In June of this year, with about 82,000 miles I began to experience a clunk felt through the vehicle while slowing down from @35 mph upon the downshift. The clunk was more noticeable under braking, i.e. approaching a stop light. This went on for a few days growing more frequent and noticeable. On June 30th, 2025 I dropped my Explorer off at my Ford dealer's service department. The mechanic test drove and confirmed my experience. They also found that the transmission fluid had a burnt smell and some debris. Their testing turned up codes P1783 and P028 indicating an overtempt condition. I-??d offer that at no time did I see and sort of dashboard indicators of any trouble. I-??ve never pulled a trailer, modified the engine intake or exhaust systems, or had custom engine tunning performed. It-??s a completely stock Explorer ST. My recourse was to pay $8,529.63 to replace the transmission. I do feel that if I had continued to operate the vehicle best case would be I was stranded someone where. Worse stranded on the roadway or highway.

- Ponce Inlet, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to shift gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 46,894.

- Leland, NC, USA

When my vehicle reaches 60 mph the back end of my vehicle begins to sway excessively. Something may be wrong with the axle. It-??s actually very frightening. Also, when my vehicle is running, I feel a slight puttering and then it quickly goes away as if somethings going on with the fuel pump. Lastly, my rearview camera sometimes looks a little blurry. I did take my vehicle to team Chevrolet in Swansboro, North Carolina where I purchased the vehicle. They stated something is going on with the axle and sway bar.

- Hubert, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the transmission was slipping and the vehicle was slow accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPM was high while driving at low speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,000.

- Manasquan, NJ, USA

With no previous problems, over the course of the past two days the transmission has begun to hard and delayed shift in multiple gears between 10 to 75 mph. When slowing down to go through tolls this morning, as I accelerated, there was a sudden loss of power transmission and a loud rattling sound. The engine would rev in this case. I had to coast for about 150 ft before I regained control of my speed. Once I was slowing down to take my exit to get to work and wait at the light, when I attempted to accelerate to go through the light, I experienced another loss of power. However, this time the engine would not rev. Once in the intersection I was moving slowly. Had this happened (loss of power) while I was in the intersection or through the toll and someone was behind me accelerating, I could have been rear ended and injured. I am taking the Explorer to the dealership next Tuesday to find out if they can reproduce the issue. There are no warning lamps associated with this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by any third party yet.

- Fremont, NH, USA

2020 explorer Transmission needs to be rebuilt due to transmission failure. Hard shifting that causes car to jerk dangerously. Decreased ability to gain speed due to delays and inability to properly shift though gears. Issues started on April 2025 and have continued to get worse. Care only has a little over 36000 miles on it. It was bought brand new November of 2019. Car is currently at ford dealership being worked on but this is a known issue with the transmission on 2020 models. This should be covered at no cost to me but here I am stuck paying for most of it.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

my car has been in the shop in Louisiana and Alabama, it has had a leak, and I have told them over and over about the jerky shifting etc, but it was never noted on any of the service, they said they have fixed the leak...but it continued with the jerking and slow to go into gear. then a couple of weeks ago I was driving down the road and the car wouldn't go, I made it home. I called the Ford service to make an appointment to have it checked again, and the service recall on the seatbelt. My appointment was for Tuesday morning July 1st, but on Thursday I hadn't heard from them, so I called, and on the following Monday they called me back to say the transmission was out and needed to be replaced, it would be 10K plus. So I got a tow to go pick it up and take to a transmission shop. They didn't even get the seatbelt issue resolved in the week it was there. Why didn't they check the transmission was bad while it was under warranty. It now has about 80K miles

- Lucedale, MS, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle jolted forward while parking. The brakes were locking up. While driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The 4-WD fault light was illuminated. The contact stated that the Pre-collision Assist, Hill Assist and Reverse messages were displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 23-2174. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the AWD actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,156.

- Lynchburg, OH, USA

11/5/24 Transmission failed. Gear selector knob went unresponsive. Wrench light on dash came on. 1/2/25- new transmission received. 4/25/25- car hesitates going into reverse gear- 10 second delay. Still continues. 7/1/25- transmission starts slipping again. 7/2/25- transmission slamming while accelerating.

- Barrington , NH, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled and almost struck two pedestrians. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated upon driving to the residence and attempting to park near the garage door, the failure recurred, and the vehicle struck the garage door. The contact engaged the parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle then became inoperable. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the previous owner had previously taken the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the failure information was already in the dealer database. The contact was informed that the failure was due to transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was purchased two weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

The rear axle is slipping when going up any incline and when traveling on regular roads has vibration they have a recall but say mine not covered when it comes from the same plant in question during the time frame listed

- Cromwell, CT, USA

While driving at 50 MPH, the Powertrain malfunction light, Hill Start assist malfunction light, and PreCollision malfunction light came on. Took vehicle to Performance Ford, Randolph, NJ where it was determined that it was the front axle disconnect actuator assembly was broken. FORD is aware of this problem per TSB 23-2174 but has not advised the owners of the problem, at least not myself. The cost was $2946.61. This is a safety issue and should be addressed and repaired by Ford. Also had to rent a car for 3 days

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, causing the rear driveshaft to disconnect. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Rotonda West, FL, USA

After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recall on a bolt on the rear axle on mine and a steering bolt on another 2020 vehicle. Another mechanic said it could be the transmition not working properly. It drives down the road good except when accelerating a little. It sometimes has a hard shift into drive or reverse. Thank You

- Tomah, WI, USA

My 2020 Ford Explorer has 63,853 miles on it. My power train started to hard shift up and down out of nowhere on Wednesday June 18, 2025. It was fine in the morning before work and on my way home after work it started to hard shift.

- Moseley , VA, USA

I am filing a complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer that was not properly addressed during a recall repair, leading to a dangerous situation. Vehicle Details Make: Ford Model: Explorer Year: 2020 Recall Repair Details In January 2024, I took my vehicle to Coconut Point Ford in Estero, FL, for a recall repair related to the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, which was at risk of fracturing. The recall required the replacement of the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt to prevent driveshaft disconnection. Incident Description Recently, while driving under normal conditions, the bolt fractured, causing the differential to nearly detach from the vehicle. This failure could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. I am now facing a $6,000 repair bill for an issue that should have been resolved under the recall. Safety Risk The failure of the bolt and the near detachment of the differential posed a severe safety risk, as it could have led to a loss of control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. Dealership Response When I brought this to the attention of Coconut Point Ford, they stated that "bolts are not covered under the extended warranty." However, since this is a recall-related issue, I believe Ford is obligated to cover the repair costs. The service writer, Steve, has been helpful, but the resolution has been delayed. Additional Context I am aware of class action lawsuits against Ford regarding this defect, which allege that the recall fix does not fully address the issue and that the design is inherently flawed. Request I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to ensure that Ford is held accountable for properly addressing this safety recall and to prevent similar incidents from occurring to other vehicle owners. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern.

- Rotonda West, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall was repair was performed; however, several months later while driving 50 MPH, the rear axle bolt split in half. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear axle bolt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

Front axle boot defective and leaks grease causing steering instability and possible powertrain failure. Dealer charged $475 to fix/replace the part. Upon further research on-line, it is apparent that thousands of 2020 Ford Explorers exhibit the same problem and the manufacturer should be fixing this problem free of charge.

- Frederick, MD, USA

While slowing, between 30-25mph the transmission downshifts hard and the vehicle jerks. This just began happening. No alarms or errors present on the vehicle. Regularly serviced with no issues.

- Paris, MI, USA