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ProblemsByVin File / 2020-FORD-EXPLORER
2020 · ford

ford Explorer problems

9 safety recalls. 1,108 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
4.8 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
9
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
406 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
131 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
64 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
41 reports · avg $350
moderate
brakes
40 reports · avg $450
severe
lighting
40 reports · avg $250
moderate
body
31 reports · avg $1,500
severe
suspension
28 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2020 Explorer · powertrain Crash
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…
12/31/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707956.0
2020 Explorer · other
When parked with the vehicle running a passenger exited the rear seat behind the driver. When they closed the door the drivers seat moved all the way forward and the seat back also moved forward pinning the driver to the steering wheel. After a few seconds the driver was able…
12/31/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562869.0
2020 Explorer · powertrain
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.
12/30/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707911.0
2020 Explorer · lighting
Adaptive headlamp assembly on my 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD has failed twice in 2-years. First, upon receiving the vehicle, the passenger side had to be replaced (dealer was unable to fix the problem, so had to replace the whole headlamp assembly which requires a complete…
12/30/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445577.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 9

severe NHTSA 19V687000 30/09/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2

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. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.
severe NHTSA 20V730000 24/11/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2

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. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
severe NHTSA 20V497000 21/08/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles

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. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.
View all 9 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 10 based on 1,108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 406 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 Ford Explorer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,108 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 18 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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