2020 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

1. Component: AWD system – Front Axle Disconnect Actuator / Intermediate Shaft • Failure Type: AWD system failed, preventing power transfer to front wheels • Availability for Inspection: Yes, diagnosed and confirmed by Zeigler Lincoln Ford 2. On Thursday, [XXX], while driving in a snowstorm with my two children, my 2020 Ford Explorer AWD system failed completely, leaving us stranded on an icy hill with no traction or ability to move. • My vehicle lost all AWD functionality, causing it to become immobilized on an active roadway in hazardous conditions. • We were trapped between two semi-trucks that were also stuck, creating a high-risk situation where a collision or multi-vehicle pileup could have occurred. • With freezing temperatures and no way to move, we were at risk of hypothermia while waiting for a tow truck. This was not an isolated issue. Ford acknowledges this AWD system defect under TSB 23-2174, meaning this failure can happen to any driver under similar conditions, creating a major safety hazard. 3. Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Zeigler Lincoln Ford, who determined it was covered under TSB 23-2174. • Ford has officially acknowledged this defect but has not issued a recall. 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by Zeigler Lincoln Ford, and the AWD failure was confirmed as a front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft defect. • Ford issued TSB 23-2174 to address the defect, proving that this is a known issue. • However, instead of issuing a recall, Ford is making owners pay for repairs out of pocket, despite the serious safety risk. 5. Yes. Prior to the AWD failure, I received a wrench icon warning (Powertrain Malfunction Indicator) on my dashboard. • Error codes C0631 and C0633 were later retrieved by the dealership, confirming AWD disconnect failure. • I had experienced intermittent AWD traction loss in winter conditions, but the system failed completely during the snowstorm incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Headlamp light came on in vehicle in December of 2024 and dealership replaced module which I had to pay for. 4 months later light came on again and dealership replaced module again at their cost, light came back on again right after the 2nd replacement of module. Dealership is not sure what to do but recommends replacing Headlamp at my cost but not sure that will fix the problem. I have been driving around with the headlight light coming off and on for the last 10 months. Dealership has no idea what to do

Transmission stalls at high speed it seems as if it gose in to neutral

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while the transmission was shifting gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the crash prevention system, the traction control system, the driving mode warning lights, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to change the driving mode to the current driving condition. Additionally, the vehicle unintendedly switched from 4WD to 2WD. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Jordan Ford (609 E Jefferson Blvd, Mishawaka, IN 46545), where it was diagnosed and determined that the AWD control module and the front axle seals needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the AWD control module replacement was not covered under the power train warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

1. Yes, available for inspection. 4 x 4 issue. Front half shaft axel needs replaced, as well as hoses because of the change in the front half shaft design. My safety is at risk as when I'm driving the veichle it will randomly kick out of 4 x 4, and hill assist. I cannot make it up hills and slide everywhere. I have almost been into multiple accidents due to the failed system. Ford Dealership inspected the car, and diagnosed it. They said it's a known issue for the year and there is a TSB but no recall. They fix the sams issue frequently. Ford Dealership read the codes and wrote a order of the parts I need. No lights or issues prior to this safety issue. This issue causes all sensors to stop working, hill assist to kick out, auto hold to kick out, and causes the entire car to not work in 4 x 4.

-2020 Ford Explorer -Panoramic Sunroof Shade. -Sunroof shade sagging, blocking view from rear view mirror while driving. -Problem is reproduced every time I attempt to open/retract the shade. This is a recurrent problem with many 2020 Explorer owners. -Awaiting appointment with dealer for inspection. -No warnings prior to failure of shade retraction mechanism. Problem began 2-3 months ago.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the lights on the electronic gear shifter were flashing, causing the contact to pull over and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that during the most recent failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact was left stranded on the road. Due to failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Dealer confirmed the driver side rear shock is leaking. SUV was driven only on paved roads locally with an occasional highway drive.

Various electrical issues GPS not working also drivers seat electrical

Passenger low beam light is out. It is dangerous to drive at night. Confirmed by dealer. Component has not been inspected. The message center on the front dashboard said check headlamp system refer to owners manual. Owners manual tells you nothing.

