrivable. While researching the failure online, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the recall remedy was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The transmission is sporadically shifting causing the vehicle to lose or stop during acceleration and deceleration making it unsafe to pull away from a stop or during deceleration and causing it to stop in the in the rd and then it would shift extremely hard after it would gain power to the transmission again. The vehicle is available for inspection and no codes indicated a transmission issue. Only codes are vacuum leak codes. I've had my snap on scanner attached and have had it at 3 different garages. The vehicle had transmission issues repaired shortly after purchasing at a certified Ford dealer (Fred Beans) of Mechanicsburg. My family and I have been in quite a few near miss accidents stemming from this issue. I've had fluids checked multiple times for the transmission and even had a Ford tech do a complete transmission flush.
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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Moon roof is leaking from rain and snow and causing damage to whole interior
My 2020 Ford Explorer experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure directly tied to active Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA Campaign 26V402000. While operating the vehicle, the transmission's internal parking pawl failed/shattered, completely locking the rear wheels mechanism. The vehicle is entirely immobilized and cannot move even an inch, even when the gear selector is manually turned to Neutral or when the Manual Park Release (MPR) tether is fully engaged. [1, 2] The vehicle had to be flatbed-towed using specialized wheel dollies to prevent severe structural and drivetrain destruction because the wheels are locked solid. When attempting to have the vehicle received at an authorized Ford dealership, the dealership refused to accept the vehicle or open a formal repair ticket, claiming that because the final recall remedy parts are delayed until 2027, they "cannot take the vehicle." [1] Ford Motor Company is failing to provide a timely safety remedy or manage its dealership network to accommodate a vehicle that has already suffered a total mechanical failure due to this exact recalled defect. The vehicle is a severe rollaway and structural hazard, completely undriveable, and Ford is denying responsibility or alternative transportation assistance because the parts do not yet exist. I am requesting immediate federal intervention to compel Ford to ground this vehicle, provide a safe loaner, and initiate a manufacturer buyback.
Ford Corporate office has responded with the following: “You are not responsible for paying the actually recall remedy out of pocket. The recall remedy has not yet been released. At this time, the costs being discussed are specific transmission repairs related to damages the recall may cause. The dealership is offering to complete those repairs at your expense, and we recommend keeping all receipts for potential reimbursement once the official recall remedy becomes available. Again, I want to clarify the reason for the costs of the needed repairs, those are being done under normal diagnosis and because the vehicle is outside of NVWL, it is coming up as a customer pay repair. The advanced notice recall also does not authorize for a rental vehicle to be provided” We are requesting additional review of this case and are rejecting the proposal to complete repairs at my own expense or through partial "financial assistance”, which is not the case since we are being asked to pay $4,400 for an interim repair. I explicitly request that you do not close this case file. The physical damage to my vehicle's transmission pump, valve, and park pawl is not a "normal diagnosis" issue. The servicing dealership and corporate office have explicitly confirmed that this mechanical failure is the exact manifestation of the safety risk detailed under Ford Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA 26V402. Under federal regulation 49 CFR § 573.13 (i)(1)(ii), a manufacturer's recall program cannot exclude or deny coverage simply because an interim or pre-notification.
While driving my car, the transmission suffered a mechanical failure. The vehicle is shuddering when decelerating, causing sudden jolting and knocking sounds with no warning or error messages. Because of this defect, the vehicle poses an immediate hazard and cannot be safely driven. The vehicle was dropped off on Monday August 24 with the Ford dealership and the service team has made contact to confirm the transmission valve body, pump and park pawl are damaged and confirmed that this is a result of NHTSA Recall 26V402 (Ford Recall 26S48). The Ford service team have advised that they are able to complete a temporary repair to get the car working again only if I agree to pay them $4,400 despite the recall. Ford’s interim remedy involves replacing failed components with identical, un-remediated parts that possess the exact same engineering flaw, which fails to permanently resolve the safety crisis. Furthermore, I am facing severe difficulties obtaining immediate vehicle recovery, interim repairs, and alternative transportation (such as a loaner or rental vehicle) from authorized Ford dealerships while the vehicle remains grounded due to this manufacturer safety defect. Ford’s corporate office was also contacted on Tuesday to discuss after we were advised that we would need to pay to get the car drivable and the dealership refused a temporary vehicle or rental during repairs. A Ford corporate employee replied that they would make contact within 24 hours. When we did not hear back, we contacted the corporate office again on Thursday and spoke to a rep who stated they would escalate and we would hear back Friday (today). Ford has failed to make contact with any resolution. I am filing this complaint to document a premature, complete component failure under this recall, and to request that NHTSA review the manufacturer’s remedy timeline, as leaving safety-compromised vehicles un-remediated on the road or stranded presents an unreasonable risk to public safety.
