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U.S. public vehicle records

2020 Ford EXPLORER: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1,204 owner complaints analyzed

33 distinct recall campaigns

22,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 406 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 466 of 1,204 complaints (38.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting33627.9%
Braking behavior19115.9%
Electrical and battery issues705.8%
Engine operation514.2%
Steering behavior413.4%
Fuel system concerns80.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train
466
Unknown Or Other
203
Electrical System
180
Engine
113
Service Brakes
80
Visibility/Wiper
55
Exterior Lighting
52
Back Over Prevention
40
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train466
Unknown Or Other203
Electrical System180
Engine113
Service Brakes80
Visibility/Wiper55
Exterior Lighting52
Back Over Prevention40

Power Train: 466; Unknown Or Other: 203; Electrical System: 180; Engine: 113; Service Brakes: 80; Visibility/Wiper: 55; Exterior Lighting: 52; Back Over Prevention: 40

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
210
25,000 to 49,999
58
50,000 to 74,999
62
75,000 to 99,999
41
100,000 to 149,999
34
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,000210
25,000 to 49,99958
50,000 to 74,99962
75,000 to 99,99941
100,000 to 149,99934
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 210; 25,000 to 49,999: 58; 50,000 to 74,999: 62; 75,000 to 99,999: 41; 100,000 to 149,999: 34; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (210). 798 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2019
7
2020
110
2021
136
2022
85
2023
186
2024
202
2025
318
2026
160
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20197
2020110
2021136
202285
2023186
2024202
2025318
2026160

2019: 7; 2020: 110; 2021: 136; 2022: 85; 2023: 186; 2024: 202; 2025: 318; 2026: 160

Pattern summary

Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 336 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 191 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 70 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11279622 · 2019-11-12 (November 12, 2019)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV VERY HIGHLY AND THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER AND LEVITOWN FORD (3195 HEMPSTEAD TPKE, LEVITOWN, NY) WERE NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11279622 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11282678 · 2019-11-27 (November 27, 2019)

HAVE EXTREMELY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES COMING IN THE FRESH AIR INTAKE-MAKING ME AND MY PASSENGERS EXTREMELY SICK-NAUSEUS, REALLY BAD HEADACHES, EXTREMELY SLEEPY, ACID REFLUX AND EVEN HAVE PEOPLE ASK HALF HOUR AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE IF WE'VE BEEN STANDING NEXT TO AN EXHAUST PIPE!!!! ONE OF THESE TIMES, IM NOT GOING TO REALISE JUST HOW TIRED ITS MAKING ME-THAT I CRASH AND KILL MYSELF OR WORSE KILL SOMEONE ELSE OR FAMILY!! SERIOUS ISSUE ANS FORD CLAIMS......NOTHING WRONG!! [XXX]!! THIS IS A DEADLY FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH RIGHT NOW!!! WAY …

Owner-reported narrative. 75 miles reported. Look up ODI 11282678 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11287721 · 2019-12-08 (December 8, 2019)

ON A 400 MILE ROAD TRIP ON A HIGHWAY, WE STARTED FEELING EXHAUST FUMES IN THE INSIDE CABIN. FELT NAUSEA AND WATERY EYES AND HAD TO STOP COUPLE OF TIME TO GET A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS IT DISAPPEARED AFTER AN HOUR. SCARY THING IS I SEE SOME ELSE ALSO HAS REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. COULD BE VERY HAZARDOUS HAVING EXHAUST FUMES COMING IN SIDE THE CABIN.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11287721 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11288246 · 2019-12-10 (December 10, 2019)

BREAKS GAVE OUT WHILE BACKING OUT OF LANE. SEPARATE ISSUE PRESSED ON GAS NO RESPONSE OR DELAYED RESPONSE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. ACTED LIKE IT WAS ALMOST OUT OF GAS BUT NOT. ALSO OTHER SMALL ISSUE IS LOUD HIGH WHISTLE NOISE ABOVE 70MPH.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11288246 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11288974 · 2019-12-13 (December 13, 2019)

