2020 Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.
Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.
For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
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Common 2020 Ford Explorer problems
The 2020 Ford Explorer has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the powertrain and transmission. One of the most significant issues is early transmission failure, which has been reported in over one hundred complaints, accounting for nearly a third of the total complaints registered with the NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Explorer.
Another problem related to the powertrain is loose bolts and bad welds, which have led to several recalls. However, there are few complaints regarding these issues, suggesting that the recalls have been effective in addressing the problems.
The 2020 Ford Explorer has also been reported to have issues with rearview cameras. Despite a recall more than a year ago, complaints about glitchy backup cameras continue to roll in. This can be a significant safety concern, as it may affect the driver's ability to see what's behind the vehicle when reversing.
In addition to these issues, there are also reports of structural problems, with eleven complaints on file for structural issues, primarily pointing to an issue with the rear window defroster. In some units, the rear window defroster has a tendency to overheat and shatter the window, which can be a significant safety concern.
Lastly, there are reports of issues with the engine, including engine stall, which can be a significant safety concern, especially if it occurs while driving. There are also reports of exhaust leaks, cam phaser shaking on cold start, and front driver axle shaft leaking grease, which can affect the vehicle's performance and durability.
In summary, the 2020 Ford Explorer has several common problems, primarily related to the powertrain and transmission. These issues can affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and durability, and require immediate attention. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.
2020 Ford Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Ford Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2020 Ford Explorer
The NHTSA has received 684 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Ford Explorer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles.
2024-10-24
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH3LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Harsh down shift 7 gear to 6 gear. Apparently ford knows of the issue. Very expensive repair due to Ford’s negligence
2024-10-24
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH0LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Multiple advanced service warnings. Dealer states it’s the AWD module that needs to be replaced.
2024-10-24
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1FMSK8BH1LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: A couple months ago I started having problems with the turbo kicking out and having no power. I let the vehicle sit for a while before being able to get someone to look at it. Once the mechanic looked at it, it was determined that the catalytic converters were clogged and causing problems with the turbo or engine. The vehicle had started blowing out with smoke from the exhaust at this time also. After having the cats cleaned, the vehicle ran but was still kicking out white smoke. After driving it the first day it was now back to low power and low oil pressure light is kicking in more white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. I parked it 100 miles from home and having it towed for the second time
2024-10-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-03
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH1LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Engine / Transmission constantly kicking when accelerating. Brought it to Ford Dealership multiple times for this issue. Told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.
2024-10-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1FM5K8GC4LG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Multiple warnings lights from advanced drivers assistance 4x4 went accelerate and could not error code u0102 also rattling from right second row seat.
2024-10-18
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FM5K8GC6LG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: As my [XXX] was opening the rear passenger door of the vehicle part of the chrome trim had came loose in turn causing a laceration on his finger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-10-18
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 1FMSK7DH0LG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a hurricane, there was water damage inside the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that water had entered the vehicle through the rubber seal of the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 76,290.
2024-10-16
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 1FMSK8DHXLG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: While driving on an interstate highway, my car slipped from drive to neutral on its own. Within a few seconds the transmission returned to drive. When the car reached its destination, it went into park, but wouldn't shift out of park for 20 minutes. It finally shifted into reverse, and drive as needed until reaching my home. While trying to shut off the car at my home, it showed that it was in park, put the car was rolling. Finally the car stopped rolling and appeared to be in park. The car hasn't been driven since that day. I had the car towed to the local Ford dealer who sold me the car. They determined that the parking pawl malfunctioned and part of it destroyed the transmission. When I researched recalls on this vehicle, I noticed NHTSA Recall #23v-069 appears to be the same problem that I experienced. The Ford dealership said that this recall didn't include my car's VIN #, so that is why I never received any notifications of this recall. I believe that my car should have been included in the recall and I wouldn't be facing an $8,000 + bill for a new transmission. Ford will not pay for the repair because the car has 66,000 miles, which is over the 60,000 limit. The service technician at the dealership said that I did nothing to cause the transmission to be destroyed. This obviously was a very dangerous situation, and this is why there is a recall on 2020 Ford Explorers. I believe that more cars need to be included in this recall.
2024-10-15
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FM5K8HC3LG
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: recall in 2022 on rear bolts breaking was done bolts was replace. how ever new bolts are breakng as well, and dealership has put out report but only if rear bolts brake at this time u wreck the car , note two cars has crash do this when i ask they said the not replace them unless they break this incluedes bolts in upper and lower control arms, and related compontents, now why would say replace the bolts but wait untill they break makes no sence to me as total loss control can happen bolts should be replace with stanless steel , mettle wont rust or seze up , my resuch pulled up 5 car crashs all was hurt no one died so what must happen dose people neeed die , ? this must be taken care of asap cars are not safe , and this leads me to bigger probem front end uses same bolts yeat we have no idea how many bolts was replaced and never documented,
2024-10-10
WHEELS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 1FM5K8HC3LG
- Components: WHEELS,ENGINE
- Summary: it is well know fack that rear bolts for axle and all part tend break ford replace them once with what ? bolts that still break so probems was never fix, now as ford did this as was no recall they refuseing replace bolts a 2ed time to fix there error, wich lead to many cars being damage so bad ford has refuse to fix them leaveing the people holding the bag more so when car wreckes, probem is ford and may others are hiding cars throw use of modle number vr ack year that car was made under, 2020 ford expoler made 2019 throw not one 2019 recall was place on this car, ? and why vin is base on modle number not year was made, and your department dose not force these busness to investgate part number in reclall list, parts should not been used in newer cars but was this goneing on more then not, now again i get message replace rear axle bolts only after they brake ONLY AFTER THEY BREAK now they know what will happen if they brake going 70 mpr, this probem was never fix right first time and now again this time ford saying we not going replace bolts , it is time you all step up and find out why this keeps going on why wasent it fix and get fix right, this is huge saft probem, that one can lose a hole tire if more one bolts breaks this has happen, ford and others do not look at part numbers as part there recall process throw part number in the system so if other cars has this probem people has fix it, think change must be made to not only look at vin but part numbers in all recalls regardless of vin or what car if that part is in it should be replace, now i cant explane why ford refuse to not replace such a critcal part this is not just something as lose pice of molding these bolts hold rear end in place and all the bolts prone to breaking, i ask that u look in to why they replace first time and why they must be replace again and force ford to replace these bolts befor some one dies
2024-10-07
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH7LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while acceleration from a stop, there was a screeching noise coming from the transmission and the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was transmission fluid leaking from the transmission oil cooler. The contact was advised that the transmission oil cooler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 47,000.
