2020 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

1. Component: AWD system – Front Axle Disconnect Actuator / Intermediate Shaft • Failure Type: AWD system failed, preventing power transfer to front wheels • Availability for Inspection: Yes, diagnosed and confirmed by Zeigler Lincoln Ford 2. On Thursday, [XXX], while driving in a snowstorm with my two children, my 2020 Ford Explorer AWD system failed completely, leaving us stranded on an icy hill with no traction or ability to move. • My vehicle lost all AWD functionality, causing it to become immobilized on an active roadway in hazardous conditions. • We were trapped between two semi-trucks that were also stuck, creating a high-risk situation where a collision or multi-vehicle pileup could have occurred. • With freezing temperatures and no way to move, we were at risk of hypothermia while waiting for a tow truck. This was not an isolated issue. Ford acknowledges this AWD system defect under TSB 23-2174, meaning this failure can happen to any driver under similar conditions, creating a major safety hazard. 3. Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Zeigler Lincoln Ford, who determined it was covered under TSB 23-2174. • Ford has officially acknowledged this defect but has not issued a recall. 4. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by Zeigler Lincoln Ford, and the AWD failure was confirmed as a front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft defect. • Ford issued TSB 23-2174 to address the defect, proving that this is a known issue. • However, instead of issuing a recall, Ford is making owners pay for repairs out of pocket, despite the serious safety risk. 5. Yes. Prior to the AWD failure, I received a wrench icon warning (Powertrain Malfunction Indicator) on my dashboard. • Error codes C0631 and C0633 were later retrieved by the dealership, confirming AWD disconnect failure. • I had experienced intermittent AWD traction loss in winter conditions, but the system failed completely during the snowstorm incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When my truck is decreasing speed/on the downshift, there is a very hard jerk. I took it to my local Ford dealer and was told there’s an issue with my transmission.

The sunroof fabric fails to retract. When opening the sunroof, the fabric sags and blocks vision in the rearview mirror. I’m overseas active duty military and have not had it inspected. No warning lights are displayed.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior sunroof shade cloth sagged down causing an obstruction of the rear window for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failed clip to the sunroof panel roller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Transmission jerked in and out of low gears, causing very harsh shifting and lack of acceleration. Service shop at dealership found metal shaving in the transmission and replaced the whole thing. Vehicle only had 50k miles on it.

When downshifting from 7th to 6th gear it jerks hard and fluid and everything seems ok

Passenger low beam light is out. It is dangerous to drive at night. Confirmed by dealer. Component has not been inspected. The message center on the front dashboard said check headlamp system refer to owners manual. Owners manual tells you nothing.

Check headlamp system see Manuel error message keeps coming up after replacing lighting modules. Led lights are working fine, but error keeps coming up. Dealership wants to keep replacing entire module which is around 2 grand per headlight. Replaced both modules and lights worked fine for about 24 hours before error message returns.

The tire pressure system for all four tires has completely went out on the monitoring system. It originally started where it was only on one tire then it happened to two then the final monitor keeps going in and out.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light or while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the variable camshaft timing (VCT) system had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was linked to an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.