Owners describe a wide range of electrical malfunctions affecting 2020 Ford Explorers across different model years and mileages. The most common issue is the dashboard warning lights—including Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, 4WD Fault, Hill Start Assist, Advanced Trac, and Blind Spot Detection faults—appearing intermittently during driving and after startup. Many report these lights accompany loss of critical safety features and sometimes resolve temporarily after turning the vehicle off and restarting.
Headlight failures appear frequently, with owners citing "Check Headlight System" warnings followed by complete failure of one or both low-beam LEDs. Repair costs cited range from $1,000 to $2,500 for headlamp control module replacement, though failures recur within miles of repair. Some owners report being charged $1,500 per LED headlamp replacement.
Water intrusion into the rear liftgate and spare tire area is extensively reported, often accompanied by audio system and collision detection feature failures. Several owners cite TSB 24-2044 and TSB 20-2425 addressing this known issue, though dealerships reportedly refuse warranty coverage claiming costs exceed $2,200.
Additional issues include sudden loss of power/stalling while driving, burning smells from engine compartment, infotainment screen blackouts lasting 30 minutes to an hour, rear liftgate opening unexpectedly without command, rear window defroster-induced thermal cracking, random braking in reverse with no objects present, and multiple incidents of smoke or fire traced to electrical faults or faulty starters. BCM (body control module) reprogramming is frequently performed but does not resolve recurring problems.
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard warning lights and safety feature loss
Multiple reports of dashboard warning lights (Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, 4WD Fault, Hill Start Assist, Advanced Trac, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Assist, Cross Traffic Detection) appearing during startup or while driving. Lights often appear together and disable associated safety systems. Some instances result in reduced power mode or limp-home condition.
When: Intermittently from early ownership through higher mileage; some owners report first occurrence within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminating on dashboard; Loss of cruise control functionality; Traction control disabled; Hill assist unavailable; Lane keeping assist inoperable; Forward collision assist nonfunctional; Reduced engine power or limp mode; All-wheel drive fault message; Some lights resolve after vehicle restart; others persist
Codes mentioned: Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, 4WD Fault Service Required, Hill Start Assist Warning, Service AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot System Fault, Cross Traffic System Fail, Reverse Brake Assist Not Available, Lane Assistance Error, Traction Control Error, Auto Hold Error, Descent Control Error, Collision Avoidance Error
Repairs/costs cited: BCM (body control module) reprogram commonly performed; multiple dealers unable to locate or replicate issue. One owner cited reprogram cost of $540 with additional repairs totaling $2,000. Some owners report recurring issues within days of repair. One owner mentioned complete reprogram of five major computer modules.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued TSBs addressing some of these issues. One owner referenced Ford engineer internal service memo indicating initial repair was insufficient. No recalls specifically mentioned for this symptom cluster, though owners report issues ongoing.
Headlamp system failures
Low-beam headlights fail intermittently or completely, often preceded by 'Check Headlight System' warning message. LED headlights are reported failing prematurely despite being marketed as lifetime parts. Failures recur shortly after expensive repairs.
When: Can occur early in vehicle ownership; one owner reported first failure under 36,500 miles with issue ongoing thereafter. Another reported recurring failures after multiple repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Headlight System warning message on dashboard; One or both driver-side low-beam headlights turn off completely; Reduced visibility while driving at night; Lights turn back on temporarily after vehicle restart; Failure occurs while driving and owner must pull over; Police stops for non-functioning headlight
Codes mentioned: Check Headlight System, See Manual
Repairs/costs cited: Headlamp control module replacement reported at $1,000; one owner cited $2,500 total cost for repair after initial attempt failed. LED headlamp replacement quoted at $1,500 per unit. Multiple repair attempts by dealership failed to resolve recurring issue. One owner reported failure recurred within 10 miles of control module replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. One owner noted LED headlamps are marketed as lifetime parts yet failing within warranty period. Ford dealership indicated out-of-warranty repairs must be paid in full.
Rear liftgate water intrusion and audio system failure
Water leaks into rear liftgate and spare tire compartment, particularly during rain or car washes. Water intrusion damages electrical components including audio system modules and collision detection features. Issue is acknowledged in Ford TSBs but dealerships often refuse warranty coverage.