I PURCHASED A 2020 FORD EXPLORER AT SAMES FORD IN LAREDO, TX. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED 11 SEPT 2019. THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON 18 SEPT 2019 IN INDIANA (MILEAGE 1896) WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO PARK FORD IN STERGIS, MICHIGAN. THE PROBLEM WAS THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER, WHICH I NOW KNOW IS ENDEMIC TO THIS MODEL. I WAS TOLD THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER HAD ALSO CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION & OIL COOLER WERE REPLACED AND I HAD TO DRIVE FROM NEW YORK TO MICHIGAN AT MY OWN EXPENSE…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,896 miles reported. Look up ODI 11288974 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11288976 · 2019-12-13 (December 13, 2019)

THIS VEHICLE WAS GIVEN TO ME ON OR ABOUT 12 NOVEMBER 2019 AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A 2020 FORD EXPLORER, VIN [XXX], PURCHASED FROM SAMES FORD IN LAREDO, WHICH TWICE HAD FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS NEW VEHICLE BROKE DOWN WHILE IN MOTION IN THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM (TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER) IN NEW BOSTON, TEXAS ON 22 NOV 2019 (MILEAGE 1021). JOHNSTON FORD IN NEW BOSTON COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SECURE THE PARTS AS THEY WERE IN HIGH DEMAND FROM FORD, AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FULLY REPAIRED UNTI…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,021 miles reported. Look up ODI 11288976 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11290236 · 2019-12-20 (December 20, 2019)

VEHICLE DOESN'T MOVE FOR LONG SECONDS WHEN I SWITCH TO REVERSE.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11290236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11292385 · 2020-01-01 (January 1, 2020)

DEEP SLEEP MODE ACTIVATES AFTER 2 DAYS. MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE INVOLVED HAVING TO JUMP START THE CAR AFTER SETTING 3 DAYS.

Owner-reported narrative. 5,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11292385 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

33 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

19V575000 · Parking Brake | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Reported: 2019-08-05 (August 5, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V633000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly | Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner

Reported: 2019-08-28 (August 28, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. 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, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V687000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2019-09-30 (September 30, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V859000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 2019-12-04 (December 4, 2019)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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 late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V497000 · Air Bags:Critical Fasteners | Seats | Air Bags:Side/Window

Reported: 2020-08-21 (August 21, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V549000 · Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2020-09-10 (September 10, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

Consequence: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V575000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2020-09-23 (September 23, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. 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."

Consequence: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V693000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Reported: 2020-11-10 (November 10, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L 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.

Consequence: 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 potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V730000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Reported: 2020-11-24 (November 24, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V788000 · Engine

Reported: 2020-12-17 (December 17, 2020)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V154000 · Suspension:Rear

Reported: 2021-03-10 (March 10, 2021)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. 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.

Consequence: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V735000 · Back Over Prevention:Software | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2021-09-22 (September 22, 2021)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V022000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2023-01-23 (January 23, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V069000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Reported: 2023-02-10 (February 10, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L 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.

Consequence: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V199000 · Parking Brake:Electrical | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Reported: 2023-03-24 (March 24, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V305000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2023-04-28 (April 28, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V342000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2023-05-12 (May 12, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V626000 · Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery

Reported: 2023-09-08 (September 8, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V675000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Reported: 2023-10-06 (October 6, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V188000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2024-03-08 (March 8, 2024)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 20V-575 and 22V-252.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V598000 · Engine

Reported: 2024-08-09 (August 9, 2024)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. 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.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V852000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 2024-11-08 (November 8, 2024)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V093000 · Seat Belts

Reported: 2025-02-14 (February 14, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. 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.

Consequence: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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 replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V159000 · Back Over Prevention:Software

Reported: 2025-03-14 (March 14, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V166000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Reported: 2025-03-14 (March 14, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V393000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly

Reported: 2025-06-13 (June 13, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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.

Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

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25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:Software

Reported: 2025-06-27 (June 27, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

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25V685000 · Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater

Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

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26V117000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Reported: 2026-03-03 (March 3, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Consequence: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

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26V123000 · Back Over Prevention:Software

Reported: 2026-03-03 (March 3, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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."

Consequence: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

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26V159000 · Seat Belts

Reported: 2026-03-17 (March 17, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Consequence: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

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26V402000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2026-06-24 (June 24, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Consequence: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

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26V451000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly

Reported: 2026-07-14 (July 14, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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 letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

NHTSA campaign record ↗