Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Aug 18, 2026 to Aug 18, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year2253k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2020 suv
Severity index0.02020 suvs average 5.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept name powertrain
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
2 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-255 | Apr 14, 2022 | Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect | Powertrain | 252,936 | Software update |
| 21V-014 | Jan 15, 2021 | Affected vehicles contain windshield washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid | Visibility and wipers | 283 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Aug 18, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026North St Paul, MNPower train
On my 2020 police interceptor through a no issue for the transmission, failing at early mileage, jerking in a drive and slamming gears when shifting and low gears, I believe the component is the CDF drum in the transmission, which is thousands of dollars to fix Ford offered to replace it under warranty, but the issue typically doesn’t arise until after warranty is expired
NHTSA complaint 11757821
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
74 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- SSM 54702 Mar 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Aviator and 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be du… - SSM 54655 Mar 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers (but not all speakers). This may be due to other components located near the suspe… - SSM 54516 Jan 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Individual level III ballistic panel mounting tab service parts are now available: right-hand (78201B68) and left-hand (78201B69… - SSM 54354 Nov 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. The vehicle may exhibit a door ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on th… - 24N10 S1 Jul 14, 2025 · Other
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) Vehicles Engine Block Breaches This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the engine long-block for 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start da… - SSM 53982 Jun 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator, 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)… - 24M01 S2 Jun 3, 2025 · Other
2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Front Catalytic Converters If Required and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition - SSM 53278 Jan 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2025 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. - 24N10 Dec 11, 2024 · Other
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) Vehicles Engine Block Breaches - 24M01 S1 Oct 22, 2024 · Other
In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage. - SSM 52941 Sep 25, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various driveability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061B stored in the powertrain control m… - SSM 52917 Sep 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. - 24M01 S1 Aug 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters for Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 or P0430 and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition Reason for Supplement: … - SSM 52652 Jun 26, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using p… - 24M01 Jun 13, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters If Failed and Inspect Wire Harness In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat… - 24B34 Jun 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020 through 2023 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Units (PIU) Powertrain Control Module Software Update In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience various symptoms including lack of engine power, lag in throttle response, dela… - 22G07 S1 Apr 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
UPDATE Supplement Announcement - Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Owner letter added. First part submitted 08/03/23 - SSM 51945 Sep 22, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). Replacem… - SSM 51917 Sep 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - SSM 51875 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2023 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the drivers door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the drivers door is fully closed. When using pin… - SAN-Vol1 I1 Jun 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and othe… - SSM 51821 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - 22G07 S1 Jul 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Service Action: Confirm customer operates a low-band very high frequency (VHF) 2-way radio b… - 22G07 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade - SSM 51297 Jan 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal s… - TSB 23-2030 Jan 30, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor, 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Nov-2022 may exhibit an 8th gear start after coming to a stop and/or a no movement in Reverse condition. This may be due… - TSB 22-2350 Sep 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec (non-hybrid) engine may exhibit a delayed acceleration response at low vehicle speeds with no DTCs. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To co… - TSB 22-2342 Sep 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting the correct cooling value of the h… - SSM 50900 Jun 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, smell, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differ… - 21N13 Jun 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles, Front Door Latches and Key Replacement: In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience difficulty locking and/or unlocking their vehicle due to increased efforts required to turn the k… - SSM 50745 Jun 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic transfer case operation and/or noise. This may be due to water intrusion between the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case installation procedure has bee… - SSM 50804 May 24, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as … - SSM 50748 May 5, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate p… - SSM 50661 Apr 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to… - SSM 50622 Mar 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 - 2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and… - TSB 22-2046 Feb 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the power… - SSM 50381 Jan 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additio… - SSM 50375 Dec 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the … - SSM 50354 Dec 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additio… - SSM 50321 Dec 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. I… - 21B35 Nov 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer Police Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost Engine Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection In some of the affected vehicles, the right-hand catalytic converter, or t… - SSM 50252 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using p… - TSB 21-2316 Sep 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 21-2046 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift… - SSM 50067 Aug 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to… - TSB 21-2270 Aug 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 20-Mar-2020 may exhibit various warning/fault messages with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0633 and/or C00A6:07 stored in the AWD module.… - SSM 49982 Jul 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before… - SSM 49870 Jun 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate p… - TSB 21-2195 Jun 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit inoperative turn signal lamps after replacement of the light emitting diode (LED) control module. This may be due to a lack of initialization caused by incomplete wiring circuits. To correct the… - SSM 49753 Apr 26, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming f… - TSB 21-2046 Mar 31, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble … - SSM 49580 Feb 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fu… - TSB 21-2030 Feb 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not … - TSB 20-2429 Dec 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery ener… - SSM 49386 Dec 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0052, C0053, C0054 and/or C0055 stored in the TRM if the police steering wheel output circuits are not connected to any accessories. If these DTCs are detected duri… - TSB 20-2405 Nov 20, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rough idle with the air conditioning (A/C) on. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition… - TSB 20-2403 Nov 20, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble … - TSB 20-2345 Oct 2, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0C48, P0C49, P2B29, P0CFF, P0E1F, P0C4B, P0C4A, P2CF3, P0A06, … - SSM 49270 Oct 16, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on 26-May-2020 and through 28-May-2020 may have been built with windshield washer fluid contaminated with brake fluid. If a vehicle exhibits a-pillar and/or rear liftgate trim or tail lamp appearan… - TSB 20-2322 Sep 16, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit inoperative turn signal lamps after replacement of the light emitting diode (LED) control module. This may be due to a lack of initialization caused by incomplete wiring circuits. To correct the cond… - SSM 49204 Sep 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse ar…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.