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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,197 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems

electrical problem

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2020 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #88

Oct 102023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1.Issues with Navigation / Map display 2.Issue with Speedometer display changing location on dash while driving Have previously written re: issues with the backup camera system on this vehicle. This a new recurring issue with the Navigation system and Driver Information Center display. 10/02/23 -?" Upon starting vehicle, map only displayed on the bottom 1/3 of center 10-?? display. Attempts to restore settings unsuccessful. Searched internet, found procedure for -??soft reboot-?? of system (Press and hold Volume on/off button, then press right -??next track / seek-?? button simultaneously.) This restored map to full screen. 10/03/23 - Start vehicle, map reverted to 1/3 screen. A soft reboot restored screen. This happened repeatedly over next several days. 10/08/23 -?" Map back to 1/3 screen, and Navigation kicks in telling me to resume a route previously cancelled. I cancel route and proceed. I don-??t soft reboot. 10/09/23 -?" Start vehicle, map displays full screen, and Navigation again wants to resume the cancelled route. Cancel the route and drive 1 mile. Return to the vehicle within 15 minutes. Restart vehicle, map back to 1/3 screen, and Navigation again wants to resume cancelled route. Go to next destination and exit vehicle upon return, map is back to full screen. 10/09/23 -?" Evening -?" Map back to 1/3 screen. 10/10/23 -?" Map back to full screen. Drive approximately 40 miles. During drive map repeatedly zooms in and zooms out, AND A NEW PROBLEM APPEARS. During drive, speedometer display on the dash Driver Information Center repeatedly shifts back and forth from left side of the display to center of the display. Am out of vehicle for approximately 30 minutes. Upon restart map is back to 1/3 screen. I press the -??Home-?? button and am provided driving instructions to some address never before visited and not even remotely close to my home. The map display is annoying. The repeated shifting of the speedometer display is a real distraction while driving.

- Grayslake, IL, USA

problem #87

Aug 012023

Explorer

  • miles
The 2020 ford Explorer eco boost limited that we have has had many issues that we are concerned about. Our number one concern is when we accelerate on the freeway to get up to speed we have a rotten eggs/ perm smell. We have taken this into the ford service department and they were able to recreate the smell and had the ford master mechanics look at it. The smell is a sigh of a catalytic converter going out according to other mechanics on other vehicles. They have gave us the excuse that it is the way the vehicle smells when you accelerate. It is a strong odor that makes the passengers in the vehicle verbally ask what is throat smell. My specialty in my career has brought up the question that I don-??t know the smell and is it harmful. What could the long term effects have on me and or my family and kids. It-??s a very displeasing smell and to hear the ford dealership tell us that it-??s just the way the vehicle smells is a little frustrating knowing that we bought a vehicle that may have an issue and is not performing the way it is designed to. Also we have had issues with the electronics in the vehicle where the passenger mirror continues to extend beyond the set position. If you are not paying attention and look to use your mirror while driving you will not be able to see where the mirror is designed to show. Ford after a while of back and forth not wanting to fix it finally fixed it he issue by replacing a new mirror. We have had connection issues from the main computer and our tailgate will randomly open while getting our kids in the car. It has not done it while driving yet but we expect it to. We have taken it in for those reasons but they have not been able to fix it.

- Peoria , AZ, USA

problem #86

Oct 042023

Explorer

  • miles
Intermittent non-functional backup camera and brake assist after ford dealer applied a fix for backup camera failure. Backup camera blue/black screen error was not present before dealer applied -??fix-??

- Grand Ledge, MI, USA

problem #85

Oct 032023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving around town when I am coming to a stop either at a red light or stop sign or even in the drive through at a restaurant I am getting a message that says "shift to P, then Restart Engine" and then the car just shut's off and I have to put it in park and restart the car. After restarting the car sometimes is very sluggish as if it is not going to get through the intersection or starting from a stop... this is in my opinion a very serious problem and a safety risk for not just myself and family but that also of the general public.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #84

Sep 252023

Explorer

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle had electrical power but failed to start. The doors locked, after which several attempts to exit the vehicle failed, and smoke began to enter the interior through the vents. The contact called 911, who arrived right as she was able to exit the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the fire department discovered faulty electrical wiring. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V687000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 69,000.

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

problem #83

Jul 262023

Explorer

  • miles
Back up camera stays on after selecting Drive and moving forward, it will either stay on showing what-??s happening behind me or will stay on for 20-40 seconds than go to a blue screen or blue than black screen and stay in that screen. While this is happening I have no control over the display, sound, radio or heat. There has been time the back up camera has stayed on while in park. I have several pictures and videos of these incidents. In the incidents I was able to reboot my display it would be unresponsive and not update time these issues only happened when the back up camera would not properly shut off

- Augusta , ME, USA

problem #82

Sep 012023

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While slowing down the car feels like the engine shakes and when I start to drive jumps when I accelerate also when I-??m on brake it also starts to jump maybe transmission or engine problems

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #81

Sep 012021

Explorer

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AWD became inoperable. The park assist, traction control, ABS, Lane Keep System, front radar, and the parking sensor also became inoperable. The map displayed on half the screen. The screen was black with a blue rectangle. The cabin temperature indicator was flickering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that an update and reprogram of the system was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered financial assistance, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #80

Jul 162023

Explorer

  • miles
Summer 2023 OTA update to Ford Sync caused Sync system to malfunction. As a result touch screen controls are a black screen. No radio, no rear climate control, no backup camera, no 911 crash assist, no voice activated features, no forward collision warning system. Waiting for service appointment at local ford dealer.

