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 appeared to malfunction. Immediately after this occurred, I lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered to the right, str…
2020 ford Explorer powertrain problems
moderate 406 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
406
Recalls
0
Crashes
6
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently downshifted without warning. The vehicle also hesitated or lost motive power upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward before resuming normal driving operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test was pe…
1) Powertrain - 10 speed transmission will not shift properly. When down/up shifting, The transmission slams into gear. It started at 54000 miles. Dealer repair shop stated that there were zero codes and was unable to ascertain the problem. Problem continued and only got worst. On another visit, the mechanic was able to duplicate the sound and still no codes. It was stated that I should return the…
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. While driving, the vehicle lunged forward without the accelerator pedal being depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The software was reprog…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2020 ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 406 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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