Oil change and service check was completed on 20 Nov 2024. Maintenance record shows transmission fluid levels passed inspection. Issue started on 23 Nov 2024. Driving at speeds of 65, 55, 45, and 35mph on a highway. When accelerating to the speed limit, a hard shift was noticed at around 45mph. When decelerating to stop light or to reduce speed due to traffic, a very hard shift was noticed. Around 25mph is the hardest shift. On 25 Nov 2024 while increasing speed from 42mph to 50mph, a very loud metal clanking sound was heard at the same moment a hard shift took place. A check engine light came on briefly and went away within one minute. I took the vehicle to a transmission repair shop to inspect the codes. Two transmission over temp codes were shown without the check engine caution light on. The codes were cleared and the vehicle was taken for a two minute test drive. Upon returning to the shop, when the vehicle was put into park, a rough gear shift was heard and felt throughout the vehicle. The two transmission over temperature codes were populated again after the test drive.

Harsh downshift

Sunroof shade has failed and blocks view of rear of car including rear view mirror.

AWD control module stopped working. Lost AWD

Transmissions “A” clutch failure diagnosed by Ford service department. There were no warning lamps indicating there was an issue Car start jolting upon acceleration and deceleration in 2nd to 3rd gear. Because of the jolting effect, especially upon deceleration, it put me at greater risk of an accident. Vehicle is only 4 years old.

Sunshade will not retract and blocks vision to see out the rear view mirror and back window

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger side tires were shredded. In addition, the curbside tire went flat. The contact's son replaced the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fractured front axles which were leaking fluids. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000

Driving down the highway 65mph, cruise on, car makes an abrupt violent jerk forward, tires squeal, and car starts fishtailing across all lanes of traffic. Seems as if car spontaneously slammed on the brakes. Nothing crossed in front of the vehicle, nothing in the road, both hands were on the wheel, feet resting on the floorboard. Nothing displayed on the console. Once control was regained car drove per usual, no issues.

I have a previous file for this situation already submitted reference # 11626064. Since that filing I have had an additional occurrence of the same description. I also found a recall for 2021 explorers which sounds to be the same as what I have experienced , below is a reference to the 2021 Explorer recall. [XXX] Please confirm if the recall can be updated to include the 2020. Best Regards [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V069000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 32,000.

Nearly all loss of engine power while driving on on a highway. Ford states these are the necessary repairs. The mechanic supervisor Verbally told me told me possible Engine coolant in cylinders 2 and 3. I requested photos, however none have been provided. I have not approved repairs due to the costs. Total Estimate for repairs is over $15000.00 Ford ecoboost engines have had a lot of recalls, for these same issues on other model Ford engines except the 2.3 liter 2020 Ford Explorer. (Rapid Coolant loss and leaking into the combustion chamber) causing the engine block to damaged. However, no recalls yet on the 2020 Ford Explorer. Cause REPLACE LONGBLOCK DUE TO INTERNAL FAILURE Correction REPLACE ENGINE AND ALL ONE TIME USE PARTS Estimate $ 11,534.51 EITHER PCM, HARNESS OR SENSOR BAD HEATER CIRCUIT OXYGEN SENSOR BANK 1 SENSOR 2 Correction REPLACE O2 SENSOR BROKEN EXHAUST PRESSURE SENSOR Correction REPLACE SENSOR Concern Critical Check Engine Light Is On And Running Rough Cause REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Correction REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Approved $ 605.56 Total estimate $ 15,863.61 Manufacturer Recall Issued Recall 23S23 Inoperative Rear 360 Degree Camera With A Blue Screen Imported From Oxlo On 12/18/2024 06:52 Approved No Charge I have not authorized repairs due to the high costs, and lack of guarantee of repair. Plus I'm still making monthly payments for another 15 months. Ford has not acknowledged cylinder manufacturing defects to engine block on the 2020 Ford Explorer. I'm at a loss.

