2020 Ford Explorer Driver assistance Problems

Had recall for parking brake fixed, soon after I’d be on interstate or intersection and it would lose power wrench and check power train system light came on. Took to dealership and they said it was parking pawl sylenuod. Had repaired left the shop didn’t even get home and it did the same: Mechanic said it was gas pedal sensor repaired that and same thing happened it may go real fast or not go . I worked for uber and lyft and have been out of work for a few months. Car setting at dealership and the say I need to pay for a new power train module because my cars lost it brains. So I got recall fixed and my cars went to hell in a hand basket. Now another recall is issued but no resolution. It is a huge safety issue when your gas pedal gets a not responsive to your foot touching the pedal then it accelerating without touching the gas pedal. I’m lucky I didn’t die in it. This year model just needs to be lemoned out. Oh also when it starts messing up airbag not working driver assist not working all the safety features go haywire. I feel 💯 sure this is all related to the recall and ford will be hearing from me or a lawyer one.

NHTSA ID

11748657

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

The transmission malfunctioned on the Interstate. The car started jumping and then would slow way down to about 33 MPH with the RPM's super high and then kick back in and speed up super fast and I would have to brake constantly. I almost hit the car in front of me at one point. A different point in the same trip the car behind me had to slam on it's brakes to stop from hitting me when the car lost power. I got off the Interstate at the very next exit and took back roads home. The transmission has been inspected by a Ford Dealership and they said it was the transmission going out. At first there were no warning lights and after it started jumping and starting. Then a few days later the engine light and power train warning lights came on.

NHTSA ID

11748182

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

ABS and parking brake. Was confirmed by the dealer & tow truck driver. No warning when I parked it, only after putting it into reverse. There were flashing ABS & Parking Brake lights plus a beeping sound.

NHTSA ID

11744539

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Service advance track 4 weel drive doesn’t work and I don’t have control on the weels

NHTSA ID

11739025

Incident

May 16, 2026

Three alerts appeared on my dash after starting my car. These alerts are “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available,” “Service AdvanceTrac,” and “4WD Fault Service Required.” This has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle which directly affects the safety of drivers. After discussing with other consumers, this system failure is happening more and more. While these alerts are displayed, the front end collision assist is completely nonfunctional, thus increasing the risk of an accident. The Advanced Traction Control System is also nonfunctional. Based on other consumers with the same experience, the only solution is to replace the AWD module.

NHTSA ID

11730969

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

Since purchase as a preowned vehicle, we noted this vehicle is equipped with a faulty transmission/tcm software design that is dangerously unpredictable and creates erratic driving conditions. This passenger SUV Is equipped with a 10 speed automatic that (once at operating temperature) the gear shifts and operation become highly unpredictable, often causing severe safety issues navigating in traffic, slowing down to sudden stops, and any acceleration, frequently getting stuck in 1st gear or neutral while attempting to accelerate on roadways from a stop. The (10r60E) has nearly caused several accidents severe accidents while under normal use as our primary family vehicle. The Ford dealerships I contacted were aware the problem was concurrent on every vehicle equipped with that Transmission and deemed it normal operation. This is highly concerning there hasn’t been some sort of safety recall implemented as it is a known flaw that creates very unsafe driving conditions on a vehicle marketed to families.

NHTSA ID

11726413

Incident

Feb 27, 2025

SUMMARY OF FACTS FOR LEGAL CONSULTATION Bad Faith Redhibition Claim — Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2545 Prepared for Attorney Consultation 1. Vehicle & Transaction Information Vehicle2020 Ford Explorer ST — AWDPurchase DateMarch 2025Purchase Structure$17,000 trade-in applied + $17,000 remaining loan balanceAdditional Warranty$2,500 paid warranty purchased through dealership at time of saleSelling DealerIndependently licensed dealership (non-Ford franchise)Warranty ServiceWarranty work performed during coverage period 2. The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-2174) Ford issued TSB 23-2174 in July 2023 — nearly two years before the vehicle was sold to the client. Key facts about the TSB: •Covers: 2020–2021 Ford Explorer/Lincoln Aviator AWD vehicles •Component affected: Front Axle Disconnect Actuator (FADA) — left side •Failure mode: FADA O-ring seal failure causing AWD malfunction, triggering powertrain warning light (wrench icon) with DTCs C00A6 and/or C0631 •Required repair per TSB: Full replacement of FADA with revised intermediate shaft AND reprogramming of transfer case control module •Result of proper TSB repair: Permanently eliminates front axle disconnect capability — a fundamental, permanent change to vehicle drivetrain operation •TSB was publicly available on [XXX] at time of purchase — free, searchable by VIN 3. Critical Pre-Sale Service Record — January 2025 The dealership's own service center performed the following repair on the vehicle approximately 1–2 months before the sale to client: Date of ServiceJanuary 2025 (approx. 1–2 months pre-sale)Work Order DescriptionLeft axle disconnect/hub actuatorParts ListedMotorcraft left axle seal ONLYLabor Hours9 hoursDTCs or TSB ReferencedNone listed on work orderAWD Module ReprogrammedNot indicated on work order Critical observation: The terminology used on the dealer's own work order — "left axle disconnect/hub actuator" — mirrors the exact component language of TSB 23-2174. A technician with suffici INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT

NHTSA ID

11723709

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ID

11721751

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Mileage

26,000 mi

On December 26, at approximately 7:08 p.m., I was driving on the Belt Parkway during a snowstorm. I was traveling in the middle lane and began to safely change lanes to the right. During the lane change, the vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system suddenly displayed an error and appeared to malfunction. Immediately after this occurred, I lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered to the right, struck the median, and flipped over twice before coming to rest on its side. Prior to the system error, I was operating the vehicle normally and driving cautiously given the weather conditions. The loss of control occurred abruptly and without warning.

NHTSA ID

11707956

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

Vehicle did not want to shift above 35 mph. When letting off gas - harsh downshift (with no break lights) at 25mph. Diagnosed transmission problem - repaired- Ford dealership rebuilt transmission. No warnings or messages prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11707911

Incident

Oct 26, 2025

Rear camera does not detect traffic passing or people walking behind the vehicle.Sometimes the screen goes blue. Crash alert goes off any time it wants. Even when parked.

NHTSA ID

11706332

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

Car was bought from Healy Ford in Goshen Ny in January 2023. Car drove fine for the first 6 months. Out of no where all the lights on the dash came on. Hill assist 4wheel drive fault power train malfunction. Collision assist I mean everything. Took it it Rea Ford they looked at it and charged me for a system update. Was good for about 8 months still had a problem when in reverse splitting out of gear then would slam back in to gear. Then the power train malfunction comes on every time I drive it, Took it back to dealership he updated the software I was told it was a bulletin not a recall and it is going to cost me over 2000.00 to fix since the update didn’t fix the problem. I am truly disappointed but stuck with ford at the moment. How can this not be a recall when you go on and see the hundreds of complaints saying the same thing.

NHTSA ID

11702088

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

Powertrain malfunction/ Reduced power Bill start assist warning Pre-collision assist not available

NHTSA ID

11698056

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

When driving the vehicle's instrument panel cluster randomly goes blank. When it does so, all of the items related to speed control, lighting, turn signals, etc. become non-operational. Additionally, the driver has no idea what his/her speed is nor any other information about the operation of the vehicle. It is very unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11695888

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

Ford ST 2020 just 37000 miles, the window from driver side can’t complete close when you try to roll up. When it all most close- it will automatically roll down. TPMS fails cause 4WD fault, ABS turn off and a lot of warning symbol turn on like pre-collision…etc. Dealer can’t fix and claim for client need to paid for 4WD program.

NHTSA ID

11695707

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

The first component that fails and gives a warning is a 4WD failure. Once this warning occurs it cascades into a failure of collision assist, a sudden loss of adaptive cruise control, traction control and lane assist component. When this first occurred and my vehicle would suddenly slow down on the highway, because the cruise control would suddenly shut down and swerve due to the lane assist also shutting down. these warnings and failures did not reset immediately when you shut the car off and would last for days at a time. this would also happen randomly either on the highway or local roads. This is a known issue to Ford and they have issued TSB 23-2174 in regards to this.

NHTSA ID

11689939

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

Bought my car 2020 and every year I have been on and off the shop to fix it. Last year I just paid them to fox my transmission gearing, clutch and axle. The other dY I have them service it again due to power train malfunction. And sent me an invoice of $1700 not including the $195 to diagnostic test for my car.

NHTSA ID

11688557

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

My suv was expired last dec and didnt know I just got that since April 2025 and I have to pay my own self for fix suv It not my fault and there no warranty for me check suv and fix recall

NHTSA ID

11687009

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

At this time, I am unsure if there is some kind of recall, but my alarm is going off alerting me that the lift gate opened but that isn't true once my vehicle is locked. Also, the headlights turn on by themselves as if i have pressed on the keyfob. I then get an alert stating that the remote features disabled to preserve battery. These are just a few of the issues that i am having with this vehicle at this moment. I am a mother to 3 kids and i need to have a reliable vehicle and I don't have time to stress about not locking my vehicle at night jus to avoid my alarm going off. This is insane.

