2020 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

CUSTOMER STATES THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS A STARTING SYSTEM FAULT, PLEASE ADVISE VERIFIED CONCERN. RETRIEVED OTCS ANO P0A1E, U0120 PRESENT IN PCM. CLEARED ores AND LIGHT STAYED ON ANO BOTH RETURNED. CUSTOMER LEFT VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS. PULLED VEHICLE INTO BAY AND WARNING LIGHTS OFF. RETRIEVED DTCS- P0A1E, U0120 MEMORY IN PCM. CLEARED DTCS AND BOTH CLEARED. TEST DROVE VEHICLE ANO BATTERY LIGHT RETURNED WITH B11D9:09 IN BCM AND P06EF IN PCM. SUSPECT VOLTAGE CONCERN. REMOVED WIPER COWL AND TRUNK TRIM, DISCONNECTED AND WARRANTY CHARGED/TESTED BOTH BATTERIES- BOTH PASSED. REASSEMBLED VEHICLE, CLEARED DTCS AND TEST DROVE- NO CONCERNS RETURNED. TEST DROVE AGAIN NEXT DAY ANO NO CONCERNS PRESENT. CONCERN WAS MODULE ERRORS CAUSED BY DISCHARGED BATTERY FROM SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. CONCERN RESOLVED DURING DIAGNOSIS.

Driver was responding to a priority call with lights and siren going when the engine RPM's raced to approx 8,000 RPM's, engine lost forward movement and red triangle and stop safely now message turned on. Vehicle was moved to the side of the road and was disabled requiring a tow to Fleet. PCM codes P2884 and P2885 for Hybrid engine disconnect clutch faults were noted in PCM and vehicle was sent to dealer for diag/repairs on 4/27/26.

When the vehicle was started this morning, it sounded like it was chugging and did not wasn’t to stay on. Then when the driver went to drive, he got the notification on my dash to stop safely and the engine was disabled. The check engine light was on, as well as the battery light was on, and the warning light was on. PCM code P1A0C present. TSB 25-2447 applies but the vehicle has current software already installed as of 3/26/26. Ongoing issue with this and other Hybrid Ford Police Interceptor Utilities in our Fleet.

this vehicle has sustained a complete transmission failure at 117,000 miles. There are known issues with this 10 speed transmission that the automaker needs to own to and address. This poses a safety risk when traveling and there were no apparent signals of anything prior to this. The vehicle is a garage to have a new transmission installed and had to get a rental car to continue to work and will cost thousands of dollars out of pocket as a result of this issue.

The failure involves the automatic transmission system (10-speed 10R60) in my Ford Explorer 2020. The issue appears to be internal, affecting clutch packs and/or internal components (spring-related failure was initially noted by the dealership).Yes, the vehicle and transmission are available for inspection upon request. The transmission malfunction caused delayed engagement and loss of proper power delivery, which created unsafe driving conditions. There were moments where the vehicle hesitated or failed to respond properly when accelerating, increasing the risk of being struck in traffic or being unable to move out of the way of oncoming vehicles. This presents a clear safety concern, especially in traffic or intersections. Yes, the issue was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as an internal transmission failure involving clutch-related components. However, those diagnostic notes were later removed or altered in the service record. I have retained screenshots of the original diagnosis as evidence. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership representing Ford Motor Company. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle but has reviewed the case and offered partial financial assistance. Yes. Prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced symptoms including harsh shifting, delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse, and abnormal transmission behavior. These symptoms developed over time before the failure occurred. In some cases, there were no warning lights present before the issue became severe, which made the failure more sudden and unexpected. I was informed the original technician is no longer employed and there is no service manager currently overseeing the department. This lack of oversight makes it difficult to verify the original diagnosis or changes made to service records.

The A-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected the part and said that it needed replaced. I first noticed this due to the sound of wind while driving even with the windows shut. Not long after, I noticed the trim sticking out away from the body of the car.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after pulling over, an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the message to activate the electronic parking brake was displayed due to a critical fault within the shift lever and parking system. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

I was driving the vehicle through a neighborhood and there was a clunk noise and it sounded like my brakes were metal on metal. I stopped to ensure my brakes were okay. Then I continued to drive home when there was a louder clunk and the reared on my vehicle locked up and the car would no longer move. The reared differential unit had failed and exploded parts and put holes in the unit causing fluid to exit onto the street and lock up the drive tires. The vehicle was stranded in the middle of the street and could not move. There was no warning or indication of a failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and components were replaced under extended warranty.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Explorer (2.3L engine) experiencing a transmission-related failure. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting a dangerous failure pattern. While braking, a loud mechanical noise occurs, followed by hesitation and inability to properly accelerate. The vehicle then displays a “Shift System Fault” warning. After this occurs, the vehicle struggles to respond when attempting to accelerate, creating a serious safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. This issue appears to be consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin 23-2249, indicating the manufacturer is aware of a defect involving the transmission system. Despite this, no recall has been issued, and I have been quoted a significant out-of-pocket repair cost. The sudden loss of acceleration and erratic shifting presents a clear safety risk that could lead to a crash. I am requesting that this issue be investigated for a potential recall due to the safety implications.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was stopped and there was an abnormal burning rubber odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the messages “Charging System Fault” and “Service Steering” were displayed. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that her husband replaced the battery and the alternator, however the failure persisted, and the vehicle was losing automotive power. The vehicle had not been taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V687000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 113,849.