2020 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,109 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2020 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2020 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2020 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Ford Explorer SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Ford Explorer has 1,109 owner complaints, 33 crash-related complaints, and 31 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,109
- Crash-related complaints
- 33
- Safety recall campaigns
- 31
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Ford Explorer?
The 2020 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, electrical system, and engine, with a notable number of uncategorized issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively few compared to total complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with major powertrain and electrical components.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Electrical faults and engine problems are also frequently reported.
- Back over prevention and forward collision avoidance systems have a moderate number of complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most common complaint.
- Electrical Faults are the third most reported component.
- Engine Problems are the fourth most reported component.
All 2020 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 424 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 189 | 7 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 173 | 3 | 4 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 127 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 103 | 8 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 79 | 4 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 65 | 6 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 49 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 48 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 41 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 38 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
this vehicle has sustained a complete transmission failure at 117,000 miles. There are known issues with this 10 speed transmission that the automaker needs to own to and address. This poses a safety risk when traveling and there were no apparent signals of anything prior to t…
The A-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected t…
The failure involves the automatic transmission system (10-speed 10R60) in my Ford Explorer 2020. The issue appears to be internal, affecting clutch packs and/or internal components (spring-related failure was initially noted by the dealership).Yes, the vehicle and transmission a…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after pulling over, an unknown warning light i…
I was driving the vehicle through a neighborhood and there was a clunk noise and it sounded like my brakes were metal on metal. I stopped to ensure my brakes were okay. Then I continued to drive home when there was a louder clunk and the reared on my vehicle locked up and the car…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was sto…
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Explorer (2.3L engine) experiencing a transmission-related failure. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting a dangerous failure pattern. While braking, a loud mechanical noise occurs, followed by hesitati…
Vehicle stuck in park. But will go in gear but just won’t move.
On my 2020 Explorer ST, the plastic backing on the front seats is popping off and exposing the seats airbags. My dealer said ONE replacement backing would be $1400 to replace. In a facebook group I am in, multiple people have complained on the 2020 ST that theirs has done the sam…
My vehicle is experiencing manufacturers defect identical to Ford program 21B35, yet Ford tells me my VIN is not covered under this program. Manufacturer defect includes car converter welds breaking, causing exhaust fumes to enter the cabin. This is a serious safety concern.
Sunscreen failure on panoramic roof. At approximately 55,000 miles on car the sunscreen stopped going back in correctly, with very little use. Now it falls down into the backseat and blocks the view of the rear window of the car if opened. It’s a huge safety risk and now I can’t …
front end axle actuator failing and causing all safety systems to turn off, loss of power and can lead to seized up front end
Vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain lock-up while traveling at approximately 25 mph. The rear wheels physically halted, creating an immediate loss of control and safety hazard. Upon inspection, the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) was found to have a failed pinion bearing/internal ge…
Three alerts appeared on my dash after starting my car. These alerts are “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available,” “Service AdvanceTrac,” and “4WD Fault Service Required.” This has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle which directly affects the safety of drivers. After discussing …
On Tuesday April 7 as I was driving to work, as I was stepping on the break to pull into the parking lot and when the car hit 25 mph it jerked forward.; this was the first time I’ve ever experienced this so I didn’t think much of it. When I was leaving work that evening pulling o…
Scenic sunroof shade has drooped and sagged down impeding my visibility in the rear view mirror to check traffic while backing out and seeing my grandchildren in their car seats
The driver side headlight low beam will not work. Dealership said 1700 labor to replace. I have looked into this and several other ford explorer platinum owners have same issue.
Thank you for your time reviewing my complaint. I've answered each of your bullet points below. - the transmission is hard shifting in low gears however no warning/no dashboard lights to indicate issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - I use my car for wo…
I had a really disappointing experience at Delta Sonic Car Wash in [XXX] and feel like other customers should be aware. During my visit, an employee used a pressure washer on my windshield before I entered the wash. This caused small debris to stick to the glass, and instead of…
Sunroof liner is sagging, blocking rear vision. Currently unable to use sunroof unless I pay 4k for repairs.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Ford Explorer.
2020 Ford Explorer Recalls
31 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Explorer. 31 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,109 owner complaints, 33 crash-related complaints, and 31 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (424 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (189 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (173 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 33 crash-related reports and 10 fire reports out of 1,109 total complaints. 36 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 31 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 31 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2020 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.