- Oakdale, PA, USA

problem #79

Jan 012023

Explorer

  • miles
I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer ST in 2020. Since then, I've had several warranty issues and recalls. Presently, this "blue screen" issue when the car is placed into reverse cannot be resolved by Ford who offers no solutions other than platitudes. This is a significant safety issue with the vehicle as the exterior camera assist does not work ("blue screen") and beeps intermittently when the vehicle is in reverse, which is a distraction. I cannot comprehend how/why a vehicle has had so many issues and believe action should be taken against Ford to remedy these problems.

- Holland, OH, USA

problem #78

Oct 012022

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2020 Ford Explorer St-about 55,000 miles. Dealer: Preferred Ford in grand haven, mi. Issue is sometimes a multitude of warning lights would come on when traveling. They include shutting down the cruise control when in motion, the forward collision sensor would stop working, all wheel drive and hill assist lights would come on and stop working. This happens whether a short trip, 10-15 miles into town, or on a longer trip. Only way to potentially reset it was to stop, turn vehicle off for a minute or two and restart. Sometimes this worked and sometimes not. This is a safety hazard when operating on a roadway, usually at highway speeds, especially in winter road conditions or an occasional trip through the mountains to the southern states. Had a computer update, which cost $540, still not solve it. Finally able to get into dealer with all warning lights activated. Dealer stated has to do with drivetrain. Now today (8-3-23), was advised by dealer a new Ford engineer internal service memo stated that is not the total fix. Total repairs cost is in/around $2000. If Ford knows this is an issue and with the many Ford Explorer on the road today, this needs to be addressed so the consumer can have confidence in driving their vehicles.

- Coopersville, MI, USA

problem #77

Feb 282023

Explorer

  • miles
Rear lift gate doesn't operate or operates erratically. Rear lift gate will not open traping occupants in the vehicle. Particularly any occupant seated in the third row seats. Yes. Took it to the dealer and they failed to address the problem First began February 2023. The dash board button will work some times and not others. Same for the key FOB and rear lift gate located on the the exterior of the vehicle. I have had occupants trapped in the back of the vehicle when the lift gate will not operate at all.

- Mattituck, NY, USA

problem #76

Jul 132023

Explorer

  • miles
When the car starts all warning lights come on. Hill start assistance, pre collision assistance, all assistance. There is no cruise, no safety collision assistance at all. First appeared on June 13 2023. Ford Dealer is currently trying to fix the problem. They are unsure why it-??s doing it. It puts all occupants life at risks as the car doesn-??t have any safety assistance.

- Colusa, CA, USA

problem #75

Jul 182022

Explorer

  • 16,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, she observed the front driver's side seat control housing separating, hindering the use of the seat controls. The failure was later observed in the front passenger-??s side seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #74

Jun 122023

Explorer

  • miles
17 recalls, multiple recalls for the same thing with the rear view camera Currently have another recall on the rear view camera with no exact date on when remedy will be available. Sounds like a qualifying lemon to me.

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #73

Jul 102023

Explorer

  • miles
The Radio would not keep stations and eventually was almost always static. I took it to the Ford dealership that I purchased from since it is supposed to have a full warranty. They are now saying that it has water leaking in from the roof and it has damaged the OEM (?) system. They don't know if Ford will cover under warranty so I now sit with no vehicle as they wait for a decision. When and if it gets repaired I will now have to worry about other damage that will be caused by a leaking roof vehicle.

- Van Buren Township , MI, USA

problem #72

May 012023

Explorer

  • miles
I have had the previous recall for my rear camera/display screen repaired in 08/2022. However, recently I have had my display screen start to glitch and turn off intermittently. Sometimes this happens while I am driving. Other times is happens while I am in reverse and the reverse camera does not work. When the reverse camera is not functioning there is concern for unseen dangers. I have videos of this but I cannot upload them into the form.

- Fairview, TN, USA

problem #71

Jun 132023

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle caught on fire while in operation. Smoke and flames noted under the hood behind glove box.

- Chatsworth, GA, USA

problem #70

Apr 022023

Explorer 4-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V022000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the recall was performed. Once the vehicle was returned, the contact stated that the lane assist, the forward collision assist, and several other electrical features failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to correct the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. The contact states that none of the accident prevention features are working. After two months, the manufacturer still has not provided a remedy and no parts are available.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

problem #69

May 042022

Explorer

  • miles
Driver side, passenger side window switches. On the toggle switches, the chrome is the laminating and has become very sharp. Realized this was taking place after cutting finger. Delamination Continuously getting worse.

- Manasquan, NJ, USA

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