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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,359 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems

electrical problem

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2020 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #84

Sep 012023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While slowing down the car feels like the engine shakes and when I start to drive jumps when I accelerate also when I-??m on brake it also starts to jump maybe transmission or engine problems

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #83

Sep 012021

Explorer

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AWD became inoperable. The park assist, traction control, ABS, Lane Keep System, front radar, and the parking sensor also became inoperable. The map displayed on half the screen. The screen was black with a blue rectangle. The cabin temperature indicator was flickering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that an update and reprogram of the system was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered financial assistance, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #82

Jul 162023

Explorer

  • miles
Summer 2023 OTA update to Ford Sync caused Sync system to malfunction. As a result touch screen controls are a black screen. No radio, no rear climate control, no backup camera, no 911 crash assist, no voice activated features, no forward collision warning system. Waiting for service appointment at local ford dealer.

- Oakdale, PA, USA

problem #81

Jan 012023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer ST in 2020. Since then, I've had several warranty issues and recalls. Presently, this "blue screen" issue when the car is placed into reverse cannot be resolved by Ford who offers no solutions other than platitudes. This is a significant safety issue with the vehicle as the exterior camera assist does not work ("blue screen") and beeps intermittently when the vehicle is in reverse, which is a distraction. I cannot comprehend how/why a vehicle has had so many issues and believe action should be taken against Ford to remedy these problems.

- Holland, OH, USA

problem #80

Oct 012022

Explorer

  • miles
2020 Ford Explorer St-about 55,000 miles. Dealer: Preferred Ford in grand haven, mi. Issue is sometimes a multitude of warning lights would come on when traveling. They include shutting down the cruise control when in motion, the forward collision sensor would stop working, all wheel drive and hill assist lights would come on and stop working. This happens whether a short trip, 10-15 miles into town, or on a longer trip. Only way to potentially reset it was to stop, turn vehicle off for a minute or two and restart. Sometimes this worked and sometimes not. This is a safety hazard when operating on a roadway, usually at highway speeds, especially in winter road conditions or an occasional trip through the mountains to the southern states. Had a computer update, which cost $540, still not solve it. Finally able to get into dealer with all warning lights activated. Dealer stated has to do with drivetrain. Now today (8-3-23), was advised by dealer a new Ford engineer internal service memo stated that is not the total fix. Total repairs cost is in/around $2000. If Ford knows this is an issue and with the many Ford Explorer on the road today, this needs to be addressed so the consumer can have confidence in driving their vehicles.

- Coopersville, MI, USA

problem #79

Feb 282023

Explorer

  • miles
Rear lift gate doesn't operate or operates erratically. Rear lift gate will not open traping occupants in the vehicle. Particularly any occupant seated in the third row seats. Yes. Took it to the dealer and they failed to address the problem First began February 2023. The dash board button will work some times and not others. Same for the key FOB and rear lift gate located on the the exterior of the vehicle. I have had occupants trapped in the back of the vehicle when the lift gate will not operate at all.

- Mattituck, NY, USA

problem #78

Jul 132023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When the car starts all warning lights come on. Hill start assistance, pre collision assistance, all assistance. There is no cruise, no safety collision assistance at all. First appeared on June 13 2023. Ford Dealer is currently trying to fix the problem. They are unsure why it-??s doing it. It puts all occupants life at risks as the car doesn-??t have any safety assistance.

- Colusa, CA, USA

problem #77

Jul 182022

Explorer

  • 16,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, she observed the front driver's side seat control housing separating, hindering the use of the seat controls. The failure was later observed in the front passenger-??s side seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #76

Jun 122023

Explorer

  • miles
17 recalls, multiple recalls for the same thing with the rear view camera Currently have another recall on the rear view camera with no exact date on when remedy will be available. Sounds like a qualifying lemon to me.

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #75

Jul 102023

Explorer

  • miles
The Radio would not keep stations and eventually was almost always static. I took it to the Ford dealership that I purchased from since it is supposed to have a full warranty. They are now saying that it has water leaking in from the roof and it has damaged the OEM (?) system. They don't know if Ford will cover under warranty so I now sit with no vehicle as they wait for a decision. When and if it gets repaired I will now have to worry about other damage that will be caused by a leaking roof vehicle.

- Van Buren Township , MI, USA

problem #74

May 012023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had the previous recall for my rear camera/display screen repaired in 08/2022. However, recently I have had my display screen start to glitch and turn off intermittently. Sometimes this happens while I am driving. Other times is happens while I am in reverse and the reverse camera does not work. When the reverse camera is not functioning there is concern for unseen dangers. I have videos of this but I cannot upload them into the form.

- Fairview, TN, USA

problem #73

Jun 132023

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle caught on fire while in operation. Smoke and flames noted under the hood behind glove box.

- Chatsworth, GA, USA

problem #72

Apr 022023

Explorer

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V022000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the recall was performed. Once the vehicle was returned, the contact stated that the lane assist, the forward collision assist, and several other electrical features failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

problem #71

May 042022

Explorer

  • miles
Driver side, passenger side window switches. On the toggle switches, the chrome is the laminating and has become very sharp. Realized this was taking place after cutting finger. Delamination Continuously getting worse.

