2020 Ford Explorer complaints

[XXX] . Twice rats have destroyed the electrical wiring under the hood and chasey. While some of these wires do not affect safety, the wires that control and power the crash airbags do. Plus this may create a fire hazard. This also includes hoses. My reach revealed that these components and wire insulation are made from soy-based polyurethane which the rats see as food. This is a safety issue with the air bags and fire hazard. Other affected safety items would include blind spot detection and back up. Also the customer service hotline I was hung up up on twice and could not get through. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that rodents had eaten through the wiring harness. In addition, the contact stated several of the safety features in the vehicle were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that rodents had eaten through the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that it was the second time that the failure had occurred due to the rodents. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to open the passenger’s side door, her son and husband’s hands were sliced and injured by the door. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

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

Panoramic sunshade droops and sags creating obstructed rear view

Interior driver door handle - coating is metal, it partially peeled off. Several times it has cut my finger when I open the door (paper type cut). Due to fast paced life, I forget to open door is a way to avoid the metal flake and tend to always cut my finger which is scary if I touched it when vehicle was in motion, there is a quick second of shock/pain from cut. Ford has this common problem as we had the window openers replaced when it was warrantied, same issue. I think it's a safety issue and should be replaced by Ford. They want to charge me over $300 for the repair, I'm not going to give them the satisfaction. Driver side is more affected because it is used 3x as much and other doors.

Sunroof shade drooping down causing visibility issues for the rear view mirror.

Sunroof shade has failed and blocks view of rear of car including rear view mirror.

1. Passenger rear middle seat folds up randomly and repeatedly when someone is sitting in it. It's triggered by pressing on the middle of the back of the seat. This is not related to the current recall, I've had that recall completed and the buttons passed inspection. Basically the seat is trying to eject the passenger repeatedly. Huge safety issue. Sheehy Ford of Ashland has documented this in their report when completing recall. 2.Sunshade has broke and sags down, creating zero visibility in the rear view mirror. Huge safety issue 3. Cupholders are falling through, plastic rivets broke. Cups fall through cupholder

Sunroof shade sagging Preventing rear visibility and potential injure to rear passenger

Passenger OEM headlight module has failed multiple times. Continuously goes out and comes back on, causing a great safety concern. Driver OEM was replaced under warranty (bad module) and has worked fine since. This appears to be a factory issue as I have been dealing with this since I bought the vehicle brand new.

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.

Headlamp modules and headlamp do not properly function. Water can get into the module causing zero lights for the driver and is a safety hazard. Lights flicker or just turn off while driving. Electrical issue and not designed or installed properly. It should be able to be fixed with a new lightbulb but that is not the case.

This problem started about 2 months ago and it happened 3 different times so far. While driving, when pressing the gas, the vehicle will all of a sudden not go. You just drift as if the car is not getting gas. On 2 of the occasions, a shift error message appears on the dash but quickly disappears. This can be very dangerous while driving and cause an accident. I have not had the vehicle looked at yet because I feel it should apart of the new recall for the other Ford Explorers.

The transmission failed at 61,000 miles. When I got to the shop where I was getting it looked at they had another ford explorer 2020 with 70,000 miles also had transmission issues.

The panoramic sunroof shade failed causing it to drop down on one side, this is a poorly engineered and built by Ford, not an owner's fault. The panoramic roof shade have plastic clips that hold the shade that break by themselves causing the shade to fall. if both clips failed or the one on the drivers side this could cause temporary visual obstruction. This is a poorly designed system and needs to be secured in case of failure.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21B35 (Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.

The screen that covers the moon roof has let go, it flows in the current of the AC within the car. When the roof is open, it is hanging down so that I cannot see out my rear window with my rearview mirror. I can only assume, the next thing is, it will let go on one end of the other and hang down all the time and allowing constant sunlight on myself and passengers.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for regular service, he was made aware that the driver’s side CV axle was leaking. The contact was informed that the driver’s side CV axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.

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.

