2020 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1250 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Power Train (505), Unknown Or Other (213), Electrical System (187).
Key takeaways
- 1250 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 37 involve a crash, 10 a fire, 39 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 505 | 40% |
| Unknown Or Other | 213 | 17% |
| Electrical System | 187 | 15% |
| Engine | 118 | 9% |
| Back Over Prevention | 104 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 85 | 7% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 71 | 6% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 58 | 5% |
| Exterior Lighting | 56 | 4% |
| Structure | 46 | 4% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 41 | 3% |
| Seats | 41 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2020 Ford Explorer
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-11-02
When I was driving on the highway, the car braked really hard like brake checked. It seemed like it was part of the safety system because a light was flashing on the dash like I was gonna hit something but no car was there. Now my car keeps jolting and breaking fast even when I accelerate it will brake for half a secon...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-30
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and was unable to shift out of park(P). The message "Remain in Park" warning message was disp...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-29
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle independently shifted to park(P), followed by a ripping sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 43-44 MPH and attempting to merge into the passing lane with his wife in the vehi...
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More for the 2020 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.