When: Reported from early ownership through higher mileage; one owner reported water accumulation every time since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Water visible in spare tire area and tailgate after rain or car wash; Audio system fails intermittently or completely; Rear collision detection stops functioning; Forward crash detection lost; Cross traffic detection warnings inoperative; Tailgate release button fails to operate; Popping noises from speakers before audio failure; Warning lights related to audio system
Codes mentioned: Audio control module failure codes (not specified by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimates $2,200+ for repair including liftgate seal and water damage correction. Owners report refusal to cover under bumper-to-bumper warranty despite acknowledged design issue. One owner noted TSB 20-2425 covers this known issue but warranty claim still denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford TSB 24-2044 and TSB 20-2425 acknowledge water leak in rear liftgate area of 2020 Explorers. Bill Currie Ford dealership confirmed water leakage consistent with TSB 24-2044 but refuses repair without owner payment.
Infotainment system screen blackout and malfunction
Touchscreen for navigation, audio, and climate control goes completely black during driving. System becomes unresponsive and requires vehicle restart to restore function. Duration of outage varies significantly.
When: Can occur within first month of ownership; one owner reported 15 occurrences over 4+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/navigation/climate control screen turns completely black; All controls on touchscreen become inoperable; GPS navigation lost during driving; Loss of climate control access; Screen remains black for 30 minutes to 1 hour after restart; No warning lights or error messages accompany blackout; Intermittent issue; cannot be reliably reproduced
Repairs/costs cited: No fix identified by dealerships; issue cannot be replicated during service visits. Owners report Ford had massive recall on this exact issue but their VINs excluded from recall. Multiple dealership visits (three different locations) unable to resolve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall on infotainment screen blackout issue (exact recall number not provided by owners), but several owner VINs not included in recall scope.
Power loss and stalling while driving
Vehicle loses electrical power or stalls unexpectedly while at highway speeds or during normal driving. Some instances accompanied by abnormal whining sounds or burning rubber odor. Vehicle sometimes restart and resume normal operation; other times remains inoperable.
When: Reported across various mileages from low (4,000 miles) to higher mileage (113,849 miles); police vehicles experienced multiple incidents over 6-7 weeks of downtime
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power at 50+ mph; Engine stalls without warning; Abnormal whining sound before stall; Burning rubber smell in cabin; Charging System Fault and Service Steering messages displayed; Dashboard lights illuminated; Vehicle sometimes restarts; sometimes does not; Police patrol vehicle nearly came to dead stop causing near-crash
Codes mentioned: Charging System Fault, Service Steering
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced battery and alternator without resolving issue. Police vehicle had ECM power module replaced; failure recurred with trailer module fault. Police reported vehicle unusable for 4-7 weeks over one-year period. One owner's vehicle diagnosed with failed power control module at 90,000 miles but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner referenced NHTSA Campaign 19V687000 (Electrical System) but VIN not included in recall. Manufacturer closed case without resolution for police department vehicles.
Rear liftgate (hatch) opening unexpectedly and closure failures
Rear hatch opens without command during driving or when parked. Additionally, hatch fails to open when commanded via button, dashboard, or key fob. No manual release mechanism exists.
When: Reported from 2022 onwards; one incident in April 2022, second in January 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Hatch opens spontaneously while vehicle in Drive; No audible or visual warning of opening; Hatch does not open when commanded via button or key fob; Hatch makes sounds as if attempting to engage but does not open; False dashboard alert indicating hatch is open when closed; Dashboard warning lights related to liftgate
Codes mentioned: Liftgate open indicator (false alarm), Liftgate motor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Hatch motor replacement estimated at $1,300. Unexpected opening caused garage door impact and glass shatter; Ford reimbursed owner for this incident. However, owner reports no confidence issue resolved and concern hatch could open while driving on roadway.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: SSM 49015 addresses 2020 Explorer/Aviator partial power liftgate opening and false anti-theft alarm for vehicles built on or before 17-Feb 2020. Ford reimbursed one owner for damage from unexpected hatch opening.
Engine compartment burning smell and excessive heat
Vehicle hood and front side become extremely hot—too hot to touch—accompanied by burning or scorched smell. Smell occurs even during short trips. Owner reports fear of fire hazard.
When: Reported occurring consistently over extended period at low mileage (7,818 miles); issue ongoing for several years
Symptoms owners cite: Burning or scorched smell from engine compartment; Hood extremely hot to touch; Front side of vehicle excessively hot; Smell occurs even on short 9-mile trips; Very hot air expelled from hood when heat/AC is on; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership dismissed issue as spilled oil; did not properly diagnose. No repair documented. Hood noted to lack safety latch, which owner identifies as additional concern.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified; dealer did not investigate properly.
Electrical fire and electrical shorts
Smoke or fire originates from electrical components in vehicle cabin or engine compartment. One case involved faulty starter causing vehicle fire while parked. Another case involved burned-out wire shorting fuses.