* Upon a significant partial front and complete side impact, the airbags failed to deploy. No front, side, curtain, etc... * The vehicle has been seen by the original tow company, the insurance assigned tow company (from original tow company to a body shop) and by the body shop personnel. * I believe the insurance adjuster has inspected, but I cannot confirm that at this time. * No prior warning lamps or messages were present prior to the impact. * The vehicle safety system engaged the fuel cut-off, hazard lights and automatically initiated the SOS system (called 9-1-1).

Manufacture hasn’t made a remedy available for the recall and it’s past its anticipated availability date. Manufacturer Recall Number 24S52 NHTSA Recall Number 24V598

Sunroof fabric clip broke when opening causing the fabric to hang down and obstruct view out of the rear view mirror.

The sunroof shade sags when opened. This creates a hazard for the driver due to lack of visibility to the rear of the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected using a scanner and provided an error code for the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Vehicle was engaged in park with parking brake on, I put my foot on brake applying pressure & shifted out of park to drive. As I disengaged parking brake vehicle pushed forward 10 feet forcing me to take my foot off brake & reapply pressure to stop vehicle.

The shade covering the moon roof made a popping noise and began sagging, inhibiting visibility to the rear of the vehicle

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

Have replaced rear tires three times in past year. Vehicle causes extreme wear on inside tread of rear tires. Vehicle is known to be prone to have rear axle fractures.

Exterior review side mirrors cause loud whistle noise when driving.

Transmission failure & clutch needs replacement. Vehicle started hard shifting at low MPH.

First my radio will not come on when you first start the explorer. Then you turn it off and turn it back on then the radio will start to work. Then blind spot stop working will the radio. They said they fix the problem by updating the software in the radio. That work for a week then it happen again now they said it's the audio control Module need to be replace. And the battery will drain over night they said the recall is for other fords not mine. I paid for a new battery and alternator. But they said my explorer not on the list.

Panoramic moon roof shade cover has detached from the roof of the car. The fabric shade falls into the car blocking vision of the driver. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. I am unaware if the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings of the problem. The fabric just fell into the car blocking the vision of the driver.

LED headlight failure, driver's side, low beam.

In June of this year, with about 82,000 miles I began to experience a clunk felt through the vehicle while slowing down from @35 mph upon the downshift. The clunk was more noticeable under braking, i.e. approaching a stop light. This went on for a few days growing more frequent and noticeable. On June 30th, 2025 I dropped my Explorer off at my Ford dealer's service department. The mechanic test drove and confirmed my experience. They also found that the transmission fluid had a burnt smell and some debris. Their testing turned up codes P1783 and P028 indicating an overtempt condition. I’d offer that at no time did I see and sort of dashboard indicators of any trouble. I’ve never pulled a trailer, modified the engine intake or exhaust systems, or had custom engine tunning performed. It’s a completely stock Explorer ST. My recourse was to pay $8,529.63 to replace the transmission. I do feel that if I had continued to operate the vehicle best case would be I was stranded someone where. Worse stranded on the roadway or highway.

There is hesitation when coming from a stop to accelerating there is a delay of power. This problem has been going on since we have had the car. It is safety issue especially when we accelerate to get onto the highway. It is very inconsistent. We recently took it in and found that an error code of P0496 the evaporator purge valve to be a problem. Not sure if this is a problem with other Fords like ours. So I thought you could investigate it for me. Thank you.

Parking brake won't disengage. Cannot drive or reverse

While sitting in the 3rd row seat, my daughter felt the headrest smack the back of her head. When trying to put it back up, it will no longer stay in place. There are multiple reports of this exact thing happening. This is a known issue with these vehicles. I am now unable to allow anyone to ride in that seat, as the headrest will not stay up.

3rd row seats have a malfunctioning system causing the headrests to not lift back up after seat is down, seat goes down with an automatic button but then headrest on both sides do not lift up as they should. This poses a very serious risk to children in the back seat who are now leaned and pushed forward by this headrest which is folded down over the seat and will not go up. After a lot of research I have seen that this is a very common issue with this year of Explorers.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to shift gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 46,894.

