2020 Ford Explorer other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2020 ford Explorer had several issues with the hill assist, TCM control, power train malfunctions, it shifted very hard between first and second gear, at times it felt like it wouldn't accelerate at all and would pop into gear at higher speeds. I took it to Family Ford of Enfield several times for repairs which never fixed the overall problem. After several times at Family Ford of Enfield, I continued to drive my vehicle because my trusted dealership kept telling me the car was repaired. Now my vehicle needs a new transmission at 100% my cost.

NHTSA complaint #11754900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....

NHTSA complaint #11753585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

NHTSA complaint #11752661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving. The vehicle displayed the warning message, **"Check Headlamp System – See Manual."** Initially, the headlamp would occasionally begin working again after restarting the vehicle, but for approximately the past three months, the passenger-side low beam has remained inoperative. The failed component is the passenger-side adaptive headlamp assembly and related headlamp system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety concern because nighttime visibility is reduced with only one functioning low-beam headlamp. It also makes it more difficult for other drivers to see my vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, especially on dark roads or during poor weather conditions. The warning message first appeared before the headlamp permanently failed. The problem was intermittent at first but has progressively worsened until the passenger-side low beam no longer functions. I have learned that numerous owners of higher-trim Ford Explorers equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps have reported experiencing the same issue. I understand that similar complaints have already been submitted to NHTSA. The replacement cost is extremely expensive and often requires replacement of the entire adaptive headlamp assembly, leaving owners to pay out of pocket for what appears to be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether a manufacturing or design defect exists and whether Ford should issue a recall or other corrective action. Also, I do have the vehicle available to show.

NHTSA complaint #11752493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

States “apply parking break before exiting” recall listed but not available. unable to drive vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11751950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

NHTSA complaint #11748902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I contacted a Ford Dealerhip for recall work on XXX. There are multiple outstanding recalls on this VIN, and the dealership refused to make the required repairs. The dealership's name is [XXX] @ 22702 TX-249, Tomball, TX 77375. I have supporting text message correspondence substantiating my claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The dashboard glue melted dashboard lifting also inside other areas of the dashboard leather?? vinyl is detaching also on the drivers side

NHTSA complaint #11742552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When putting the car in reverse and moving backwards start to feel the vehicle look drive power and knock sounds. Sounds likes and feels like gear teeth or not aligned. When putting the car into drive the vehicle jumps a little and you hear a lout pop noise.

NHTSA complaint #11738967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Service advance track 4 weel drive doesn’t work and I don’t have control on the weels

NHTSA complaint #11739025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Ford Explorer roof screen issues— sun shade does not retract and is now the cover sagging into the backseats when open, and is loose.

NHTSA complaint #11738499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The panoramic sunroof shade in my vehicle failed unexpectedly in August 2025 when I pressed the factory roof/shade retract button during normal operation. The sunshade fabric ripped and detached, causing it to hang down across the rear visibility area and partially obstruct the driver’s view through the rear of the vehicle. This created a safety hazard by reducing visibility while driving and creating a distraction. The failure occurred without misuse or modification. The defective sunroof shade assembly appears to be a design or material failure that has affected other vehicles with the same roof system. I am unable to utilize my sunroof due to visibility issues.

NHTSA complaint #11736510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 same thing.

NHTSA complaint #11731319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 even use this feature Of my car due to failure of the clips on the screen which is way too expensive to repair and should not have to repair on a car this new with only 80,000 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11731026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11730189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The chrome overlay on the driver side interior door handle is chipping and caused an injury to my finger. The chipped chrome broke off and became wedged in my skin and also resulted in a 0.5in scratch. The injury was extremely painful and required medical attention to remove the broken chrome chip that was lodged in my finger.

