Complaint volume
1134 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Ford Explorer Complaints
1134 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
1134 Total complaints
33 Crash reports
10 Fire reports
27 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, unknown or other, back over prevention. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 33 crash reports, 10 fire reports, 27 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 385 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 33,892 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, unknown or other, back over prevention?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Ford Explorer complaints?
33 Crash
10 Fire
27 Injury
0 Fatality
40 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 306
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 117
BACK OVER PREVENTION 56
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44
ENGINE 42
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 40
SERVICE BRAKES 27
VISIBILITY/WIPER 27
STRUCTURE 26
SEATS 25
1,134 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Nearly all loss of engine power while driving on on a highway. Ford states these are the necessary repairs. The mechanic supervisor Verbally told me told me possible Engine coolant in cylinders 2 and 3. I requested photos, however none have been provided. I have not approved repairs due to the costs. Total Estimate for repairs is over $15000.00 Ford ecoboost engines have had a lot of recalls, for these same issues on other model Ford engines except the 2.3 liter 2020 Ford Explorer. (Rapid Coolant loss and leaking into the combustion chamber) causing the engine block to damaged. However, no recalls yet on the 2020 Ford Explorer. Cause REPLACE LONGBLOCK DUE TO INTERNAL FAILURE Correction REPLACE ENGINE AND ALL ONE TIME USE PARTS Estimate $ 11,534.51 EITHER PCM, HARNESS OR SENSOR BAD HEATER CIRCUIT OXYGEN SENSOR BANK 1 SENSOR 2 Correction REPLACE O2 SENSOR BROKEN EXHAUST PRESSURE SENSOR Correction REPLACE SENSOR Concern Critical Check Engine Light Is On And Running Rough Cause REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Correction REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Approved $ 605.56 Total estimate $ 15,863.61 Manufacturer Recall Issued Recall 23S23 Inoperative Rear 360 Degree Camera With A Blue Screen Imported From Oxlo On 12/18/2024 06:52 Approved No Charge I have not authorized repairs due to the high costs, and lack of guarantee of repair. Plus I'm still making monthly payments for another 15 months. Ford has not acknowledged cylinder manufacturing defects to engine block on the 2020 Ford Explorer. I'm at a loss. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Getting random notifications on my dashboard to “Check Headlamp System” however I’m not seeing no any problems. I’m no mechanic by any stretch but from my perspective, the headlights work just fine. I have searched online for similar owner complaints and have found numerous forum posts from other ford explorer platinum owners. All of them stating they have taken it to the dealership. The common factor amongst all of them is that the dealer (bottom line up front) could not find the problem despite their numerous attempts to diagnose. Some dealers have gone as far as to suggest total replacement of the headlight module, which is a very costly part. Majority of customers after replacing it are stating it did not solve the problem. I do not want to fall into the same rabbit hole of buying parts I don’t need, only to end up in the same situation I’m in now. I’ve had this problem back in July of 2024. The problem went away for a bit and then suddenly reappeared today, 25 March 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle bucked forward and failed to drive as intended. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transfer case and rear seal leak needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 99,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - driveline, brakes, acceleration, and steering. Ford and 2 dealerships now refuse to take my complaints seriously even though I’m willing to pay diagnosis fees for them too try to figure out what the issue is. Yes available. How was your safety or the safety risk? - delay and at times complete lack of braking and acceleration, being unable to steer, accelerating when braking and vehicle moving when in park. The vehicle shakes, wobbles, vibrates and chimys. Vehicle warning lights have flashed only to be gone in 2 seconds. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? Yes and no. Initially many parts in the driveline including the transfer case was replaced. The vehicle went into the dealership multiple times because the symptoms kept returning. However, now the same dealership refuses to take the vehicle back because they couldn’t figure out what the issue was and now the second dealership is trying to push back and even accepting my money to take a look at the vehicle. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer including ford engineers. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The warning lights seem to appear and then disappear as quickly as they show up. I have tried to log some of them, but sometimes I do not get to see it in time as when starting the car I’m closing my door and out putting my seat belt on. There have been multiple cars for this vehicle, including customer satisfaction programs. The most recent one a steering torque sensor failure posted on the NHTSA site as well as Ford. However on Ford’s website, it is being misrepresented as a loose seatbelt (see attachment). I don’t believe they are being transparent. There are recalls that I believe are excluding VINs purposefully. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | The button to adjust rear view side mirrors malfunctioned. The side mirrors no longer adjust or respond to the button. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | AWD Module Fault: No Hill-Assist No Collision-Assist No Traction Control Service AdvanceTrac Service AWD | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2020 Ford Explorer ST my panoramic sun blind is off track It is blocking rear view. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. An abnormal sound was coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front passenger’s side axle had detached, and the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V788000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 90,000 |