When: Can occur at any point in ownership; one fire occurred at 6,000 miles while parked for 2 days; another during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from vehicle interior (passenger side visor reported); No warning lights before smoke appears; Electrical smell noted by fire department; Burned wire found shorting fuses; Cabin lights nonfunctional after electrical event; Fire igniting in parked vehicle under carport; Fire damage to vehicle and surrounding structure
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle spent 2 weeks at dealership for burned wire and fuse damage repair. Starter failure in another vehicle required replacement before vehicle could be safely operated. Fire department attended scene in parked vehicle incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by owners. One vehicle involved in fire had NHTSA Campaign 19V687000 (Electrical System) referenced but VIN not included.
Random braking and brake system faults
Vehicle applies brakes suddenly without driver input, particularly in reverse when no objects are present. Brake Assist Fault warning appears. One owner reported complete brake system failure while on highway.
When: Reported across various ownership timeframes; some occurring early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden brake application in reverse with no objects nearby; Brake Assist Fault warning on dashboard; Unintended emergency brake engagement feeling; Complete brake system failure on highway at speed; Antilock Brake Fault warning; Hill Start Assist Warning appearing with brake issues; Brakes work normally after brief stop and restart
Codes mentioned: Brake Assist Fault, Antilock Brake Fault, Hill Start Assist Warning, Reverse Brake Assist Not Available
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visits did not resolve issue; sensor replacement attempted without success. One owner reported dealership knew of sensor issues at time of sale but vehicle sold anyway. Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's brakes stopped working; issue was later identified as part of recall. Dealership initially tried charging $3,000 to diagnose.
Shark fin antenna water intrusion
Roof antenna base seal fails, allowing water to enter roof, drip down pillars, and saturate headliner and wiring harnesses. Water intrusion damages electrical components and modules.
When: Reported as ongoing issue affecting 2020 Explorer models; one owner notes problem known across internet forums
Symptoms owners cite: Water seeping into roof area from antenna base; Water dripping down interior pillars; Headliner saturation; GPS and satellite navigation not functioning; SYNC system freezing or failing; Interior lights and instrument cluster malfunctioning; Dashboard warnings appearing; Windows, locks, or accessories malfunctioning; Water on front passenger floor reported
Repairs/costs cited: Significant dealership charges cited for repair and water damage correction. Owner notes soy-based polyurethane antenna casing may be vulnerable to environmental degradation. Owner reports widespread complaints on internet forums about same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner characterizes as known weakness of 2020 Explorer model but notes no recall issued.
Rear window defroster thermal cracking
Rear window suddenly cracks and spider-webs while rear defroster is running. No external impact causes damage. Cracking pattern originates near defroster grid.
When: Reported at 82,000 miles; vehicle parked in normal fall weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden popping noise from rear window; Spider-crack pattern originating near defroster grid; Cracking continues slowly across entire window; No external impact to glass; Rear glass integrity compromised; Visibility reduced
Repairs/costs cited: Owner plans replacement via Safelite and states it is not safe to drive to dealership for repair. Owner notes window damage occurred during defroster operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references Ford Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 which addressed defroster overheating and rear-window damage in certain Ford vehicles.
Rear view camera failures
Backup camera display fails to function, turning blue/black or staying on after shifting to Drive. Display becomes unresponsive; no error codes generated. Issue is intermittent and difficult to reproduce.
When: Reported across multiple ownership timeframes; one owner notes issue ongoing since at least July 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display turns blue when reversing; Display cannot be controlled while blue; Display stays on for 20-40 seconds after shift to Drive; Blue or black screen appears with no further function; Loss of control over other display functions (radio, climate) during incident; No error codes generated; Intermittent nature prevents technician reproduction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to reproduce issue due to intermittent nature. Software fixes attempted without success. Camera replacement refused without error code generation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall 21C09 for rearview camera issues on 2020 Explorer models, but several owner VINs not included in recall.
Driver assistance features intermittent failures
Advanced driver assistance systems (lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, backup assist, blind spot detection, cross traffic detection) fail intermittently or after vehicle repair events. Issues often compound with additional warnings appearing.
When: Can occur early in ownership; some occur after recall work performed by dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Lane Keep Assist inoperative; Forward Collision Avoidance system inoperative; Back Over Prevention system fails to display; Blind Spot Detection fails; Cross Traffic Detection fails; Multiple warnings appear simultaneously; Features disabled unpredictably during trips; No pattern to failures
Codes mentioned: Various ADAS system faults (specific codes not consistently reported)
Repairs/costs cited: IPMB (Intelligent Power Management Body) module malfunction reported. One owner had vehicle in dealership 9+ times over 15 months with recurring failures within days of repair. Software updates and module replacement attempted without permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner cited multiple recalls on IPMB unit in question. Owner attempted lemon law claim and BBB complaint; both denied claiming used vehicle did not fall under NYS lemon law. Ford refused to repurchase despite recurring issues starting within 1-2 weeks of purchase.
Dashboard display glitches and shifting elements
Infotainment navigation map displays incorrectly (showing only 1/3 of screen) and speedometer display on driver information center shifts position on screen while driving.
When: Reported at 4,800+ miles; issues recurring over several-day period
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation map displays on bottom 1/3 of center screen only; Speedometer display shifts back and forth from left to center of driver information center; Map reverts to 1/3 screen after restart; Navigation wants to resume previously-cancelled routes; Map repeatedly zooms in and zooms out during driving; Speedometer shift is distracting while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Soft reboot procedure (press and hold Volume on/off, then press right 'next track/seek' button) temporarily restores map to full screen but issue recurs. No permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this specific issue.
Battery drain and recurring dead battery
Vehicle battery dies repeatedly despite normal usage. Owner reports dead battery occurring at least monthly despite being told to drive vehicle more often.
When: Reported after 1-2 years of ownership; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Dead battery occurring at least once per month; Starter flashing/clicking when brake depressed; Exterior lights flashing when attempting start; No warning signs before battery dead; Issue persists despite increased driving frequency
Codes mentioned: Check Headlamp notification, Battery fault (not explicitly stated but implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised to drive vehicle more frequently; issue continued. Owner reports this needs to be recalled and should have been already.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified; Ford refusing goodwill repairs once warranty expired.
Climate control and accessory electrical faults
Air conditioning fails to operate; passenger window and mirrors malfunction. Issues occur intermittently without identifiable pattern.
When: Reported at low mileage (3,254 miles on newly purchased vehicle); issues recurring over multiple visits
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning fails intermittently at startup; Right-side passenger window inoperative; Right-side mirrors inoperative or misaligned; Passenger mirror extends beyond set position without control; No identifiable pattern to failures; Faults mainly occur after starting vehicle
Codes mentioned: Various AC and accessory faults (specific codes not detailed), Blind Spot System Fault, Cross Traffic System Fail
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger mirror replaced after multiple visits; issue eventually resolved but no explanation provided. Multiple visits to dealership; problem sensor replaced but AC issue remains unresolved. One owner notes tailgate randomly opens while loading children.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified for this specific failure pattern.
Wiring harness damage from rodent intrusion
Rodents eat through wiring harness causing electrical system failures and disabled safety features. Multiple instances reported on same vehicle.
When: First occurrence at approximately 15,000 miles; occurred twice on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Unknown warning lights illuminated on dashboard; Multiple safety features inoperable after damage discovered; Visible rodent damage to wiring harness evident upon inspection
Codes mentioned: Various safety system faults secondary to wiring damage
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required. One owner notes vehicle components and insulation made from soy-based polyurethane which rodents consume as food. This includes wires controlling crash airbags, creating fire hazard and safety issues. Second occurrence of same damage type on same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified. Owner notes this is a design/material selection issue that poses safety risks.
Front window auto-close malfunction
Front windows bouncing back and rolling down when attempting to auto-close via button, particularly during rain or car wash.
When: Reported as ongoing intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Windows bounce back when auto-closing; Windows automatically roll down 2/3 of the way; Issue occurs during rainstorms and car washes; Creates driving hazard; No error message generated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership states cannot fix without error message. Multiple Ford Customer Service calls unsuccessful. Owner told to visit another dealership and pay additional $160 diagnostic fee hoping error code appears. Owner notes this is widespread problem Ford is ignoring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Service offers no resolution; refers to dealership diagnostics.
Sunroof headliner fabric detachment
Sunroof headliner fabric detaches from track and sags without prior misuse or manual operation. Fabric comes loose spontaneously during normal conditions.
When: Occurred during stationary conditions; no prior indication
Symptoms owners cite: Headliner fabric detaches and comes off track; Fabric sags from ceiling; When sunroof is used, fabric hangs in line of vision; Safety hazard due to vision obstruction; No warning lights or messages before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner scheduled dealership appointment for inspection. No repair completed yet.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented at time of complaint.
Engine power loss and false overheating alerts
Vehicle displays false Engine Coolant Temperature alarm and loses power, reducing maximum speed to 50 mph and severely limiting acceleration. Occurs multiple times at highway speeds.