Sunshade does not retract and sags in the cabin of the vehicle

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the contact depressed the button to open the moonroof, and the cloth material covering the moonroof detached. The contact's daughter was sitting in the second row in the middle seat and alerted the contact to the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that hanging cloth covers over the rear-view mirror was obstructing his view. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. There was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Front Right Passenger Low Beam has gone out. Ford dealership says this part is meant to last the lifetime of the vehicle and does not know why it has gone out. It occurred right after dealer did an oil change. After low beam went out a warning on the dash states to check headlamps. The dealer now wants to charge $2500 to replace the whole assemble. Being unable to see the road entirely is a safely risk especially since the primary driver is a third shift worker and we live an a rural community with a lot of deer and other wildlife.

* The component that appears to be malfunctioning is the driveshaft and/or related transmission system. I have experienced repeated issues such as abnormal jerking when switching gears, grinding or clunking noises, and jerking through the drivetrain with erratic RPMs before the vehicle regains power. These symptoms are consistent with problems covered in recent recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. *The issues have made it feel unsafe to drive the vehicle, especially with children in the car. The unpredictable jerking and loss of power present a serious danger, particularly when accelerating into traffic or driving at highway speeds. I am extremely concerned that a sudden failure could result in loss of control, a rollaway, or even a serious accident. Another concern is the defect involving the driveshaft or half shafts that might disconnect or stop functioning. This disconnection can lead to a loss of drive power or, if the parking brake is not applied, a possible vehicle rollaway. *While I have not yet had the issue diagnosed by a service center, I have filed a lemon law claim, and I’m in the process of addressing the matter formally. The symptoms I’m experiencing appear to match known issues that Ford has already recalled for the 2020–2021 Explorer models. *The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives. I am open to having the vehicle inspected by Ford or an authorized party as needed. *There were no warning lamps or messages displayed prior to the issues occurring. The symptoms—jerking, clunking noises, and erratic RPM behavior—began gradually over time, with the first noticeable incident occurring a few months ago. Since then, the issues have become more frequent and severe.

Transmission gose into limp mode when trying to pass other vehicles missed shift warning ️ on dash also loud rattling noise from floor passengers side

Left headlight has gone out after only 46000 miles. A search of the internet for a fix for this reveals many individuals are having this issue on the platinum level trim models of the ford explorer. This is a safety risk as the whole headlight needs to be replaced at a cost of upwards of $2000. Other individuals have stated they have replaced the headlights multiple times under warranty. This should be looked into further.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the center display screen failed to turn on upon starting the vehicle. The rear air conditioner, backup camera, and heater failed to be operational due to the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the camera under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed the recall repair and that the screen was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

We bought this our ST in April and just our luck it has passed the 5-year mark.....no powertrain warranty for us, darn. On Wednesday, during the 30-minute drive home from work, my spouse reported a fault indicator on the dash related to 4WD or AWD being inoperable. This did not trigger the MIL, but diagnostics showed DTC C0631, identified in TSB 23-2114/2174. After a costly fix replacing the FADA with an intermediary shaft, the SUV will no longer be an "Intelligent 4WD" vehicle—seems like creative and false advertising masking a known engineering failure identified by many on the internet [XXX] ). The first sign is a FADA leak. The TSB states that customers can continue to drive, so I took the vehicle for a drive, only to find myself abruptly stalled in traffic after about a mile. I tried to restart the vehicle several times, but nothing happened. After waiting about five minutes and calling my spouse, I tried again and was able to start it. It felt like it was in "limp" mode, as it had issues accelerating, so I slowly drove home. When entering the driveway, the vehicle could barely make it into the parking spot. As I pulled in and applied the parking brake, the vehicle was idling and started squealing so ear-piercingly loud (maybe SSM 51419?) that I was shocked and quickly shut it off. Later, I started the vehicle again and noticed it was knocking now, but the squeal was gone and didn't reproduce. The vehicle was towed to the local Ford dealer, and after reporting my experience and their troubleshooting, I've been given an incredible ~$8,000 estimate for repairs. The technician claims that the VTC phasers, a fix from TSB 23-2058, are the additional corrective action for the stalled engine, lack of power, and engine knock noise. Ford knows the VTC phasers are design flawed, they've redesigned them multiple times; Ford TSBs have been available for this issue on this website for other engine models for over 10 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The low oil pressure and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light or while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the variable camshaft timing (VCT) system had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was linked to an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

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

Harsh down shift 7 gear to 6 gear. Apparently ford knows of the issue. Very expensive repair due to Ford’s negligence

Cracked Transmission Cooler where hoses attach. Replaced/repaired at owners expense.