| Mar 2025 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the rear hatch had failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | The car has 66,311 miles and both catalytic converters are cracked and leaking exhaust into the passenger compartment. The down pipe flex joint on the passenger side is leaking and the one on the driver’s side is deteriorating. Car is currently at the dealership being evaluated. This appears to be a known problem with the 3.0 Ford Explorer in the model years 2020-2022 but no recall has been issued. The problem has been identified by both the dealership and an independent transmission repair shop. There has been no warning lights just strong exhaust smell in passenger compartment when idling at stop signs or lights. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Headlight designed to last lifetime of vehicle failed after five years. Ford has designed so you can’t replace the bulbs for around 100 bucks but have to replace entire units for 1500 dollars apiece. Had issues before where it was off and on and they told me they couldn’t replace it unless it was off at time of inspection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the AWD module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 43,000 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission had been slipping on and off for a long long time. Finally started slipping multiple times in a mile. Transmission needed replaced | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the touchscreen monitor and backup camera display were extremely hot to the touch. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 104,009. | Crash: No Fire: No | 104,009 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Hard shifting up and down through the transmission shifting sequence. Multiple clutch friction codes and powertrain warnings from Ford service advisor on 3/10/25. Check engine light on. Vehicle mileage 58,735 under warranty but no communication from Ford Motor Company until we brought the vehicle to a dealership. 5-6 week projected repair process at this time. TSB’s on the 10R80 and 10R80 MHT transmissions reported back through 2020 MY. Claim started with Ford Motor Company 3/10/25 and claim number assigned due to mileage of vehicle under the 60,000 mile warranty termination point. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Hard Downshifting and Jerking. Valve body replaced 10/2024 for the same issue. Complaint filed at that time as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Vehicle came into our shop with the charging system fault light on. Upon checking for codes BCM battery code B11D9:09:0A was present. During diagnosis the technician found that the battery cable was rubbing against the floorboard of the vehicle causing arching/welding of the positive battery against the floorboard of the vehicle leaving visible damage to the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,400. | Crash: No Fire: No | 101,400 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission downshifts very harsh every downshift. Took to dealer said transmission is out after 100,000. Transmission did go out on the way home from dealership service. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Approximately 2-3 weeks ago (around time car hit 100,000 miles), I began noticing hard downshifts when my car was slowing down between 30-20 mph. It felt as if I was being rear ended every time I came to a stop, with a very forceful physical jerking sensation. I had my husband drive it to confirm I wasn't being paranoid, then had my dad drive it (who has been a mechanic for 40+ years) to get his thoughts. He determined likely a transmission issue and recommended I take it to my local Ford Service Center. Ford confirmed I had a P2704 code and recommended a full replacement of my transmission. I took it to an independent transmission center who confirmed the diagnosis (test drove to confirm hard shifts between 8-7 and occasionally 4-5), but did state the transmission could be rebuilt or repaired instead of fully replaced. On 3-4 occasions, I was attempting to accelerate but the car would not go forward, this occurred while trying to merge onto an interstate/parkway. Additionally, once, when I had my foot off both the gas and brake pedals (coasting), the engine aggressively accelerated on its own and I was in stop and go city traffic, which was terrifying. No lights ever came on the dashboard and no warnings were sent to my FordPass app. There has been a TSB issued (23-2250). I have 2 small children (ages [XXX]) in car seats and I am afraid to drive them around in my car. Thankfully, I have found someone to fix the issue, but it seems it's a very common problem with the 10R60 transmissions from 2020-2022 based on forums and speaking to mechanics. We have been a Ford Family since the 1970s, but this experience has made me never want to buy another one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The fabric on the sunroof fails out when opened and blocks view. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission failed while traveling on highway. Causing loss of ability to maintain speed or accelerate while in traffic.vehiclw has approximately 82,000 miles. Dealer only reported dark colored fluid as reason to need replacement. No actual cause given. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | -2020 Ford Explorer -Panoramic Sunroof Shade. -Sunroof shade sagging, blocking view from rear view mirror while driving. -Problem is reproduced every time I attempt to open/retract the shade. This is a recurrent problem with many 2020 Explorer owners. -Awaiting appointment with dealer for inspection. -No warnings prior to failure of shade retraction mechanism. Problem began 2-3 months ago. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | In May 2023 the passenger side headlight stopped working. For a few months it would intermittently work then go out. Then we had both headlights stop working. Took it to Ford dealership and they said it was just the passenger side headlight. Since it was LED they had to replace the entire assembly for at total with labor of $2,182.54. Now today Feb. 2025 the driver side LED headlight stopped working. Same issues as before with the same symptoms leading up to the light stop working. Took it to my local repair shop and they will need to replace the entire headlight for around $2,400. I am upset because of the safety issues with these headlights and the cost! Also, reading online there seems to be a lot of people with the same problems on these 2020 Ford Explorers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Panoramic sunroof shade began sagging over night and now can fall and block view of rear view mirror out of the back of vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |