2020 Ford Explorer

1,223 complaints on file, page 1 of 62.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 25, 2026La Verne, CAPower train

   2020 Ford Explorer Transmission Failure Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer Limited (~66,000 miles) SAFETY HAZARD: My SUV experiences a violent jolt while driving that feels like a sudden, unexpected brake tap. Originally occurring at 35 mph, the defect has actively degraded: it now breaks right through Sport Mode and aggressively occurs at 45 mph. This unexpected deceleration in traffic is a severe safety hazard that risks a rear-end collision. DELAER DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS (VERBATIM): "Tech findings: VERIFIED CUSTOMERS CONCERN VEHICLE SLIPS AND BANGS INTO GEAR. HOOKED UP FDRS AND RAN DTCS AND NO DTCS PRESENT. RAN OASIS FOR TSB AND SSM AND SSM 53876 IS PRESENT FOLLOWING TSB DIRECTED TO FOLLOW WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 307-01 UNDER DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING, DIAGNOSIS BY SYMPTOM. USING SHOP MANUAL REPROGRAMMED PCM/TCM TO LATEST CALIBRATION PERFORMED ADAPTIVE LEARNING AND ROAD-TESTED VEHICLE AND CONCERN STILL PRESENT VEHICLE HAS HARSH 3-1 DOWN SHIFT AND 4-5 UP SHIFT. USING SHOP MANUAL DIRECTED TO INSPECT A C D E F AND LOW ONE-WAY CLUTCH NEED TEAR DOWN TO REMOVE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY AND INSPECT INTERNAL COMPONENTS FOR DAMAGE AND WEAR." THE DEFECT CONNECTION The vehicle is exhibiting the exact failure profile of active Federal Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA 26V402000 (valve body separator plate fluid restriction causing line pressure drops and uncommanded parking pawl engagement). The tech’s notes also reference SSM 53876 and isolate internal mechanical wear on Clutch Packs A, C, D, E, F, and the Low One-Way Clutch (linked to the broken snap-ring defect in TSB 20-2337). THE CORPORATE BATTLE Because I am 6,000 miles past the 60k powertrain warranty, Ford Corporate opened a case but claims they "will not be liable for the transmission teardown costs." This is unacceptable. Ford is trying to charge me thousands in exploratory labor to diagnose a transmission that is already under a federal safety recall for this exact defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11767923
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Oct 15, 2025Klamath Falls, ORPower train

   Several sensors starting going off all at once, car would lose power, if I tried to reverse it wasn’t able to get in gear for 5-10 seconds. It was around 78k miles. Of course my warranty ended at 75k. It was happening randomly then became more frequent. I took it to the dealer they said they think it is “dtc C0631 present referred tsb 25-2373 need to replace frontIntermediate Shaft Assembly . cost to replace is $1400.00 . then retest after.”. I was shocked to find that this was a known issue for years before it happened to me. I do not understand how this is not classified as a safety issue, or at the very least a manufacturer defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11767644
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026142,722 milesPalestine, TXPower train

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH with her child inside the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into Park and lost motive power, nearly causing a crash. The contact was forced to veer over onto the grass because there was no shoulder. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall due to the lack of the needed diagnostic trouble codes. The contact was provided the cost for a diagnostic test and informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the diagnostic trouble codes associated with the failure were retrieved. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 142,722.

   NHTSA complaint 11767415
4. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 27, 2026187,307 milesPhiladelphia, PAPower train, SteeringCrash

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the AWD disengaged and the vehicle started sliding. The contact attempted to correct the vehicle but crashed into a lamppost with the rear driver’s side door. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The failure mileage was 187,307.

   NHTSA complaint 11767370
5. Filed Sep 25, 2026Failure May 15, 2026Bismarck, NDBody, Visibility/wiper

   Panoramic roof sunshade/retractor failure resulting in obstruction of rearward visibility through the interior rearview mirror while driving

   NHTSA complaint 11766953
6. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure May 29, 2025Canton, OHEngine

   Driving down road when motor started making noise. No lights on dash or anything then it started to buck and wouldn’t accelerate.i pulled over on the highway and shut it off and called a friend for a tow. Got the car checked out and turns out it was almost 5 quarts low on oil and has spun a rod bearing and almost locked up.

   NHTSA complaint 11766738
7. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Lexington, SCUnknown or other

   I was driving back home going approx 40mph and my car started to slow down on its own. Got back up to speed and it continued to do this the whole way home. It sounded like it was downshifting. Making it extremely dangerous turning, lane shifting.

   NHTSA complaint 11766379
8. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Aug 17, 2026Senatobia, MSEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

   Transmission downshifts hard, jerks at take off

   NHTSA complaint 11766336
9. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Jun 26, 2026Frankfort, KYPower train

   My 2020 Ford Explorer Limited has a broken transmission matching Recall 26S48. The car cannot be driven. My local dealer wants to help but has zero loaner vehicles available. Ford Corporate is refusing to fund an outside rental car or an emergency interim repair while delaying the official fix until next year. I am completely stranded by a manufacturer safety defect. It is setting at the dealer, and they have said it needs a whole new transmission.

   NHTSA complaint 11765633
10. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Sep 14, 2026Merrimack, NHExterior lighting

    Passenger headlight module has blown and seems to be an issue with the 2020 Ford Explorer.

    NHTSA complaint 11765374
11. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 17, 2026113,390 milesRichmond, VAPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the message “Shift System Fault” was displayed. The vehicle restarted and shifted out of park. The contact stated that on several occasions the transmission was shifted into park but failed to remain in park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there were metal shavings inside the transmission. The failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 113,390.

    NHTSA complaint 11765070
12. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 17, 2026Wellsville, KSPower train, Unknown or other

    Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Active Recall: Ford #26S48 The transmission on my 2020 Ford Explorer has completely failed, leaving my vehicle inoperable and my family stranded. The vehicle is currently located at a local Ford dealership, just sitting there waiting for a fix. My vehicle started shifting gears randomly while driving, causing a lot of jerky movements. My wrench light came on the dashboard, and I instantly took my SUV to a local Ford dealership for inspection. After the inspection, the dealership described metal shards floating in my transmission fluid and stated that the only way to fix the issues is to pay for a brand-new transmission to be installed. Having both the dashboard warning light (wrench icon) and shifting issues alongside metal shards strongly points to active internal mechanical damage matching the 26S48 recall pattern associated with my exact VIN. Although my VIN is tied to active safety recall 26S48 for this exact component failure, the dealership refuses to repair it, stating that an official corporate remedy/parts are not available yet. Furthermore, the dealership attempted to quote me roughly $10,000 out of pocket for a transmission replacement for an emergency fix. When I contacted Ford Corporate, they confirmed the lack of a current remedy and refused to provide alternative transportation (such as a loaner or rental vehicle), instead telling me to pay out-of-pocket for a rental or independent repair and "hope" for a future reimbursement. As a single-income family currently navigating an extreme financial hardship due to medical issues, paying thousands out-of-pocket or taking on high debt for a manufacturer defect seems impossible and an unfair burden. Forcing a family to choose between severe financial strain or being left indefinitely without a vehicle due to a delayed manufacturer remedy defeats the entire protective intent of the safety standards enforced by NHTSA.

    NHTSA complaint 11764997
13. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Vineland, NJElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Power train

    I own a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, VIN 1FMSK8DH6LGA35229. While driving, my vehicle displayed “4WD Fault – Service Required” along with the powertrain wrench warning. I then became unable to select/change drive modes. Pre-Collision Assist became unavailable, I experienced Lane Keeping/Lane Assist problems, and additional stability/traction warnings appeared. A professional diagnostic scan found AWD codes C0631:7E-68 and C0631:7F-6C related to the front axle disconnect actuator. The ABS module also stored U0102 (Lost Communication With Transfer Case Control Module) and U0155 (Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster). My mechanic diagnosed failure of the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate-shaft system. The repair requires removal of the original disconnect system and installation of Ford’s revised intermediate shaft/axle components, replacement of the vent/breather hose, and AWD programming. I was quoted approximately $1,337. The mechanic will then determine whether the transfer case/AWD control module also requires replacement, which would cost approximately $828 additional. Ford has issued TSB 25-2373, superseding TSB 23-2174, for certain 2020-2021 Explorer AWD vehicles. The bulletin specifically identifies C0631 and/or C00A6 and the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft and directs replacement with a revised intermediate shaft. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the failure resulted in AWD/drive-mode malfunction while multiple driver-assistance systems became unavailable. I request that NHTSA investigate this known failure and determine whether a safety recall is warranted.

    NHTSA complaint 11764430
14. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2026Waterbury, CTPower train

    I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/NHTSA safety recall (26S48 / NHTSA 26V-402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in NHTSA's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

    NHTSA complaint 11763873
15. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2026Waterbury, CTPower train

    I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/NHTSA safety recall (26S48 / NHTSA 26V-402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in NHTSA's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

    NHTSA complaint 11763872
16. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Apr 5, 2026Davenport, WAUnknown or other

    Sunroof headliner sagging. It completely blocks use of rear view mirror when open. Does not retract.

    NHTSA complaint 11763622
17. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Arlington, TXPower train

    I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer in December 2020. The first incident occurred around June 2021 while I was on a road trip. While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted/downshifted on its own and caused a sudden change in the vehicle's movement. At first, I thought there might be an issue with the rotary gear selector. The problem occurred again, and in 2023 I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership and reported the issue. I was told there was a recall and recall-related work was performed. However, the unexpected shifting continued afterward. I contacted the Ford dealership multiple times about the continuing problem but was told that without an applicable recall I could be charged for diagnosis and that the problem might not be detected unless it occurred during a test drive. I reported the shifting problem again when the vehicle was at a Ford dealership for recall service in 2025. I specifically told the service advisor that the vehicle was still unexpectedly shifting while driving. The advisor told me the vehicle was driven but the problem did not occur during their test drive. The problem has continued. During a recent incident, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted/downshifted while I was driving and I nearly had an accident with my children in the vehicle. I am concerned that the sudden change in the vehicle's movement could cause me to lose control or be struck by another vehicle. I recently contacted the Ford dealership again and was informed that my vehicle has another open recall related to the transmission/park system. I was given an appointment for October 23, 2026, but was told Ford does not expect the recall remedy to be available until November. I am concerned about continuing to drive the vehicle while waiting for a remedy because this malfunction has occurred repeatedly while the vehicle is in motion and the most recent incident nearly resulted in an accident. The vehicle is available for inspection. The dealership has previously inspected/test-dr

    NHTSA complaint 11763385
18. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Jun 9, 2026110,000 milesDallas, TXPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted erratically. The messages "Service Advancetrac”, "See Owner’s Manual" and an unknown message were displayed. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while depressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle lurched forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, and the vehicle had become undrivable. While researching the failure online, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the recall remedy was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11763077
19. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Aug 24, 2026biglerville, PAPower train

    The transmission is sporadically shifting causing the vehicle to lose or stop during acceleration and deceleration making it unsafe to pull away from a stop or during deceleration and causing it to stop in the in the rd and then it would shift extremely hard after it would gain power to the transmission again. The vehicle is available for inspection and no codes indicated a transmission issue. Only codes are vacuum leak codes. I've had my snap on scanner attached and have had it at 3 different garages. The vehicle had transmission issues repaired shortly after purchasing at a certified Ford dealer (Fred Beans) of Mechanicsburg. My family and I have been in quite a few near miss accidents stemming from this issue. I've had fluids checked multiple times for the transmission and even had a Ford tech do a complete transmission flush.

    NHTSA complaint 11762853
20. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 8, 202670,000 milesRogers, ARPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11762832