Multiple advanced service warnings. Dealer states it’s the AWD module that needs to be replaced.

The transfer case module failed after a software update. The response from the bcm is no forward collision warning , emergency braking. It turned it off?? Aren't they required to have these features? I bought the vehicle for those features that are no longer available?

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)

Multiple warnings lights from advanced drivers assistance 4x4 went accelerate and could not error code u0102 also rattling from right second row seat.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle bucked forward and failed to drive as intended. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transfer case and rear seal leak needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Transmission slipping at 32m/h when downshifting

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

The transmission shifts hard when going at speed and slowing down through about 30mph. Sometimes it will not accelerate, like when passing another car. Overall poor transmission shifting. This is an ongoing issue.

When placing the car in park using the gear shift selector nob the vehicle rolls until the automatic stop feature kicks in. IF it does not roll you can easily push it. This is a continuous issue, parking by selecting "P" never works. You must set the parking brake, so it does not roll.

Carr rolls when put in PARK until the Emergency Brake senses the roll and engages.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Ford Recall: 23S23/NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention); related to the Camera Blue Screen however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that approximately 3 years after the recall repair was completed, the digital screen failed to display the rearview image as intended and would reset once the rear door was opened and closed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall repair and that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

The vehicle was driven to the destination and then turned off. Upon turning the vehicle back on and attempting to drive it, the vehicle vibrated and shuttered violently at times. The vehicle was looked over on-site before being driven to a mechanic for any loose parts or debris in the fender wells. The vehicle was able to be driven slowly to mechanic and only wide turns could be made or it would shudder and vibrate. After inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic stated that the front axles needed to be replaced and this would solve the issue. Approval for the front axle replacements to be completed was given to the mechanic and the soul was completed. However, the vehicle continued to vibrate and shudder in forward and reverse gears, especially when turning. The mechanic suggested to go to the dealership to get it checked out and reset/reprogram the PCM. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who looked it over and checked for a rear axle bolt failure and then sent it back to the original mechanic to swap the axles as they are unsure if the correct parts were installed. The original mechanic contacted the Ford dealership and ordered the front axles again and installed them. The problem persisted. The mechanic then attempted the completion of the TSB 23-2174 to see if that would help solve the problem. The vehicle was then driven to the dealership to have the PCM reprogrammed and the work completed by the mechanic reviewed. After leaving the vehicle at the dealership for several weeks and having the work completed, the problem persists. However, since this problem started, the transmission or drive train now slips or hips when coming to a stop right at 0mph. It also pops and jumps when taking off in the lower gears.the drive train behaves erratically and feels like something is loose or slipping or of place. The rough shifting and hop when stopping causes concern about the vehicle not stopping or shifting out of gear or into the strong gear or something is coming loose

The vehicle is equipped with electric power brakes which will intermittently stop working resulting in no power brakes. It doesn't warn you that the pump has stopped working just a very hard brake pedal and no braking effort, failure to slow down.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating 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.

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,

I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer, as well as many other vehicles of the same make and model. Recently, I discovered that the spare tire compartment in my vehicle accumulates water due to a leak, which I believe could compromise the safety and integrity of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, I found that Ford Motor Company acknowledged this issue in a Technical Service Bulletin issued on December 14, 2020. This TSB indicates that Ford is aware of the problem, which appears to affect numerous vehicles. Given that this leak could lead to corrosion or other potential safety hazards, I believe it warrants a formal investigation by the NHTSA. Since this is a known manufacturing issue, I request that the NHTSA initiate an investigation into this defect and consider requiring a recall by Ford Motor Company to ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired at no cost to the owners. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to any updates regarding an investigation or action taken to address this issue and ensure the safety of Ford Explorer owners.