2020 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

Transmission shifts hard from first to second gear upon acceleration, then shifts hard down at approximately 25-30mph. Dealership is aware. Has been happening since I got vehicle, but no fix has been available.

The transmission shifted into neutral at a stop sign and a see dealer warning light came on. Turned the vehicle off and restarted it and it was able to resume drive. It happened twice more at a speed of 70mph. Ford has had the vehicle all but 3 weeks since 5/12 to repair it. Replaced the trans and harness.

Vehicle down shifts hard from 7th to 6th gear tested in manual mode but was originally feeling it while driving automatic when slowing down between 25 - 35 mph then I found a tsb that suggested trying it in manual in those gears and it happens every time

Bought my car 2020 and every year I have been on and off the shop to fix it. Last year I just paid them to fox my transmission gearing, clutch and axle. The other dY I have them service it again due to power train malfunction. And sent me an invoice of $1700 not including the $195 to diagnostic test for my car.

The transmission has failed due to a snap ring being dislodged. This caused substantial damage requiring complete transmission rebuild. The vehicle is currently at a ford dealership where they have identified the issue. The serviceman stated that the snap ring failure is due to manufactures defect and that it is a well known and common failure. Ford has a service bulletin describing this issue. Failure to repair this in a timely manner will cause catastrophic failure that could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights for this issue. The first symptom was harsh shifting. The vehicle was taken to the dealership the day following the first symptom but the damage had been done.

The 2020 Ford Explorer was repaired due to a recall on the rear differential bolt. The bolt that was replaced fell out and had to go back in for service. The dealer said Ford refused to pay the full cost and it was split between Ford and the owner. We had to pay $2085.97 for the repair of a recalled item.

I recently had my vehicle serviced for reprogramming of the AWD control module after it failed. When the dealer returned the vehicle, I expected the issue to be resolved. Instead, I immediately noticed a new check engine light with code C00A6, related to the front axle disconnect. This was concerning because the dealer had assured me there were no active codes after programming the new module. After driving with the new fault, it became clear the vehicle was operating only in rear-wheel drive. I contacted Ford and was quoted $4,030 for repairs to the front axle disconnect. Given the cost, I researched whether this issue had a recall but found none, despite widespread reports from other owners experiencing the same failure. My main frustration is that this problem stems from Ford’s design of the intermittent AWD system, which engages the front wheels only when needed to improve fuel economy. The official “fix” eliminates this design entirely—converting the vehicle into a full-time AWD system. This requires removal of the front axle disconnect shaft, installation of a standard shaft, and reprogramming to support permanent AWD. The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-2174) even directs technicians to cut and discard the electrical connector for the front axle disconnect actuator, confirming that the original intermittent system is abandoned rather than repaired. This is a major concern for owners. Many of us are facing the same issue, yet Ford’s solution shifts the burden of an expensive design flaw onto customers. I strongly urge Ford to address this problem responsibly and provide coverage for affected vehicles, rather than leaving owners to pay thousands for what appears to be a widespread defect.

Panoramic sun shade flap sags greatly, causing visibility issues to the rear viewing window as well as causing blind spots on both passenger sides

Ac compressor has gone out 3 times. This car year, make, is known to have this problem.

The weld which attaches the tail pipe to the muffler failed causing the pipe to strike the pavement while the vehicle was in motion which resulted in sparks and potential fire hazard.