Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:96 erroneously stored in the ABS module. This condition occurs during connection or power interrupt to the EBB module. If this code is stored and the ABS system has been reassembled, clear the DTC code using Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool and check for recurrence. If the DTC persists, perform normal diagnostics. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Ford Explorer brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Ford Explorer have filed 41 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 10,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Explorer | 7 |
| 2017 Explorer | 11 |
| 2018 Explorer | 6 |
| 2019 Explorer | 3 |
| 2020 Explorer (this page) | 41 |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 |
| 2022 Explorer | 6 |
4crashes
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 41 brakes complaints filed for the 2020 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Ford Explorer we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 41.
Owners have filed 41 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine may exhibit a red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P050F in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and a firm brake pedal. This may be due to contamination in a brake booster vacuum line. To correct this condition, replace the vehicle's vacuum hose (MB3Z-2420-A). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 for installation instructions. For claiming, use casual part 2420.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator hybrid vehicles may exhibit a brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied. The customer may state that the anti-locking brake system (ABS) system is activating without any indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the regenerative braking software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure Steps to perform a coordinated flash on the powertrain control module (PCM) and ABS module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Ford Explorers report a widespread pattern of brake system failures that happen after starting the vehicle or shifting into gear. The most common scenario: foot planted firmly on the brake pedal, driver shifts into Drive or Reverse, and the vehicle rolls forward or backward anyway—sometimes 4 to 6 feet—before stopping. Brake pedal often feels rock-hard or locked, preventing normal depression. This occurs intermittently, usually within the first few seconds after shifting, making it difficult for dealers to replicate in the shop.
Many complaints describe a cascade of warning lights appearing simultaneously: antilock brake fault, parking brake fault, hill start assist warning, pre-collision assist not available, service advanced trac, check brake system. Some owners report the brake pedal becoming unresponsive at normal pressure on the highway, requiring excessive force or both feet to stop the vehicle, occasionally while also hearing the ABS system activating. A handful report the electronic parking brake engaging unexpectedly while driving or the vehicle rolling unattended on an incline.
Owners consistently note that power-cycling the vehicle—turning the engine off and back on—clears the issue temporarily. Some notice the problem occurs more frequently in colder temperatures. Dealers have been unable to diagnose or replicate the fault; service bulletins have been issued but coverage ended in 2022. Several owners cite forum discussions and news articles linking the issue to the 2020–2022 Explorer generation, suggesting this is a known design or calibration problem rather than a one-off failure.
Same Ford Explorer brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended vehicle rollout when shifting into gear with brake applied
Vehicle rolls forward or backward 4-6 feet or more despite driver's foot held firmly on brake pedal immediately after shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. Brake pedal often feels rock-hard or locked. Vehicle stops only after pumping brakes, shifting back to Park, or applying exceptional force.
When: Occurs within seconds of shifting into gear after engine start; may happen more frequently in colder temperatures (under 40°F); intermittent, not consistently repeatable in shop.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls despite brake pedal depressed; Brake pedal feels hard, locked, or immovable; Unable to stop vehicle with normal brake pressure; Requires pumping brakes or shifting to Park to stop movement; No warning lights during initial occurrences; sometimes antilock brake fault, hill start assist, pre-collision assist, parking brake fault appear after or concurrently
Codes mentioned: Antilock brake fault, Parking brake fault, Hill start assist not available, Pre-collision assist not available, Service advanced trac, Check brake system, Hill descent control fault, 4WD fault service required, Park brake limited function service required
Repairs/costs cited: Owners mention Ford service bulletins exist; some service notes reference electronic brake booster calibration or power module replacement. Ford customer service bulletin program ended in 2022. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for electronic brake booster recalibration or replacement; TSB references found in several complaints. Ford customer service program ended 2022. One recall mentioned (VIN not associated with reporting vehicle). Dealer diagnostics have cleared error messages without repair.
Loss of braking effectiveness while driving
Brake pedal becomes unresponsive or requires excessive force (both feet, pedal depressed to floor) to slow or stop vehicle. Often occurs when braking in traffic or at stoplights. Multiple antilock brake and traction-control-related warning lights illuminate concurrently.
When: Can occur while driving at various speeds, including highway and city traffic; sometimes reported in wet conditions or on wet roads; may happen after initial cold start.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle does not stop or stops slowly; Requires both feet or excessive pedal force to achieve braking; Multiple warning lights (ABS, traction control, pre-collision, hill start assist, parking brake); Brakes feel spongy, loose, or unresponsive at normal pedal pressure; Vehicle continues rolling despite brake application; Hearing sounds consistent with ABS system activating
Codes mentioned: Antilock brake fault, Advanced traction control fault, Pre-collision assist not available, 4-wheel drive fault, Hill start assist warning, Service advanced trac, Check brake system, Hill descent control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite rear brake caliber replacement, rear brake motor replacement, and rear brake pad replacement recommended by dealers; parts were on national backorder at time of complaint. One owner stated dealer diagnosed bad ground at module connector (two nuts and bolts) but follow-up service not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford advised dealers via Service Announcement that the failure was known. One owner reported Ford denied the issue existed and closed the case. Dealers unable to diagnose or repair in most cases. One dealer charged $600+ for diagnostic with communication codes identified but no resolution.
Hard brake pedal with vehicle immobility or lockup
Brake pedal becomes extremely hard, rock-solid, or completely unmovable—vehicle cannot be shifted or moved from Park. Sometimes occurs when manually releasing parking brake; brake pedal has no normal travel. Rear brakes may lock up, causing abrupt stops that aggravate back injuries.
