2020 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,217 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 35 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 38 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJul 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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V451000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJun 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.
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V402000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMar 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.
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 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."
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorMar 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.
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V117000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJun 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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V166000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsFeb 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.
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineAug 10, 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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 24V598000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraMar 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 24V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batterySep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraMay 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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V342000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionApr 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."
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 23V305000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Mar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V199000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Feb 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.
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Campaign 23V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJan 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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V022000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareSep 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.
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 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.
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V154000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V788000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageNov 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V730000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftNov 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V693000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 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."
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V575000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/other, buckle assemblySep 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.
Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V549000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, critical fastenersAug 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V497000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 19V859000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringSep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V687000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Aug 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 19V575000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,217 reports, newest first.
Power train, Lane departure, Mar 17, 2021
PREVIOUS COMPLAINT OF 11394378, THEY TRIED TO FIX IT BY CHANGING VALVE BODY FOR TRANSMISSION. THAT DIDN'T WORK SO NOW I'M NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. BEEN WITH THEM FOR OVER A MONTH. THEY ARE WORKING ON IT, BUT STILL AN ISSUE AT THIS TIME.
Power train, Mar 16, 2021
IN NOVEMBER 2020 WE TOOK OUR BRAND NEW 2020 EXPLORER TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED IT FROM FOR A LEAKING OIL AND TRANSMISSION ISSUE AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING, LURCHING, AND GETTING STUCK IN GEAR. THEY ADVISED THAT THE OIL DRAIN WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH BUT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED PARTS. WE TOOK IT BACK IN DEC AND THEY PUT A SHIFT KIT IN. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO ORDER OTHER PARTS BUT THEY WERE BACK ORDERED AND WOULD BE IN AROUND JAN 2021. JANUARY CAME AND WENT AND NO CONTACT. I CONTACTED THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS. I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN END OF FEBRUARY AND THEY HAD THE PARTS BUT NO TRANSMISSION PERSON. I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN BEGINNING OF MARCH AND WAS TOLD THEY STILL HAD NO TRANSMISSION PERSON AND WOULD CALL US WITHIN A WEEK TO GET IT FIGURED OUT. STILL NO ONE CALLED AND ON MARCH 16 I CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN. THEY ONCE AGAIN SAID THEY HAD NO TRANSMISSION PERSON BUT WOULD BRING THE CAR IN ON THE 30TH TO PUT IN A NEW VALVE BODY AND ATTEMPT ANY OTHER REPAIRS THEY FIND. IN THE MEAN TIME WE ARE DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR THAT WE DO NOT BELIEVE IS SAFE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THE DEALER DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2021
THIS IS A POLICE CRUISER. 3,510 MILES. THE AIR CONDITIONING ONLY SEEMS TO COME ON WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 50 DEGREES. BELOW THAT WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ACTIVATED AND ON LOW THE VENTS BLOW WARM AIR MAKING IT VERY HOT INSIDE THE PASSENGERS COMPARTMENT.
Service brakes, Mar 15, 2021
SAME FAILURE AS OTHER DRIVERS HAVE REPORTED. VERY OCCASIONALLY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGAGING DRIVE/REVERSE FROM A FRESH START, PARKED POSITION, BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. VERY HARD WALL ON BREAK PRESS WITH VERY LITTLE TO NO BREAKING AS A RESULT. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SLOWLY ROLL IN SELECTED DIRECTION REGARDLESS OF BREAK PEDAL PRESSURE UNTIL HOLDING THE BREAK AND TRANSFERRING BACK INTO PARK. NO ERROR IS DISPLAYED DURING THIS EVENT. SO FAR, 100% OF THE TIME, TRANSFERRING THE VEHICLE BACK INTO DRIVE/REVERSE AFTER HAVING EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE, IT DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY REPRODUCE. ISSUE HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES IN 17,000 MILES.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 15, 2021, crash
WHILE MAKING A TURN AROUND UNDER THE FREEWAY, I SAW AN UPCOMING SUV STOPPED FOR CROSS TRAFFIC. BY THE TIME I WAS WHERE THE SUV WAS I SAW THE SUV ACCELERATE TO MERGE. I CHECKED OVER MY SHOULDER FOR THE CROSS TRAFFIC UNAWARE THE SUV HAD STOPPED AGAIN IN FRONT OF ME. MY SUV'S COLLISION WARNING AND BRAKING SYSTEM NEVER ENGAGED OR ALERTED ME. I ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING A FENDED BENDER.