When my vehicle reaches 60 mph the back end of my vehicle begins to sway excessively. Something may be wrong with the axle. It’s actually very frightening. Also, when my vehicle is running, I feel a slight puttering and then it quickly goes away as if somethings going on with the fuel pump. Lastly, my rearview camera sometimes looks a little blurry. I did take my vehicle to team Chevrolet in Swansboro, North Carolina where I purchased the vehicle. They stated something is going on with the axle and sway bar.

The tire pressure monitoring system has failed. Per the dealership, each tire needs a new battery, which run around $150/each. The first sensor went out approx 1 month ago, with the other 3 going out shortly after. While this does not pose an immediate risk for the driver, it does appear that numerous other 2020 explorers are having the same issue. If the batteries provided are faulty, a recall should be issued.

The front windows on my 2020 Ford Explorer have an intermittent issue. When auto rolling up the windows they will bounce back and automatically roll down 2/3 of the way. This has happened in rainstorms and at the car wash creating a driving hazard. The dealer hasn’t been able to fix the issue as the issue does not generate an error message. They tell me without an error message they can’t fix it. Several calls to Ford Customer Service hasn’t resulted in them agreeing to fix the issue. The best they offer is for me to take it to another Ford dealer and pay another $160 and hope this time an error code is found If you google the issue you will see this is a widespread problem that Ford is apparently pretending doesn’t exist. So much for “Quality is job 1.”

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the transmission was slipping and the vehicle was slow accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPM was high while driving at low speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,000.

Water has been leaking on my passenger side front floor, and now the blower motor has completely seized. Ford quoted me over $1,000 for a blower motor! I have requested asking for satisfaction warranty for this to be covered via email, with no response. Blower motors should not go bad this soon. I have no way to defrost or defog my windows. This is a major safety concern

The sunshade for sun/panoramic roof stopped retracting. When I pressed the button to open it, the shade rolled back about two inches and as it’s continuing to go back the shade then became loose and hanging blocking my rear view. As this was happening I was in the process of backing up, so at this point it affects the safety of me, and my kids, including others around. No warning or indication that it would malfunction ever came. Now it’s just sagging and loose it’s no longer tight.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop at a red traffic light, the vehicle inadvertently shut off in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. The battery warning light was illuminated. No further information was available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA23002(Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.

2020 explorer Transmission needs to be rebuilt due to transmission failure. Hard shifting that causes car to jerk dangerously. Decreased ability to gain speed due to delays and inability to properly shift though gears. Issues started on April 2025 and have continued to get worse. Care only has a little over 36000 miles on it. It was bought brand new November of 2019. Car is currently at ford dealership being worked on but this is a known issue with the transmission on 2020 models. This should be covered at no cost to me but here I am stuck paying for most of it.

With no previous problems, over the course of the past two days the transmission has begun to hard and delayed shift in multiple gears between 10 to 75 mph. When slowing down to go through tolls this morning, as I accelerated, there was a sudden loss of power transmission and a loud rattling sound. The engine would rev in this case. I had to coast for about 150 ft before I regained control of my speed. Once I was slowing down to take my exit to get to work and wait at the light, when I attempted to accelerate to go through the light, I experienced another loss of power. However, this time the engine would not rev. Once in the intersection I was moving slowly. Had this happened (loss of power) while I was in the intersection or through the toll and someone was behind me accelerating, I could have been rear ended and injured. I am taking the Explorer to the dealership next Tuesday to find out if they can reproduce the issue. There are no warning lamps associated with this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by any third party yet.

My car has been in the shop in Louisiana and Alabama, it has had a leak, and I have told them over and over about the jerky shifting etc, but it was never noted on any of the service, they said they have fixed the leak...but it continued with the jerking and slow to go into gear. then a couple of weeks ago I was driving down the road and the car wouldn't go, I made it home. I called the Ford service to make an appointment to have it checked again, and the service recall on the seatbelt. My appointment was for Tuesday morning July 1st, but on Thursday I hadn't heard from them, so I called, and on the following Monday they called me back to say the transmission was out and needed to be replaced, it would be 10K plus. So I got a tow to go pick it up and take to a transmission shop. They didn't even get the seatbelt issue resolved in the week it was there. Why didn't they check the transmission was bad while it was under warranty. It now has about 80K miles