- Manasquan, NJ, USA

problem #70

Feb 232022

Explorer

  • miles
I purchased this 2020 Ford Explorer ST, used while still under factory warranty. Within a week or two the IPMB module started malfunctioning, this affects all of the safety systems to include reverse brake assist, lane keeping assist, rear view camera and more. I have had the vehicle in two different dealerships over 9 times in the 15 months I have owned this suv, and within days of the problem being fixed the unit malfunctions again. I have tried to have the vehicle bought back by the dealer through their customer service program and the BBB of Michigan, to witch both claims have been denied claiming that the chicle does not fall under the NYS lemon law policy for used cars. The issue I have is this problem started within 1-2 weeks if purchasing the vehicle. What are the next steps that can be taken to have Ford Motor Company but this vehicle from me, as there is recall after recall on the unit in question.

- Mechanicville , NY, USA

problem #69

Mar 052023

Explorer

  • miles
The wiring harness in the back for the air was installed upside down, making the hot cold and the cold hot The vent in the ceiling that distributes air was kinked and had to be replaced The seatbelt on the drive side second row bucket seat was installed upside down The heater core had to replaced due to heat not blowing hot, still not and car was returned a second time Found out upon calling Ford that the car had two transmissions repairs by the previous owner and another "additional repair" done in 2022, would not disclose to me. I informed them the dealership gave me clean car facts. Car has less than 28,000 miles on it. I have had it less than ONE month.

- El Mirage, AZ, USA

problem #68

Apr 042023

Explorer

  • miles
Back up Camera goes blue or blank screen, we have called the Ford Dealer, we took it into their maintenance. Can-??t find issue We just received a recall in mail, we called the Ford Dealer today about our backup Camera recall. THEY told us they know nothing about it and Ford Manufacture has not confirmed this issue. ( todays date is 04/05/2023

- Potosi , WI, USA

problem #67

Feb 252023

Explorer

  • miles
Backup camera stays on the entire time driving or it will stay as a black or blue screen and not go back to original screen

- Thaxton , VA, USA

problem #66

Aug 152022

Explorer 4-cyl

  • miles
The issue was initiated when you turn the vehicle on. The vehicle would process through normal startup modes, and then produce several error codes and light illuminations, all within several seconds. The illuminations would consist of; Traction Control Error, Auto Hold Error, Descent Control Error, Lane Assistance Error, and Collusion Avoidance Error. This would then maintain the error during the trip or until the vehicle was powered off for several minutes. After the power cycle, the vehicle would start and show no symptoms of any error codes, at all. This would happen in several different instances a day, lasting several months. In several of my cases, this would disable traction control for longer periods of time throughout the day or week as well. This places extreme risk to drivers who may not know that there are so little standard safety features active while behind the wheel. Additionally, it affects drivers ability to stop, which traction control and auto hold disabled, and reduces the safety of everyone else on the road. I took the vehicle twice to a Ford Certified dealer and repair shop to investigate the issue. The technician was able to verify the codes that arose from the incidents. However, the first instance when I took the vehicle in, they were unable to locate a solution to the problem. After the second visit, they recommended a complete reprogram of 5 major computer modules that have created the system error. I inquired since this seems to be an issue widespread that they could not identify as a user error, but rather an equipment defect. They indeed charged me for the service when this should be something that should be issued a recall and fixed at a wide spread level. The safety of others while on the road are effected and may lead to serious vehicle accidents as a result of the failure of the vehicle component.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #65

Feb 212023

Explorer

  • miles
Several electrical issues from day of purchase. Dealerships have looked at codes, but have been unable to repeat conditions or find an issues. Recently, on a random basis, the vehicle would become unresponsive & the accellerator pedal would not engage & for 10-20 seconds the vehicle wouldn't respond. At a point it reset itself and continued as if nothing had happened. This occurred on 6 or 7 occassions from June 2022 to Dec 2022. In Sept I took to dealership to check, they were unable to recreate condition & therefore no repair was made. In Dec the front brake pads went metal to metal. I decided to replace them myself. I put the Electronic Emergency Brake (EB) into the Maintenance Mode & changed the front pads and rotars. When I started to jack the front end up the car moved, so I immediately lowered the vehicle & verified the car was in park. At this time I discovered that the car, in park, could be moved by pushing it. I moved the car about 5 to 6 feet in either direction. I believed this was due to the EB being in the maint mode. I blocked the rear wheels & completed the repairs with no further incident. When I attempted to return the car to normal & take the EB out of maint mode, I was unsuccessful. I then bleed the brake system to ensure I hadn't inadvertently gotten air in the system. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to restore EB to normal, I contacted my local dealership for help. I was informed that even the site tech's had difficulties getting system into normal. I had AAA tow car to dealership, which then replaced the rear brakes, flushed brake fluid & renewed & restored sys to norm. When tech moved car to parking lot, they placed car in park and upon exiting car, it began rolling. When i contacted for pickup, I was informed of issue and gave permission to diagnose problem. Inspection of transmission found pin for parking mechanism broken, metal shavings in transmission. Need for extensive repairs or replacement of transmission.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

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