2020 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Ford Explorer: 33 recalls, 1230 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
33 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Parking brake, Electrical Vehicle recall #19V575000 · 2019 · 13,896 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Seats, Seats Vehicle recall #19V633000 · 2019 · 639,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #19V687000 · 2019 · 10,655 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #19V859000 · 2019 · 3,857 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line May chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Airbags, Seats Vehicle recall #20V497000 · 2020 · 488 vehicles
What's wrong: The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments May not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V549000 · 2020 · 29 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that May not be properly secured to the seat.
Why it matters: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured May fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V575000 · 2020 · 620,246 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V693000 · 2020 · 10,905 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V730000 · 2020 · 17 vehicles
What's wrong: 3l engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve May not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V788000 · 2020 · 1,405 vehicles
What's wrong: The right hand motor mount fasteners May have been incorrectly tightened, and May loosen over time.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V154000 · 2021 · 49 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Broken rlca bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rlca bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021.
Backup camera, Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V735000 · 2021 · 228,297 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (ipmb) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V022000 · 2023 · 382,759 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V069000 · 2023 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A park system that is damaged May not shift into "park," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023.
Parking brake, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V199000 · 2023 · 674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V305000 · 2023 · 523 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the ics software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V342000 · 2023 · 442,973 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V626000 · 2023 · 2,954 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V675000 · 2023 · 238,364 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt May fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #24V188000 · 2024 · 1,988 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024.
Engine Vehicle recall #24V598000 · 2024 · 85,238 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V852000 · 2024 · 27,678 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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 Vehicle recall #25V093000 · 2025 · 240,510 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 be…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V159000 · 2025 · 49,399 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #25V166000 · 2025 · 4,247 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt May fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Seats Vehicle recall #25V393000 · 2025 · 304,662 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Equipment Vehicle recall #25V685000 · 2025 · 59,006 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine block heater May crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord.…
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #26V117000 · 2026 · 604,533 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor May fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Why it matters: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V123000 · 2026 · 889,950 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V159000 · 2026 · 561 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions May be improperly secured.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 were mailed March 30, 2026.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V402000 · 2026 · 741,195 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission park pawl May engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Why it matters: Park system damage May result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available,…
Seats Vehicle recall #26V451000 · 2026 · 387,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 38 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (494): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (273), warning light on (145), noise or vibration (78).
- Other / unknown (207): the most common themes are warning light on (16).
- Electrical (186): the most common themes are electrical failure (48), warning light on (35).
- Engine (115): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (32), warning light on (26).
The 2020 Ford Explorer has 1230 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 909). Complaints peaked in 2025 (318 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 23,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (299 complaints, 6 recalls), 2021 (441 complaints, 26 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Ford Explorer.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 33 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 1230 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (494), other / unknown (207), electrical (186).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic (S10)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.