Power train, Mar 15, 2021
VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING HARD SHIFTS WHEN IN LOWER GEARS, IT HAS A HARD TIME GOING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. ENGINE MAKES A HUMMING OR LOW GROWLING NOISE, LIKE IT DID BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER BUSTED IN DECEMBER 2020. THIS ALL HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY ANYMORE IT LAGS. SEVERAL TIMES I'VE GONE TO REVERSE INTO MY DRIVE WAY ABS IT DOESN'T SHIFT AT FIRST IT TAKES A COUPLE OF PUSHES ON THE ACCELERATE FOR IT TO CATCH.
Structure, Mar 13, 2021
INTERIOR FLOODING, IN SPARE TIRE WELL AND ALL FLOORING AREAS. SIX GALLONS OF WATER REMOVED. WAITING FOR FORD DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT. THEY BELIEVE A WELD HAS GONE BAD.
Power train, Mar 12, 2021
TRANSMISSION IS CATCHING WHICH SWITCHING GEARS. CAR HAS UNDER 6,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SWITCH GEARS AND CATCH. CAR WILL JOLT FORWARD AND IT FEELS LIKE I AM BEING REAR ENDED
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2021
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).
Service brakes, Mar 11, 2021
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND I TAPPED THE BRAKE. THE CAR KEPT GOING BACKWARDS SO I PRESSED IT HARDER. IT FELT LIKE THE BRAKE BECAME CONCRETE AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN ANY FURTHER. I PRESSED HARDER AND IT FINALLY WENT DOWN. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY ERROR MESSAGES.
Power train, Mar 10, 2021
VEHICLE STICKS, JERKS OR LUNGES WHILE SHIFTING IN LOW GEARS
Steering, Engine, Mar 5, 2021
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND ENGINE SOUNDS AS IT IS GOING TO STALL AT SPEEDS BETWEEN, 35 AND 45 MPH. FORD HAD VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS TOTAL AND CONFIRMED ISSUES. THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TP FIX. THEY SAID VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS'
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2021
THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, GAS LOCKED, ALL SENSORS WENT HAYWIRE AND I SLID OFF MY DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE WOODS THANKFULLY AVOIDING COLLISION ON MY PROPERTY. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE ON MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED.*DT*JB
Power train, Service brakes, Back over prevention, Mar 2, 2021
THE MOST RECENT AND SEVERE INCIDENT OCCURRED FEBRUARY 27 2021. I'VE STARTED MY 2020 FORD EXPLORER ST VIA REMOTE AND ENTERED IT TO MOVE IT IN ORDER TO LOAD THE VEHICLE. THE LOADING THE VEHICLE ALL IN ALL TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES, THE WHOLE TIME, IT WAS IDLING. I'VE PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, BACKED OUT OF A SPOT AND STARTED DRIVING FORWARD IN THE LOT I WAS IN AT ABOUT 10MPH. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THEN IT WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN PROPERLY. I HAD TO USE THE E-BRAKE BUTTON TO STOP IT. IT CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. THE DASH WAS CYCLING THROUGH NUMEROUS WARNINGS; 1. HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT 2. ANTI LOCK BRAKE FAULT 3. PRE COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE 4. HILL START ASSIST WARNING 5. HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT 6. SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK SYSTEM 7. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM 8. PARK BRAKE FAULT SERVICE NOW I TRIED TESTING THE BRAKES, WHILE GOING FORWARD AND BACKWARDS, THE WERE WEAK AND INCONSISTENT. LIKE THEY WERE PULSING WITH FULL POWER AND THEN NOTHING. RESTARTING THE VEHICLE MADE ALL THOSE WARNINGS DISAPPEAR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH IS THE 2ND TIME THAT IS IT GOING IN FOR BRAKE AND POWER TRAIN RELATED ISSUES. FEW TIMES A MONTHS SINCE I'VE BOUGHT IT, THE ONLY ISSUE I WOULD HAVE, IS ON STARTUP AND IMMEDIATE MOVEMENT, THE BRAKES WOULD SOMETIMES BOTTOM OUT AND NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IN GEAR UNLESS I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL OR PUMP THE BRAKES. WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT SEE ANY CODES, AND MIGHT BE JUST A WEIRD TIMING WITH MY START UPS. THE MOST RECENT EVENT ON THE 27TH, WAS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO REPORT THIS. VEHICLE WAS IDLING FOR A WHILE AND MOVING WITH WEAK OR NO BRAKES TO STOP. THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN INCIDENT.
