CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2020 Ford EXPLORER — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 32 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings.

Most-reported issue: Power Train (421 owner reports of 1138 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Power Train, Unknown Or Other — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Power Train421
Unknown Or Other148
Electrical System132
Back Over Prevention61
Engine47
Exterior Lighting42
Service Brakes41
Visibility/Wiper33
Structure32
Suspension29

Official recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings — campaign 19V859000 (04/12/2019)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fu…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine — campaign 20V788000 (17/12/2020)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may ha…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Suspension:Rear — campaign 21V154000 (10/03/2021)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts tha…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention:Software — campaign 21V735000 (22/09/2021)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree ca…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly — campaign 20V549000 (10/09/2020)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt …

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — campaign 20V693000 (10/11/2020)
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…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera — campaign 20V575000 (23/09/2020)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, …

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage — campaign 20V730000 (24/11/2020)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank in…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Air Bags:Critical Fasteners — campaign 20V497000 (21/08/2020)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module at…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner — campaign 19V633000 (28/08/2019)
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 20…

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electrical System:Wiring — campaign 19V687000 (30/09/2019)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not h…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — campaign 19V575000 (05/08/2019)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be in…

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera — campaign 23V022000 (23/01/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 3…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — campaign 23V069000 (10/02/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — campaign 23V199000 (24/03/2023)
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 powertr…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention:Display Function — campaign 23V305000 (28/04/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated C…

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera — campaign 23V342000 (12/05/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 3…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery — campaign 23V626000 (08/09/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manu…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — campaign 23V675000 (06/10/2023)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause t…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera — campaign 24V188000 (08/03/2024)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermi…

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine — campaign 24V598000 (10/08/2024)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the eve…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment:Other:Labels — campaign 24V852000 (08/11/2024)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expe…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seat Belts — campaign 25V093000 (14/02/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more se…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention:Software — campaign 25V159000 (14/03/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repair…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — campaign 25V166000 (14/03/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 2…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly — campaign 25V393000 (13/06/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seat…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention:Software — campaign 25V442000 (27/06/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater — campaign 25V685000 (10/10/2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Linc…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor — campaign 26V117000 (03/03/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wip…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Back Over Prevention:Software — campaign 26V123000 (03/03/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The imag…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seat Belts — campaign 26V159000 (17/03/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission — campaign 26V402000 (24/06/2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles…

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Previous year: 2019 Ford EXPLORERRival: 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDERRival: 2020 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEESame class: 2020 Chevrolet EQUINOXSame class: 2020 Ford ESCAPESame class: 2020 Honda CR-V
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Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.