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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle down shifts hard from 7th to 6th gear tested in manual mode but was originally feeling it while driving automatic when slowing down between 25 - 35 mph then I found a tsb that suggested trying it in manual in those gears and it happens every time | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The 2020 Ford Explorer was repaired due to a recall on the rear differential bolt. The bolt that was replaced fell out and had to go back in for service. The dealer said Ford refused to pay the full cost and it was split between Ford and the owner. We had to pay $2085.97 for the repair of a recalled item. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission has failed due to a snap ring being dislodged. This caused substantial damage requiring complete transmission rebuild. The vehicle is currently at a ford dealership where they have identified the issue. The serviceman stated that the snap ring failure is due to manufactures defect and that it is a well known and common failure. Ford has a service bulletin describing this issue. Failure to repair this in a timely manner will cause catastrophic failure that could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights for this issue. The first symptom was harsh shifting. The vehicle was taken to the dealership the day following the first symptom but the damage had been done. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I recently had my vehicle serviced for reprogramming of the AWD control module after it failed. When the dealer returned the vehicle, I expected the issue to be resolved. Instead, I immediately noticed a new check engine light with code C00A6, related to the front axle disconnect. This was concerning because the dealer had assured me there were no active codes after programming the new module. After driving with the new fault, it became clear the vehicle was operating only in rear-wheel drive. I contacted Ford and was quoted $4,030 for repairs to the front axle disconnect. Given the cost, I researched whether this issue had a recall but found none, despite widespread reports from other owners experiencing the same failure. My main frustration is that this problem stems from Ford’s design of the intermittent AWD system, which engages the front wheels only when needed to improve fuel economy. The official “fix” eliminates this design entirely—converting the vehicle into a full-time AWD system. This requires removal of the front axle disconnect shaft, installation of a standard shaft, and reprogramming to support permanent AWD. The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-2174) even directs technicians to cut and discard the electrical connector for the front axle disconnect actuator, confirming that the original intermittent system is abandoned rather than repaired. This is a major concern for owners. Many of us are facing the same issue, yet Ford’s solution shifts the burden of an expensive design flaw onto customers. I strongly urge Ford to address this problem responsibly and provide coverage for affected vehicles, rather than leaving owners to pay thousands for what appears to be a widespread defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Panoramic sun shade flap sags greatly, causing visibility issues to the rear viewing window as well as causing blind spots on both passenger sides | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | Ac compressor has gone out 3 times. This car year, make, is known to have this problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | The weld which attaches the tail pipe to the muffler failed causing the pipe to strike the pavement while the vehicle was in motion which resulted in sparks and potential fire hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | THE BACKUP CAMERA COMES ON WHEN STOP AT A RED LIGHT/STOP SIGN ALL THE TIME. WHEN BACKING UP SOMETIMES SCREEN WILL SHOW PICTURE OF BACKING UP AND OTHER TIMES SCREEN WILL BE BLUE. DANGEROUS WHEN IN PARKING LOT AT GROCERY STORE AS PEOPLE DO NOT PAY ATTENTION. ONGOING FOR OVER 6 TO 8 MONTHS NOW. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Headlamp light came on in vehicle in December of 2024 and dealership replaced module which I had to pay for. 4 months later light came on again and dealership replaced module again at their cost, light came back on again right after the 2nd replacement of module. Dealership is not sure what to do but recommends replacing Headlamp at my cost but not sure that will fix the problem. I have been driving around with the headlight light coming off and on for the last 10 months. Dealership has no idea what to do | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Low beam headlight won't work. Dealer advises that the whole assembly has to be replaced at a cost of over $1,500. It doesn't make sense to me that, for safety's sake, replacing a light bulb (cost = $120) translates into a full dismantling of the front grill and fender to replace the entire headlight assembly. This is a serious safety issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Transmission gears were not running properly. On a Saturday evening the car was sleeping when slowing down and the following morning it completely died. Ford is reporting to me that I need a new transmission and I am only 1K miles over the warranty. i have read on line from several others with the 2020 explorer having this issue or the tranny dieing within 10-20K miles after warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident risk. Unable to drive vehicle until leak is fixed and mold is remediated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof shade has fallen out of its track and blocks the use of the rearview mirror. Upon attempting to open the sunroof shade, it began to fall out of the track and hang down enough to block the view out of the rear of the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Failed low beam bulb makes it unsafe to drive at night. The LED bulb is designed to last “life of the vehicle” and failed in less than 5 years. Replacing the bulb means replacing the entire assembly, >$1500. The bulb failed in significantly less than the typical lifespan. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On [XXX], after starting my vehicle, I received multiple safety warnings, prompting the check engine light and a wrench icon on the dashboard. The alerts included issues with the anti-collision system, hill assist, traction control, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, as well as my drive modes which were also unavailable. I contacted Raceway Ford in Riverside, CA, and dropped off the vehicle that day, reporting the errors. The dealership informed me the next day that the Half Shaft Speed Sensor had failed and would cost $870.52 to replace. Since the warranty had expired a month earlier on [XXX], this was no longer covered under the drivetrain warranty. I agreed to the repairs. After installing the new sensor, and conducting a test drive, additional errors appeared. After two weeks in the shop and multiple follow-ups, the dealership concluded that the AWD/FWD sensor had also failed and replaced both sensors. The repair documentation references TSB 21-2270, SSM 49045, and C0631. I believe this raises serious safety concerns and should warrant a recall, especially since other vehicles are experiencing similar issues just a month after warranty expiration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The moon roof shade came down, completely blocking the rear view | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My got multiple warning messages while driving my 2020 Ford Explorer. My local repair shop ran test and determined it needs a new front axle disconnect actuator/shaft - TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 23-2174. Without this repair, several sensors are deactivated: 4WD, Hill Start Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot system, pre-collision Assist and Service AdvanceTrac. With those functions disabled, it puts the driver/passengers at higher risk of collision - especially in the winter months. This repair is costing me over $2000. A vehicle with less than 70000 miles should not be having an issue like this, and Ford is award of the problem, yet have not issued a warranty extension or recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | While braking vehicle downshifted harshly with a noticeable slam into gear. While under acceleration, vehicle rpms raised sharply as transmission slipped and would not engage and accelerate. Potential risk to injury as vehicle transmission failed on interstate with loss of acceleration. Towed vehicle to Ford dealership. Ford dealership inspected to the conclusion of "Fluid full/extremely burnt. Possible A clutch failure due to faulty front support". Ford dealer recommended to remove and replace transmission. - Transmission failure, not available for inspection. - Safety risk due to transmission failure at interstate speeds with loss of acceleration. - Problem reproduced by Ford dealership - Transmission inspected by Ford dealership - Wrench light illuminated shortly after initial harsh downshift and acceleration with transmission slip. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Dashboard has separated, leather is rolled back from windshield area and has bubbled and raised on entire dash, this impedes part of my vision via the lower part of the windshield. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | WHEELS | Tire pressure sensor fault. A rear tire pressure sensor has defaulted more than once. As this is built into the wheel assembly, I believe this is a safety issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | The vehicle was purchased on 10/26/22 and the first occurrence of the issue and was reported to Autonation Ford Littleton and was dropped off by 11/02/22. The issue reported was that the engine to the vehicle would shut off and we were unable to turn it back on for a few minutes. This occurred while at a stop light in the middle of traffic. We dropped it off and they were unable to duplicate the issue. I then had the same issue reoccur and it was in the shop from 06/01/23 and the repair order was closed out on 07/31/23. They were unable to duplicate the issue again. We then had it occur again and we dropped the vehicle off on 06/28/25 and did not get it back until 08/19/25. Again, the issue was not able to be duplicated. The vehicle has shut off, and is unable to turn back on for minutes at a time, while we have been at a stop sign, a stop light, in parking lots, and even parked in our garage. The safety concern is sitting with hazards on in the middle of the road at a light surrounded by traffic. Every time it occurs, we call the dealership and set up an appointment. During the wait period, it usually happens 2-3 more times. We opt to not drive it when it begins happening this much. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership at this time and there were no warning lights. The engine would shut off and either go to just accessory power or no power at all. Between these repairs there was also a warning that stated: Gear Shift Malfunction. This occurred while I was on the interstate 3 different occasions and I would lose all power. I would have to keep pressing the gas pedal, hoping that it would begin accelerating. This was reported more than once as well and the entire transmission was eventually replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | The panoramic sunroof Rolo shade has malfunctioned and is currently sagging. This condition is expected to worsen over time, potentially obstructing driver visibility or posing a safety risk due to the possibility of entrapment or flammability. The vehicle has been brought to a certified Ford dealer for inspection; however, no additional inspections have been performed by other authorities at this time. There are no warning lights or alerts displayed in the vehicle related to this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |