2020 Ford Explorer: Reliability Data
Source: NHTSA — 1544 complaints
1544
Total Complaints
12,600mi
Median Mileage
Power Train
Top Issue
50
Crash Reports
When Do Complaints Happen?
Distribution of NHTSA complaints by vehicle mileage at time of report.
5,000
25th Percentile
12,600
Median Mileage
53,250
75th Percentile
What Fails?
Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.
Power Train
404
Unknown Or Other
186
Electrical System
169
Engine
105
Service Brakes
76
Visibility/Wiper
47
Exterior Lighting
47
Back Over Prevention
40
Fuel/Propulsion System
38
Warnings
32
Severity Assessment
50
Crashes
16
Fires
46
Injuries
0
Deaths
Sample Complaint Reports
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV VERY HIGHLY AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE FAILURE ..."
"HAVE EXTREMELY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES COMING IN THE FRESH AIR INTAKE-MAKING ME AND MY PASSENGERS EXTREMELY SICK-NAUSEUS, REALLY BAD HEADACHES, EXTREMELY SLEEPY, ACID REFLUX AND EVEN HAVE PEOPLE ASK HALF HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE IF WE'VE BEEN STANDING NEXT TO AN EXHAUST PIPE!!!! ONE OF THESE TIME..."
"ON A 400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON A HIGHWAY, WE STARTED FEELING EXHAUST FUMES IN THE INSIDE CABIN. FELT NAUSEA AND WATERY EYES AND HAD TO STOP COUPLE OF TIME TO GET A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS IT DISAPPEARED AFTER AN HOUR. SCARY THING IS I SEE SOME ELSE ALSO HAS REPORTED THE SAME IS..."
Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.
When Were Complaints Filed?
Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.
When Does Each Component Fail?
Median mileage at complaint for top components.
Power Train
404 complaints
25th: 6,000 mi
Median: 24,093 mi
75th: 67,868 mi
Unknown Or Other
186 complaints
25th: 1,448 mi
Median: 5,761 mi
75th: 8,425 mi
Electrical System
169 complaints
25th: 5,234 mi
Median: 9,000 mi
75th: 30,000 mi
Engine
105 complaints
25th: 2,407 mi
Median: 8,000 mi
75th: 68,000 mi
Service Brakes
76 complaints
25th: 2,000 mi
Median: 6,680 mi
75th: 10,700 mi
Where Are Complaints Coming From?
Top states by complaint count.
TX: 153
CA: 132
FL: 99
OH: 86
MI: 74
NY: 73
NC: 69
IL: 54
GA: 53
VA: 51
Who Files Complaints?
0.6%
Original Owners
99.4%
Second+ Owners
Ford Explorer — Other Years
See how this model compares across different model years.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 764 | 70 |
| 1992 | 848 | 54 |
| 1993 | 1151 | 98 |
| 1994 | 1531 | 124 |
| 1995 | 1048 | 107 |
| 1996 | 1818 | 248 |
| 1997 | 2149 | 180 |
| 1998 | 2374 | 219 |
| 1999 | 1737 | 143 |
| 2000 | 1203 | 115 |
| 2001 | 500 | 82 |
| 2002 | 4095 | 178 |
| 2003 | 1368 | 70 |
| 2004 | 1647 | 69 |
| 2005 | 604 | 30 |
| 2006 | 788 | 18 |
| 2007 | 271 | 14 |
| 2008 | 215 | 8 |
| 2009 | 49 | 8 |
| 2010 | 155 | 13 |
| 2011 | 1481 | 48 |
| 2012 | 1013 | 14 |
| 2013 | 2757 | 61 |
| 2014 | 2011 | 48 |
| 2015 | 2138 | 52 |
| 2016 | 2940 | 56 |
| 2017 | 1927 | 53 |
| 2018 | 819 | 23 |
| 2019 | 306 | 2 |
| 2021 | 492 | 21 |
| 2022 | 308 | 25 |
| 2023 | 126 | 11 |
| 2024 | 21 | 0 |
| 2025 | 111 | 11 |
Active Recalls (31)
Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.
Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Campaign 19V859000 | 04/12/2019
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be l
Engine
Campaign 20V788000 | 17/12/2020
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Rear
Campaign 21V154000 | 10/03/2021
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
Software
Campaign 21V735000 | 22/09/2021
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
Buckle Assembly
Campaign 20V549000 | 10/09/2020
Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.
Driveshaft
Campaign 20V693000 | 10/11/2020
Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
Camera
Campaign 20V575000 | 23/09/2020
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's
Storage
Campaign 20V730000 | 24/11/2020
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
Critical Fasteners
Campaign 20V497000 | 21/08/2020
If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's n
Recliner
Campaign 19V633000 | 28/08/2019
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Wiring
Campaign 19V687000 | 30/09/2019
The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.
Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
Campaign 19V575000 | 05/08/2019
Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. For
Camera
Campaign 23V022000 | 23/01/2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Campaign 23V069000 | 10/02/2023
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Campaign 23V199000 | 24/03/2023
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
Display Function
Campaign 23V305000 | 28/04/2023
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
Camera
Campaign 23V342000 | 12/05/2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previo
Traction Battery
Campaign 23V626000 | 08/09/2023
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for
Driveshaft
Campaign 23V675000 | 06/10/2023
A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024.
Camera
Campaign 24V188000 | 08/03/2024
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 20V-575 and 22V-252.
Engine
Campaign 24V598000 | 10/08/2024
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition,
Labels
Campaign 24V852000 | 08/11/2024
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Seat Belts
Campaign 25V093000 | 14/02/2025
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will b
Software
Campaign 25V159000 | 14/03/2025
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Driveshaft
Campaign 25V166000 | 14/03/2025
A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
Mid/Rear Assembly
Campaign 25V393000 | 13/06/2025
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Software
Campaign 25V442000 | 27/06/2025
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Engine Block Heater
Campaign 25V685000 | 10/10/2025
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat
Motor
Campaign 26V117000 | 03/03/2026
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed March 9, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in May 2026. Owners may contact Ford cu
Software
Campaign 26V123000 | 03/03/2026
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated second quarter of 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-733
Seat Belts
Campaign 26V159000 | 17/03/2026
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Veh
Extend Your Transmission Life
Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.
- Change transmission fluid at manufacturer intervals — not 'lifetime' fluid
- Come to a full stop before shifting from reverse to drive
- Don't ride the brakes on hills — use a lower gear
- Check transmission fluid level and color monthly — dark fluid needs changing
- Address slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement immediately
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Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.
Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.
Data through: 2026-03-28