NHTSA complaint #11727274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The driver side door latch is defective. I’ve often been locked in or out of my vehicle. Obviously the main door on the vehicle. Many times i have to climb over the center console to exit my vehicle. What if I’m in an accident or my car catches fire, I can’t get out. Leaving me trapped. Or if I’m in danger and need to get in my car but I’m locked out. Often since latch doesn’t function it doesn’t shut my automatic lights off potentially wearing down the battery. Pretty sure my insurance company would not be happy that they are insuring a vehicle with these dangers and potential for someone to enter my vehicle when it decides to not lock. I’ve been told the vehicle is not part of a recall and the vehicle part is on a national backorder with no ETA. Dealership contacted me recently stating part was in, lost a whole day of work to find out they ordered the wrong part and the part is still not available. I bought this vehicle used off of a lease program only a year ago with 42,000 miles and have only put less that 10,000 miles on it. Transmission issues but dealership says they can’t find anything wrong. Car jerks and makes wining grinding noises when first taking off. I find it hard to believe ford does not think this is s safety issue with driver being trapped in or locked out of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11725405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When it’s not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.

NHTSA complaint #11725119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We have a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited and the sunshade for the sunroof has come off the tracks or something has broken that keeps the sunshade from operating correctly. When the sunshade is open, it hangs down blocking my view of the back window. This seems to be a problem for many people with this model car. The dealership has looked at this and quoted me $1500 for repair.

NHTSA complaint #11720295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Explorer has the optional double moonroof with an electric sunshade that opens or closes with a button. A week ago when I tried to retract the sunshade I noticed that the driver side of the fabric started drooping. After trying a few more times the roller failed to retract the fabric completely. So when I try to open the sunshade the fabric just hangs from the roller and impedes my view out the rear window, thereby creating a safety hazard

NHTSA complaint #11718691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof clip broke and fabric sags which can affect visibility.

NHTSA complaint #11718145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear differential axle bolt on my vehicle has broken. There was no impact or collision prior to this failure. The vehicle suddenly made a loud noise and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while I was driving with my [XXX] daughter in the car. This created a serious safety hazard. Although my VIN does not currently appear under an active recall, I am aware that there have been prior recalls issued for this specific issue on the same vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed promptly for safety concerns and potential coverage, as the failure occurred without warning and placed my family at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11717248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sun roof sun shade malfunctions and the shade sags down unable to see out of rear of vehicle, or rear view mirror. Also sags down on rear passengers and children and could cause your passengers to stop breathing from covering your face. Very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11715423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sagging sunroof shade.

NHTSA complaint #11713344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle ...ie: drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the BCM (is what I am told.) So the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. at least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still getting a dead monthly battery and here and there "check headlamp". Approx last year 2025, I realized. it was really dark driving the SUV. I get out and long behold the low beam headlamp was out. Played with switches..nothing. Checked into just getting a new one. its is a STAGGERING 1.5K!!!!PER HEADLamp! Well, the cops pull me over 4 times. For a headlight with LEDs why am I even having to price this? This Platinum trim just h I 5 years old and I cant believe all the problems. Along with that I found that this is considered something for the owner has to replace due to owners maintenance. No. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. THE DEAD BATTERY. WELL...I know am out of all warranties to the vehicle AND FORD IS SHUTTING THE DOOR IN MY FACE for any "goodwill repairs" (So far) As of this very moment, I have a dead 2020 Ford Platinum Explorer. Heads Lamp is still out. Yet there is a recall on a backup camera. Complete joke and this is literally disappointing.

NHTSA complaint #11712966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Catalytic converters and flex pipes cracking

NHTSA complaint #11709322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission oil cooler leaking transmission fluid cooler inlet and outlet leaking.

NHTSA complaint #11707003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear camera does not detect traffic passing or people walking behind the vehicle.Sometimes the screen goes blue. Crash alert goes off any time it wants. Even when parked.

NHTSA complaint #11706332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The panoramic sunroof sunshade assembly on my 2020 Ford Explorer Limited failed when the sunshade suddenly came off the guide track during normal operation. Prior to the failure, the sunshade operated normally with no warning signs, messages, or indicators. Once detached, the sunshade hung down into the rear window area and obstructed rearward visibility while driving, creating a safety hazard during lane changes, merging, and reversing. An authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle, confirmed that the sunshade had come off the track, and quoted approximately $1,500 for repair. The component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11706339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.