2024-10-04
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 1FMSK7DH7LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward and jerked upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that on one occasion, the SRS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no service technicians were available to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V069000(Power Train), and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.
2024-10-04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- VIN: 1FMSK7DHXLG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Lift gate stopped opening. Would no longer operate with any of the buttons in the car or key fob. Dealership states that they are seeing this happening a lot with this vehicle at around 60,000 miles. This is a safety issue. What if you needed to get out of your trunk due to an emergency. The lift gate latch quit working due to having 60,000 miles on your car. That makes absolutely no sense. I feel that this needs to be recalled. This is a necessary door that should no go out due to a certain mileage.
2024-09-26
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH4LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The transmission failed on my 2020 Ford Explorer with only 66,000. Ford knows there is an issue with the snap ring inside of the tranmission but won't do anything about it. This is a vehicle that is less than 5 years old and 6,000 out of warranty. There was no warning to the transmission going out, I was on my way to work and my car downshifted very hard and lost all power. I was on the 4 lane highway and thankfully was able to get over to the side of the road safely and call my husband. There were no warning lights or messages displayed but clearly the transmission was bad. I took my vehicle to my local Ford dealer and they confirmed the snap ring had come unseated and I was going to need a new transmission. I took it to a local transmission shop to get a second opinion and they also confirmed the same thing. I called Ford Customer Care and they weren't able to help. She stated there is a TSB out for this issue but no recall at the moment so they wouldn't cover anything under warranty. I paid $5,400 out of pocket to fix a repair that Ford knows is going on and that could have been a major safety issue, had I not been able to get off the highway.
2024-09-25
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-06
- VIN: 1FMSK7DH7LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2024-09-24
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 1FMSK8FH4LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH and slowing to exit the highway, the vehicle downshifted hard, and the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and was occurring while slowing down or while accelerating. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the transmission and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2024-09-24
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH5LG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The failure occurred while the contact was driving home from a trip. The contact made several attempts to have the vehicle inspected for the failure; however, there were no local dealers available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a failure with the steering. The contact was advised to safely drive the vehicle to his destination and then take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer agreed to cover 50% of the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 67,900.
2024-09-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-20
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH4LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the main control valve had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the CDF clutch bushing had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 25,000.
2024-09-19
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: 1FMSK8FH8LG
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear hatch closed without driver input. The contact stated that the buttons were inoperable and failed to open the hatch as needed. While the hatch was closing, it pinned and violently struck the contact on the head. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on four occasions, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
2024-09-17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH6LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rubber seal around sunroof failed, and vehicle is only 4 years old. Ford states the seal appears to have dried out and failed. This failure cause water to leak into the vehicle during a rainstorm, in the amount of 25 gallons based on what I pulled out by vaccuum and dehumidifier.
2024-09-12
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 1FM5K8GCXLG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a metallic clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed driver’s side rear shock absorber. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
2024-09-12
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 1FMSK8FH4LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: We been getting AWD malfunctions alerts, causing the vehicle to not go into AWD. Took it to the dealership they say this isn't covered under the powertrain and we need to replace the AWD module on our 2020 Ford explorer. Reading other Forums, sounds like this is a common issue with the explorer but the dealership won't cover under powertrain warranty even thought this component powers the AWD part of the powertrain.
2024-09-11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-07
- VIN: 1FMSK8FH4LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Heating on passenger side of vehicle has failed multiple times.
2024-09-09
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- VIN: 1FM5K8AB5LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2020 ford explorer police interceptor utility 27k miles has a broken differential bushing and axle bolt which in turn has cause the axle to fail thankfully not on the highway at full speed. This issue has a recall 22S27/22V255 but our vehicle and vin # aren't included in the recall even tho same issue is being reported. What can be done to add the other vins to this list because it is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OF UNKNOWN BUT POSSIBLE FAILURE
2024-09-09
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 1FMSK8FH9LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard downshifting while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the over time, the failure also occurred while depressing the accelerator pedal. The power train warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be seen until the end of the month. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a leak was discovered in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.
Latest 20 recalls2020 Ford Explorer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 21 recalls for different components of the 2020 Ford Explorer.
2024-08-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
2024-03-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-575.
2023-10-06
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Consequence: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
2023-09-08
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
- Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
2023-05-12
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
2023-04-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. The remedy is anticipated to be available by June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
2023-03-24
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Consequence: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
2023-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
- Consequence: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
2023-01-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
2021-09-22
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
2021-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.
- Consequence: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
2020-12-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
- Consequence: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
2020-11-24
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2020-11-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
- Consequence: Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
2020-09-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
2020-09-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.
- Consequence: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.
2020-08-21
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2019-12-04
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.
2019-09-30
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, 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 19C07.
2019-08-05
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
- Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.
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