Back over prevention, Mar 1, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, THE REARVIEW CAMERA WOULD LOSE STREAM UPON USE AS THE REVERSE BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE; SEE MANUAL WARNING MESSAGE WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH TOMBALL FORD (22702 TX-249, TOMBALL, TX 77375) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY ISSUES WITH THE REARVIEW CAMERA HOWEVER, UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V575000 (VISIBILITY) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DECLINED TO REPAIR THE PART FOR FREE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20.
Power train, Feb 28, 2021
VERY HARD JERKY SHIFTING. WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND 2ND TO 3RD. HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. HAPPENING FOR MONTHS
Suspension, Feb 27, 2021
CAR WAS THUMPING AT LEFT REAR AFTER RECALL (FOR TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER) WAS JUST COMPLETED. I HADN'T LEFT THE PARKING LOT. FORD MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE SHOCK. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO BRING IT BACK AFTER 3 DAYS. I'M HAVING MY DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER IT'S SAFE OR NOT. THEY SAID THEY'D CHANGE ONLY THAT ABSORBER. IF ONE IS BAD AFTER 3 MONTHS, WHY WOULDN'T THE OTHERS? I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN NOVEMBER 2020.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2021
WHEN PARKING VEHICLE OR BACKING OUT OF GARAGE SLOWLY, YOU HEAR FUEL SLOSHING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS LIKE THERE IS NO BAFFLE IN THE TANK. VERY VERY NOTICEABLE AND ALSO MENTIONED ON THIS SITE FROM OTHER FORD OWNERS. A TSB SHOULD BE ISSUED BY FORD IMMEDIATELY AS THEY DID FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH TSB 18-2378. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL CONDITION AND IT'S A COP OUT FOR FORD NOT TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE HAD IN OTHER FORD PRODUCTS AND THIS ONE NOW AS WELL!!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2021
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.
Power train, Engine, Feb 14, 2021
THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE STARTED GOING OUT AS WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP ON A HIGHWAY. MY HUSBAND MADE A STOP AT A LIGHT AND UPON ACCELERATING AFTER THE STOP, THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND BEGAN HAVING ENGINE ISSUES. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE MY HUSBAND DROVE THE VEHICLE ON CITY STREETS DUE TO HIGH RPMS DESPITE LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AS OF MONDAY FEBRUARY 8TH AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO ETA. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE A RECALL FOR A TRANSMISSION INTERCOOLER. WE HAVE READ ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN NUMEROUS 2020 FORD EXPLORERS.
Structure, Feb 12, 2021
DRIVERS DOOR LOCKS AND WILL NOT LET YOU ENTER AND/OR EXIT VEHICLE AT ITS DISCRETION . I AM HANDICAPPED AND CANNOT CLIMB OVER SEATS TO EXIT VEHICLE. ONLY HAPPENS TO DRIVER'S DOOR. WOULD BE SAFETY ISSUE IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND/OR FIRE.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, SHE SHIFTED THE GEAR SHIFTER TO REVERSE AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AUTONATION FORD SANFORD (4911 WAYSIDE DR, SANFORD, FL 32771, (407)680-0781) WHERE THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Feb 9, 2021
AT 6700 MILES TRANSMISSION BEGAN HARSH , JOLTING SHIFTING MOSTLY IN LOW GEARS , DOWNSHIFTING . SO BAD AS TO BE UNDRIVEABLE, BEEN AT THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPT. FOR 8 DAYS NOW. THIS PROBLEM TOTALLY ECLIPSES THE DEAD BATTERY - DEEP SLEEP MODE THAT THE CAR EXPERIENCES ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. HAD IT TOWED TO FORD THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED , THEY SAY NOTHING WRONG , THAT WE PROBABLY LEAVE OUR LIGHTS ON . WE DON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT JUMPER CABLES.
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2021
CHROME ON WINDOWS SWITCHES PEELS CUTTING USER.