When: Upon starting vehicle or manually releasing parking brake; sometimes when shifting from Park; may occur after rest periods.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely hard, rock-hard, or immovable; Loss of normal pedal travel; Vehicle unable to shift or move despite pedal action; Rear brakes lock, dragging tires or causing abrupt, violent stops; Vehicle behaves as if parking brake engaged when it is not; Multiple warning lights: antilock brake fault, hill descent control fault, pre-collision assist, hill start assist
Codes mentioned: Antilock brake fault, Hill descent control fault, Pre-collision assist not available, Hill start assist warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports turning engine off, waiting seconds, and restarting clears issue temporarily. No successful repairs documented; dealers reset error messages without addressing root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have performed error message resets only; no repairs completed. One dealer blamed insufficient service. No manufacturer action documented.
Brake pedal not recognized by electronic system
Vehicle's electronic system fails to detect or register brake pedal depression. System prompts 'Press brake to start' even though driver is actively pressing pedal. Brakes may feel unresponsive or lack resistance. Sometimes occurs after remote start or when starting vehicle.
When: At startup or after remote start; intermittent; can occur within an hour of previous brake-system anomaly.
Symptoms owners cite: System displays 'Press brake to start' despite pedal being depressed; Brake feels loose with no resistance; Vehicle does not respond to brake input; No warning lights immediately; sometimes multiple warnings appear after restart
Codes mentioned: No codes documented in some complaints; communication codes identified in others
Repairs/costs cited: Owners find workaround of releasing pedal and trying again; issue clears after vehicle restart. No repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to find codes or replicate issue. No manufacturer guidance documented.
Unwanted vehicle acceleration or rollout at rest
Vehicle accelerates or rolls forward or backward on its own while foot is on brake pedal and vehicle is supposedly at rest—often at traffic lights or in parking situations. Vehicle lurches forward/backward 4–6 feet before stopping. Engine RPMs increase audibly; transmission may downshift and jerk.
When: At stoplights with foot on brake; when entering traffic; when stationary with engine running and foot on brake; occurs unexpectedly multiple times over months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates or lurches forward/backward without driver input; RPM increase without pressing throttle; Vehicle moves 4–6 feet before stopping; Engine sounds as if accelerating in parking garage; Transmission jerks and downshifts roughly; Braking feels jerky until vehicle fully stops; No warning lights in many occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer firmware update mentioned in one case: software updated to keep emergency brake engaged until driver disengages, which reportedly nullifies issue afterward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to replicate; Jones Ford and others closed cases without diagnosis. Ford Customer Service denied issue and closed case. One firmware update applied as workaround.
Electronic parking brake engagement malfunction
Electronic parking brake engages unexpectedly while driving or when vehicle is parked. Sometimes engaged without driver action; sometimes fails to release. Vehicle may jerk when engaged or disengaged during driving or shifting.
When: Occurs during driving, while parked, or when shifting into gear; can happen without driver initiation.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages while vehicle is in motion; Parking brake does not release when intended; Vehicle jerks when brake engages or disengages; Vehicle rolls backward when parked on incline despite brake; Warning lights: parking brake fault, hill start assist, pre-collision assist
Codes mentioned: Parking brake fault, Electronic parking brake service required
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in documented complaints. One owner noted fear of using manual parking brake due to potential seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action documented; TSB referenced in one case but coverage unclear.
Backup camera false-obstacle detection causing unwanted braking
Rear backup camera detects false obstacle or malfunctions, triggering emergency or automatic braking when no obstruction exists. Vehicle unable to reverse or forced to brake abruptly during backing maneuvers. Backup camera may display blue screen with no image.
When: When backing vehicle; especially in parking lots; occurs intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency braking activates without visible obstruction; Pre-collision assist warning triggered falsely; Backup camera displays blue screen or no image; Vehicle refuses to reverse or brakes suddenly while backing; May require jumping curb to exit parking space
Codes mentioned: Pre-collision assist not available, Parking brake fault (secondary to camera malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had recall on blue screen software but issue recurred afterward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for backup camera software; however, braking issue has recurred after recall service in at least one case.
ABS or electrical ground fault causing brake warning or malfunction
ABS light illuminates; dealer diagnoses bad electrical ground at ABS module connector. Requires fastener replacement (two nuts and bolts). System may prevent normal brake function or introduce communication errors across brake and traction control systems.
When: As early as 3,000 miles on new vehicle; may occur intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Multiple related warnings: traction control, brake system, parking brake; Vehicle operates without functional ABS despite indicator lights; Communication codes across multiple modules
Codes mentioned: ABS light / Antilock brake fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer required to order two fasteners (nuts and bolts); parts availability delayed, leaving vehicle operating without ABS for extended periods. Follow-up service not completed in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fastener replacement recommended by dealer; however, no loaner vehicle offered, and parts were on national backorder.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The first issue was with the car accelerating without pressing the gas. Rpms would increase and car would sound as if it was accelerating as well, when slowing driving through a parking garage. The car also down shifts and accelerates roughly. It is not smooth when transitioning to acceleration or de acceleration. When braking the car jerks until stopped enough to where our heads jerk.…
The vehicle has a 'wake up' noise unlike any other that Ford can show me. Once you open the drivers door, it make an extremely loud metal grinding noise under the hood in the ABS area. After you drive the vehicle and park it, it does it by itself 30 mins later then again once you open up the door again. Also, the break pedal and breaks lock in place at times when going from park to drive or…
Had brakes trouble with your 2020 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2020 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 41 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 3,000 and 20,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,000; a quarter make it past 20,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.