I am writing to formally express serious concerns regarding the safety of a Ford vehicle that continues to carry a 5-star safety rating despite multiple known, safety-critical defects that emerged after relatively low mileage. Two major issues developed between approximately 62,000 and 72,000 miles. Both are documented by Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), yet neither has been addressed through a formal recall. My vehicle’s warranty expired at 60,000 miles, leaving me responsible for more than $3,000 in out-of-pocket repair costs. Issue 1 – Front axle seal leak (TSB 23-2174) The front axle seal began leaking fluid. According to the TSB, the original affordable seal is no longer available, requiring replacement of the entire axle assemblies at a cost of approximately $2,000. Failure to complete this repair risks axle lock-up and a potential collision. Issue 2 – All-wheel-drive module ground wire omission (TSB 23-2061) Ford failed to install a required ground wire on the AWD module. This caused multiple warning lights to illuminate, including powertrain failure and collision-assist system failure. I refused to allow my wife and children to ride in the vehicle throughout the winter because of these critical warnings. The repair, which required replacement of the AWD module, cost more than $1,000. These are not minor inconveniences. An axle that can lock up, loss of AWD capability in hazardous conditions, and the simultaneous failure of collision-assist systems present clear and foreseeable risks of serious crashes. A vehicle exhibiting these defects does not merit a 5-star safety rating, particularly when the problems are known to the manufacturer and affect used-vehicle buyers who may lack the financial means to perform the repairs. I respectfully urge the NTSB to investigate these issues, determine whether the continued 5-star rating is appropriate, and encourage Ford to issue formal recalls so that owners are not left to bear the cost and risk of repairs.
The dash skin covering is deboning and lifting and it’s very concerning that the airbags might be compromised from inflating in an accident.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that whenever the transmission shifted into sixth gear, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a transmission parking system failure. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced.
Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with DTCs C00A6 and C0631, caused by failure of the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft on an AWD 2020 Explorer at 46,821 miles. The vehicle displayed the wrench light along with "Service AdvanceTrac," "4WD Fault," "Hill Start Assist Not Available," and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available." Multiple driver-assistance and stability systems disabled themselves simultaneously, including AdvanceTrac stability control and pre-collision braking. Loss of stability control and automatic emergency braking without warning is a safety concern, particularly at highway speed. The fault was intermittent at first. The dealer had the vehicle five days and could not duplicate it. Within a week of getting it back the condition became nearly constant. The repair is Ford TSB 25-2568, which replaces the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft with a revised, non-disconnecting design and a new halfshaft. Ford has published this bulletin repeatedly since spring 2023 — 23-2114, then 23-2174 (July 2023), then 25-2373, then 25-2568 (January 2026) — for 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator AWD vehicles built on or before 30-Aug-2021. Ford has redesigned the part and eliminated the disconnect feature entirely, but has issued no recall or customer satisfaction program. Because this vehicle is out of factory warranty by age at 46,821 miles, the roughly $2,500 repair fell to me. I request that NHTSA review whether a known design defect that disables stability control and pre-collision braking warrants a safety recall rather than a service bulletin.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a six-hour trip, the low tire message was displayed, and the tire quickly deflated. The contact slowed down and pulled into a service center and inflated the tire. The vehicle was then driven without failure. While pulling into a parking lot, the driver's side rear wheel detached from the vehicle. The previous tire lug nut had been factored out for installation at a tire center. The towing company became aware that all five bolts had sheared off, and some of the bolts were in the parking lot. The vehicle was inspected by the local dealer, and it was determined that the rear passenger’s side wheel was missing lug nuts as well. The contact stated that three of the five lug nuts had sheared off. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 57,065.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
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