10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,437 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2020 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #55

May 022022

Explorer

  • miles
The hands free lift gate closes on its own. This has happened more than a dozen times since I bought this vehicle 3 months ago. Any person standing at the rear bumper (not putting their foot under the bumper) activates this self closing process. The door hit me in the head twice.

- Aliso Viejo, CA, USA

problem #54

May 182022

Explorer

  • miles
When reversing the rear camera display turns blue and I'm not able to see anything behind me using the safety camera feature. I rely on the camera to assist with detecting people or objects in my blind spots while reversing and intermittently the display turns blue. There was a recall for this make and model and manufacture date, but the vehicle is not included in the recall. Recall information - Rearview Camera Recall 21C09. The dealership can't reproduce the issue because it's intermittent and there are no error codes, so they won't replace the camera. They've tried several software fixes but the problem continues. No warning messages displayed when the issue occurs. Thanks.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #53

May 182022

Explorer

  • miles
Sometimes the rear camera view shows a blue screen while the other camera views work. I have to restart the vehicle to make it work.

- Madison, MS, USA

problem #52

Mar 312022

Explorer

  • miles
My car warnings were malfunctioning as they were all flashing on briefly. The car has done this before and has other issues with the panel such as now it has the icon for camera visibility is not working. I cleaned each camera and the light is still on. I backed out of the driveway put the car in drive and started to accelerate. I stepped on the brakes and they were not working, I repeatedly tried to stop but they were gone. My car finally stopped (I was not far enough to have started to build any speed. I turned the car off and back on and the brakes were back on. This happened March 31st, 2022.

- Plumas Lake, CA, USA

problem #51

Sep 152020

Explorer

  • miles
Our radio/navigational/climate control screen will go completely black while driving the vehicle. This has happened approximately 15 times since the purchase of the brand new car in August of 2020. Therefore, I lose all of my controls and my GPS. This will not come back on until the car is turned off and is given time to reset. This reset time varies from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The first time this occurred was one month after purchasing the vehicle. So, after three different visits to Ford dealerships, Hopkins Ford, Manning Ford and Dundee Ford, not one technician can duplicate this problem so it is still happening. Recently, I was in Columbus, Ohio and the screen went black while I was driving in an unfamiliar area. I'm aware that Ford had a massive recall on this very issue but somehow our VIN number is not included in this. I frequently travel across the Midwest because my fifteen year old daughter is in travel volleyball. I cannot afford for safety reasons for this to happen to the two of us when we are driving in unfamiliar places. This is a huge safety concern for my daughter and I.

- Genoa, IL, USA

problem #50

Aug 112021

Explorer

  • miles
A computer system fault caused the inability to start, move, turn off, turn on, lock or otherwise do anything with the vehicle with manual buttons or the remote. The drivers screen flashed through fault codes but would not allow any action. After discussing with the dealer on the phone, who mentioned something about a bad battery cell, I decided to disconnect the battery terminal, waited a period of time, and reconnected. The computer system reset and everything functioned correctly with no fault codes. At the time the vehicle was in a company drive lane causing a major hazard to the vehicles passing through. The vehicle was brought straight to the Dealer Service department who said they could not find anything wrong.

- Centereach, NY, USA

problem #49

Nov 052021

Explorer

  • miles
While driving at 70 mph the vehicle experienced the following issues all at once, the power steering shut off, all brake pressure was lost, the pre- collision system was turned off, parking brake engaged(at 70 mph) traction control system turned off, engine light turned on and all of the warning lights on the dash activated. This has happened 3 times and almost killed me twice. Ford has tried to repair this vehicle all three times and still have not corrected the issue. Ford has also refused to replace or buy back the vehicle.

- Aubrey, TX, USA

problem #48

Dec 212020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
The rear camera malfunctions and the display screen is blue. The vehicle is available for inspection. It creates a blind spot on the display screen of the area behind the vehicle and sounds an alert/alarm every time the malfunction occurs. The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer but I have provided multiple pictures of it occurring. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer on several occasions. There were no warnings prior to the failure.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #47

Sep 202021

Explorer

  • miles
When backing up, the screen turns blue 3 out of 5 times when placed in reverse.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #46

Jan 012020

Explorer

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon rapid acceleration at various speeds, exhaust fumes from the tailpipes would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact also stated that after heavy rains, water-filled the spare tire compartment located in the rear of the vehicle. One day while his wife was driving and coming to a complete stop, the water spilled out of the compartment and flooded the cabin floor of the vehicle. Once the contact discovered where the water was located, he vacuumed up nearly four gallons of water out of the spare tire compartment. As a result of the internal water intrusion, there were several electrical failures. The forward collision warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel without any vehicles in near proximity. The contact also stated that his wife received multiple alerts on her phone through the Ford app that an intruder had attempted to open the tailgate however, each alert was a false alarm. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where the service manager agreed to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #45

Jul 012021

Explorer

  • miles
Smoke started coming from the passenger side visor as I was driving. There was no indication of an issue with warning messages of any kind. Of course I panicked, ran from the car and called the fire department who stated it smelled electrical when they arrived. After a week of being at the dealership, they couldn't find anything; however, 30 seconds after I got into my vehicle, I noticed the cabin lights weren't working. After returning the vehicle within an hour they found that a wire had burned out and shorted out some fuses. 2 weeks later and I still don't have my vehicle. No injuries, just scared beyond belief to have a 2020 ST start smoking!! Even if they state it is fixed, I am still scared to death to drive it after that!! I have had issues with the brakes as well. Those stopped working but apparently that was a recall that was resolved. I have purchased Fords for the past 20 years. I will NEVER buy a Ford again with all the issues I have on this vehicle!