NHTSA ID

11684919

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

issued started happening when I tried to get into my car and my keyfob was not working. then notice the number pad was working and was able to get into the vehicle. Once inside, vehicle did not want to start. I turn on and off the headlights and thats when the vehicle started. Once started, vehicle started showing orange warning messages. the following messages were shown: Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Hill Start Assist Not Available 4WD Fault Service Required Service AdvanceTrac See Manual with a wrench on it. There is also a wrench light on with the advance trac light on. This issue was diagnosed by Ford Scarsdale and they charge me $209 just for the diagnostic and stated that I need a new AWD Module plus performing TSB 23-2174. with a list of parts totaling $926.42 plus labor of $1,463. The labor seems a bit over price as I don't believe it will take 7 hours to fix this if we take the labor at $200/Hr. There were no prior messages prior to failure. Issue started happening around August 9th, 2025 where my car would start with no issues and after 10 minutes of driving, all the above messages would start showing. Now, messages show when car starts and dont go away. In addition, I have taken my vehicle to Ford Scarsdale on July 2, 2025 from front/read differential and transfer case fluid change and pinion seal change. In addition, on 03/27/2024, I took my vehicle since there was oil leak in the front axle and was repaired under warranty. Dealership should have suggested to do this TSB 23-2174 knowing this was a common issue and I was still under warranty

NHTSA ID

11682234

Incident

Aug 9, 2025

While driving, vehicle gave Powertrain malfunction, downhill assist unavailable and Pre-collision warning system unavailable faults. The vehicle then came to a stop and would not move. Turning the ignition off and on allowed the vehicle to be safely parked in a nearby parking lot.

NHTSA ID

11680683

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?
The issue pertains to a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water accumulation in the spare tire area, potentially accompanied by a lack of audio functionality in my 2020 Ford Explore ST as outlined in TSB 24-2044 (NHTSA ID: 102514). The affected component is the rear liftgate structure and associated seals, which allow water ingress, particularly noticeable after car washes or rainfall. The entire sound system to include any collision and impact warnings have failed to chime. 2. 
The water leak in the rear liftgate and spare tire area poses potential safety risks. Accumulated water can damage electrical components, such as wiring or audio systems, which may lead to malfunctions in critical vehicle systems. For example, water ingress could affect rear lighting, sensors, or other electronic modules, potentially compromising visibility or functionality during operation. Additionally, water accumulation may contribute to corrosion or mold growth, posing long-term structural or health risks for occupants. These issues could reduce vehicle reliability and increase the risk of accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions. 3.The issue has been acknowledged by Ford in TSB 24-2044, which provides a service procedure to identify and address the leak path. The Bill Currie Ford dealership in Tampa, FL has inspected my vehicle on several occasions, recently July 15, 2025 and confirmed water leakage in the rear liftgate area consistent with TSB 24-2044.The dealer will not repair unless I pay over $2200 for the repair, which I refuse for a manufacture defect. 4. To date, the vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance representatives, but the issue align with the TSB report. 5. Water observed in the spare tire & tailgate area every time since purchase. A loss of audio back in July 2023 and numerous occasions since complete failure as of January 3 2024

NHTSA ID

11679932

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting hard. While driving uphill, the transmission failed to properly shift into gear. The transmission was slow to respond while shifting gears. There were codes and warning lights related to the power train and pre-collision assist. Additionally, the powertrain, Hill Start Assist, and pre-collision warning lights were simultaneously activated and then deactivated. The TPMS warning illuminated and eventually turned off, and then became illuminated. The tire pressures were checked and were at proper inflation levels. The contact stated that the failure was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V239000 (Power Train). The contact called the manufacturer and discussed the related recall on the 2025 Ford Explorer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The local dealer was contacted about the malfunction and informed the contact that the failure was a glitch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11678525

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

70,000 mi

At approximately 30k miles (but after the 5 year warrantee had expired) the car started giving warnings about the brake system failing even though the brakes worked properly. Shortly after that, and without any warning indicators on the dash, the car began jerking when applying the brakes and down shifting at 35 mph. In the 4 months since the problem started, the jerking has become violent and other issues have begun. It also jerks when downshifting at 25 mph occasionally. It has a problem upshifting in gears 1-4, especially (but not only) when accelerating quickly. It seems that the gears are slipping. The engine revs higher because the gears are not properly shifting. My 18 month old child, my wife, and I have been put at risk driving in a vehicle that fails to shift properly accelerating through intersections and stopping at intersections. Both a Ford dealership and an independent auto repair shop have duplicated the problem and said the car needs either a new transmission ($8k) or to replace parts in the existing tranny that would cost $6k. Evidently there is a TSB from Ford on this issue, but not a recall. Ford has refused to offer financial assistance.

NHTSA ID

11677124

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

ADAS System malfunctions, 4WD malfunctions, Vehicle will randomly shut off during driving.

NHTSA ID

11675626

Incident

May 23, 2025