When: Reported at 13,000 miles and earlier in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: False overheating alarm when vehicle is not overheating; Complete loss of engine power; Vehicle unable to drive faster than 50 mph; Extremely slow acceleration; Occurs at highway speeds creating safety hazard; Near-collision on freeway merge when unable to accelerate
Codes mentioned: Engine Coolant Temperature alarm
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealership multiple times for repair; issue recurs. Vehicle waiting for repair for over 30 days at only 13,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by owners; issue not resolved.
Multiple electrical faults and complete system failures
Computer system experiences multiple faults simultaneously preventing vehicle start, movement, shutdown, lock, or operation via manual buttons or remote. System freezes and flashes fault codes without allowing any action.
When: Reported at various mileages; some occurrences spontaneous and intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Complete inability to start vehicle; Cannot move, turn off, turn on, or lock vehicle; Manual buttons unresponsive; Remote key fob unresponsive; Dashboard flashing through multiple fault codes; System resets after battery disconnection; Hazard when vehicle immobilized in traffic lane; Issue cannot be duplicated at dealership
Codes mentioned: Multiple fault codes displayed but not specified by owner
Repairs/costs cited: Battery terminal disconnection and reconnection resets system; no permanent solution found. Dealership unable to identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified.
Air venting and climate distribution errors
Climate control wiring harness installed upside down in one vehicle, reversing hot/cold function. Ceiling vent kinked during installation. Heater core required replacement.
When: Pre-delivery; discovered on used vehicle purchase with <28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hot and cold air reversed in climate system; Ceiling vent kinked and non-functional; Insufficient heat output even after heater core replacement; Heat not blowing hot from vents
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness corrected; ceiling vent replaced; heater core replaced. Vehicle returned to dealership second time but heat still insufficient. Vehicle had prior transmission repairs and additional undisclosed repair in 2022.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified.
Unexpected engine revving and acceleration
Parked vehicle engine suddenly revs to high RPM and vehicle attempts to accelerate forward without command. Depressing brake pedal prevents movement; transmission shift to neutral does not stop revving.
When: Reported at approximately 2,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving very highly without input; Vehicle attempting to accelerate forward while parked; Brake pedal depression required to prevent movement; Transmission shift to Neutral does not stop revving; Issue resolves after turning vehicle off and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed. Manufacturer notified but not by vehicle owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified.
Starter failure and ignition/startup issues
Vehicle fails to start with electrical symptoms (starter not activating, lights flashing, inability to press start button) on separate occasions. Issues resolve spontaneously without repair.
When: Reported at <10,000 miles; multiple separate occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Brake depression causes starter button and exterior lights to flash; Starter does not activate; Vehicle fails to start; Issue resolves spontaneously after time; No errors found by dealership when vehicle restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; started immediately upon arrival. No issues found. Owner unable to reliably reproduce problem for diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified.
Passenger airbag off indication without control
Dashboard displays passenger airbag is off; owner unable to locate instructions to turn it back on.
When: Reported at 7,818 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off message on interior top display; No obvious control to toggle airbag status; Owner cannot find instructions in manual
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; issue not resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None identified.
Faulty catalytic converter symptoms
Rotten egg or strong chemical smell when accelerating, particularly at freeway speeds. Dealership and master mechanics confirm smell and suggest catalytic converter issue.
When: Reported in early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rotten eggs or permeant chemical smell during acceleration; Smell strong enough that passengers comment on it; Issue occurs when accelerating to freeway speed; Smell considered displeasing and concerning
Repairs/costs cited: Ford service department recreated smell and had master mechanics evaluate; dealership claimed it is normal operation for this vehicle. No repair offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership service refused to address, claiming smell is normal vehicle operation.
Liftgate ajar warning false alarm
Tailgate latching warning intermittent and unreliable, falsely indicating tailgate is open when securely closed. Owner has had to verify tailgate closure with airport security on multiple occasions.
When: Reported as ongoing issue; multiple incidents since 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate ajar warning appearing when hatch is actually closed; Warning intermittent and unpredictable; No way to silence false alarm without opening/closing hatch; Owner forced to physically verify hatch closure at airports
Codes mentioned: Liftgate ajar fault
Repairs/costs cited: Issue attributed to driver door entry keypad unplugging and shorting vehicle warning system. Some users report Ford charging customers for the short. Some owners unable to open liftgate after experiencing this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue per forum discussions; Ford charging customers for diagnostic/repair of manufacturer-caused short.
Synthesized from 132 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.