- South Jordan, UT, USA

problem #44

Jul 152021

Explorer

  • miles
Ford has a recall for Explorer backup cameras failing but ours was not built on the correct date so it doesn't fall under the recall. Yet, our 2020 Explorers backup camera shows a blue screen and no video. Took it to the dealership and they said we were 2500 mile out of warranty and we would have to pay. You and Ford knows there is an issue and should have to fix this. it goes beyond the build date listed. This vehicle is full of gremlins and should be heavily watched.

- Millsap, TX, USA

problem #43

Jul 122021

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle started, but then every warning lamp and alert triggered on the dashboard and engine shut off. Would not restart, but would just cycle through error/alert messages. Waited 15 minutes, car started but upon putting it in reverse WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE the car started to drive backwards. No amount of pressure on the brake pedal stopped the car. Had to depress and repress the pedal to stop the vehicle after shifting into gear. Rear cameras failed to activate as well. Thankfully, no one was behind the vehicle and injured. This is the second time this has happened and the second time I have reported to NHTSA. The Ford dealership is oblivious to the root cause of the issue. Their quick fix is a battery replacement and software reload.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #42

Feb 092021

Explorer

  • miles
1. Powertrain/Transmission: The transmission starting slipping and having hard shifts. When I would slow the car to turn or stop, it jerked at 30mph, 20 mph, and again at 15-10mph. Then it started hard shifting when you put it in Drive, and again at each shift. It wouldn't go over 55mph. The Powertrain Failure light(orange wrench) and Fordpass Notice finally came on a week and a half after the issues started. Shortly after the light cam on the car would not go in Reverse. There is a recall on the Powertrain in 2020 Explorers, however my VIN # does not show any recalls. I have an infant that is in the car with me usually. I am afraid for her to travel with me now in this vehicle, even once Ford tries to "fix" the issue because the warning light does not appear until the Powertrain is completely gone. I feel that the sensor should go off when it notices the transmission is having issues. This vehicle is now at a Ford dealership to be repaired.. Rear-view back up camera: Camera works 20% of the time. The screen is blue or the image jumps severely. It was taken to a Ford dealership and they said it didn't happen when it was there so they did nothing to fix it. There is a recall on this feature however my VIN # does not apply.. A/C: The air-conditioning unit fails to cool the air. The AC unit blows humid air.. Screen/display: The screen in the center console will go black and the steering wheel buttons will not work on the radio or bluetooth phone capabilities. The hands free phone option was not available during these system blackouts. 5. Park-aid sensor: The parking sensors in the front bumper keep falling out and go off making it seem like I am an about to hit something. I had to pop them back in place at least twice. Ford dealership has tried to address these issues already. However, these features still do not function properly on the car. If the feature "worked" while it was in the repair shop then they said they couldn't fix it.

- Fair Bluff, NC, USA

problem #41

Apr 212021

Explorer

  • 6,000 miles
The contact owned a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under the car port and turned off, a fire ignited causing the vehicle to burn and also causing burn damage to the home. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames and a fire report was taken at the scene. The fire department determined the fire was caused by a faulty starter inside the vehicle. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact indicated that the vehicle had not been started for 2 days prior to the incident. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 6,000.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

problem #40

Jan 172021

Explorer

  • 17,000 miles
Transmission was grinding and stopped pulling at approximately 17,000 miles. Had car towed to dealer. There was a transmission leak. It was repaired and 6 quarts of fluid added. Since the repairs, transmission is hard shifting and jerking. I've had the car back at the dealer for steering issues 3 times. At highway speeds (65mph and above) the car wanders all over the road, like there's slack in the rack and pinion. The dealer says the alignment is okay and refuses to listen to my complaints. Have issues with the sync. The radio will randomly not let you adjust the volume and have had the back-up camera replaced. Also, randomly will not sync-up with iphone.

- Pine Bluff, AR, USA

problem #39

Mar 012021

Explorer

  • 24,000 miles
When shifting into drive, vehicle will randomly have a hard brake pedal and vehicle will lurch forward with increased RPM. Use of E-brake or putting transmission in park required to stop movement. Place trans in park and restart of engine and problem gone until next time. Use of reverse, vehicle will suddenly stop and sound as if you hit something. Brake pedal very hard. Have to place trans in park and restart engine. The issue occurs from a stationary condition, in driveway or public parking areas, so this causes concern that this may ultimately result in accident or collision with a structure, another vehicle, or a pedestrian! issue cannot be repeated on demand. It is entirely random and every drive has to be approached with the expectancy that the vehicle will move without normal brakes to stop. There are no alerts to tell us why (or which system) is the issue. This has occurred randomly since buying this Explorer St. Ford service seems surprised and unaware of this issue (and more).

- Ocean Springs, MS, USA

problem #38

Feb 202021

Explorer

  • 7,150 miles
The vehicle will just shut off at anytime. It's not the auto start feature, all power will turn off at anytime. It has happened numerous times while driving waiting at a red light or to make a turn. It always happens while driving in the city.

- Germantown, MD, USA

problem #37

Jan 232021

Explorer

  • miles
Rear hatch erratic behavior. Hatch closes by itself, while loading items into trunk area. Close button on hatch does not work. Hatch opened by itself.

- Middletown, DE, USA

problem #36

Jan 232021

Explorer

  • 15,900 miles
I have received a auto hold system fault message on my cluster. The dealer is unable to replicate or produce any fault codes. This is part of the braking system.

- Middletown, DE, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »