2020 Ford Explorer: Use caution

Owners filed 671 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer in its first five years on the road, about 310 for every 100,000 sold: 1.7× the rate of a typical Explorer year. That's above average, so use caution.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (36% of complaints, median 11,000 miles).

Complaint index
1.7×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Explorer year
Rank
10th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
671
first five years; 310 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
34
campaigns
6th generation, 2020–today (first year of the generation; redesign years often run worse) · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2020 Ford Explorer XLT

Photo: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT · Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Powertrain36% · 241 complaints · median 11,000 miles
  2. Driver assistance20% · 136 complaints · median 13,000 miles
  3. Electrical18% · 118 complaints · median 7,000 miles
  4. Engine13% · 85 complaints · median 8,000 miles
  5. Brakes11% · 72 complaints · median 7,000 miles
  6. Fuel and propulsion4% · 29 complaints · median 6,000 miles
  7. Steering3% · 17 complaints · median 8,000 miles
  8. Body and structure3% · 21 complaints · median 29,000 miles
  9. Visibility3% · 21 complaints · median 7,000 miles
  10. Seats and belts4% · 25 complaints · median 26,000 miles

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Driver assistance

Owners of this Explorer commonly report the backup camera and related driver-assistance features intermittently failing, showing blank or blue screens, especially while reversing. Even after dealer repairs, software updates, or recall attempts, many say the problem kept coming back, sometimes for months.

Warning signs:
Many report a blue, black, or distorted rearview camera image, warning messages like 'Reverse Brake Assist Not Available' or 'Back Up Assistance Unavailable', and clusters of dashboard faults for hill descent, ABS, and pre-collision systems.
What shops did:
Dealers often reflashed or replaced camera modules and software, but many owners say the failure recurred, some report recall repairs weren't yet available due to part shortages, and a few had cameras replaced multiple times without resolution.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 40,000 miles, among 57 complaints that give it

“the back-up display flickered between the image, blackout, and blue screen”

“it started to roll backwards even though my foot was on the brake”

Electrical

Owners describe a range of electrical glitches in the 2020 Explorer, from sudden stalling and unexpected braking behavior to failing cameras, sensors, and warning lights. Many say dealers struggled to permanently fix the issues, and some mention related recalls or technical bulletins.

Warning signs:
Owners report dashboard warnings such as 'Service AdvanceTrac,' collision-assist or 4WD fault messages, blue/blank backup-camera screens, and sudden hard braking or jerking before or during the failures.
What shops did:
Dealers often reset modules, replaced sensors, cameras, alternators, batteries, or control modules, but many owners say the problems recurred or could not be duplicated or fixed.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 50,000 miles, among 61 complaints that give it

“The vehicle would not shift out of low gear and would not accelerate over 25mph”

“upon putting it in reverse WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE the car started to drive backwards. No amount of pressure on the brake pedal stopped the car.”

Powertrain

Owners describe transmission and oil cooler failures, often with jerking, grinding, or sudden loss of power, sometimes leaving them stranded. Repairs frequently involve transmission replacement, but many report recurring problems, long waits for parts, and repeat dealer visits.

Warning signs:
Owners report jerking, clunking, grinding noises, hard or delayed shifts, dashboard warnings like powertrain malfunction or wrench light, and fluid leaks before failures.
What shops did:
Dealers commonly replaced the transmission, oil cooler, or valve body, though many owners report parts backorders, repeated repairs, or issues that recurred after service.
Mileage:
most between 10,000 and 75,000 miles, among 184 complaints that give it

“There was a leak in the transmission fluid and then the car would not move.”

“Then called to say it had metal in it and it needs a whole new transmission.”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

  • NHTSA 26V451000July 2026387,911 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

    Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V402000June 2026741,195 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

    Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V159000March 2026561 vehicles

    Seat belts

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V117000March 2026604,533 vehicles

    Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

    Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V123000March 2026889,950 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V685000October 202559,006 vehicles

    Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

  • NHTSA 25V442000June 2025200,237 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V393000June 2025304,662 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

    Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V159000March 202549,399 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V166000March 20254,247 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V093000February 2025240,510 vehicles

    Seat belts

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

    Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions.

  • NHTSA 24V852000November 202427,678 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 24V598000August 202485,238 vehicles

    Engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment.

  • NHTSA 24V188000March 20241,988 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V675000October 2023238,364 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.

  • NHTSA 23V626000September 20232,954 vehicles

    Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V342000May 2023442,973 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V305000April 2023523 vehicles

    Back over prevention: display function

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V199000March 2023674 vehicles

    Parking brake: electrical · Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V069000February 20233,674 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

    Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 23V022000January 2023382,759 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 22V255000April 2022252,936 vehicles

    Power train: axle assembly · Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

    Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software.

  • NHTSA 21V735000September 2021228,297 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software · Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 21V154000March 202149 vehicles

    Suspension: rear

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

    Risk: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V788000December 20201,405 vehicles

    Engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

    Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V730000November 202017 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: storage

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

    Risk: An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V693000November 202010,905 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.

    Risk: Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V575000September 2020620,246 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V549000September 202029 vehicles

    Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

    Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 20V497000August 2020488 vehicles

    Air bags: critical fasteners · Seats · Air bags: side/window

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.

    Risk: If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 19V859000December 20193,857 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 19V687000September 201910,655 vehicles

    Electrical system: wiring

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

    Risk: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 19V633000August 2019639,137 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly · Seats: front assembly: recliner

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

    Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 19V575000August 201913,896 vehicles

    Parking brake · Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel · Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

    Risk: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Ford sent NHTSA 371 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2020 Explorer. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • TSB 26-2395 · August 2026This article supersedes 26-2287.
  • SSM 55069 · August 2026Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative.
  • SSM55059 · August 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L…
  • TSB 26-2287 · June 2026This article supersedes 25-2302.
  • SSM 54902 · June 2026For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).
  • SSM 54827 · May 2026Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons.
  • TSB 26-2226 · May 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2046.
  • SSM 54795 · May 2026Some 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)…

All 2020 Explorer bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners filed 671 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer in its first five years on the road, about 310 for every 100,000 sold: 1.7× the rate of a typical Explorer year. That's above average, so use caution. Ratings compare Explorer years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2020 Explorer problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (36%), driver-assistance features and cameras (20%) and the electrical system (18%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2020 Ford Explorer been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 34 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Explorer, the most recent in July 2026 (seats). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. The 2020 Ford Explorer on NHTSA.gov · How we rate