NHTSA lists 34 safety recalls and 1,256 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer (including the hybrid). It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: backover prevention and rearview camera, powertrain, seat belts, seats, and 7 more. Most-described problem: jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (178 complaints, 14%). Most-reported area: powertrain (508 complaints, 40%; median mileage when it happened: 43,000).
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Backover prevention and rearview camera 9 recalls
software
Mar 3, 2026
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 889,950 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26C11.
software
Jun 27, 2025
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
200,237 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S72.
software
Mar 14, 2025
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Fix: 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.
49,399 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S27.
sensing system · camera
Mar 8, 2024
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 1,988 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20C19.
sensing system · camera
May 12, 2023
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Fix: 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.
442,973 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23S23.
display function
Apr 28, 2023
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 523 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS).
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23C14.
sensing system · camera
Jan 23, 2023
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Fix: 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.
382,759 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23S02.
software
Sep 22, 2021
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Fix: 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.
228,297 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: sensing system, camera; Backover prevention and rearview camera: software. Ford campaign 21S44.
sensing system · camera
Sep 23, 2020
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 620,246 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20C19.
Powertrain 8 recalls
automatic transmission
Jun 24, 2026
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Fix: 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.
741,195 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S48.
driveline · driveshaft
Mar 14, 2025
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Fix: 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.
4,247 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S22.
driveline · driveshaft
Oct 6, 2023
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Fix: 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.
238,364 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23S55.
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Mar 24, 2023
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
674 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Parking brake: electrical; Powertrain: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Ford campaign 23S16.
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Feb 10, 2023
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Fix: 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.
3,674 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23S05.
axle assembly
Apr 14, 2022
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Fix: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.
252,936 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles.
NHTSA listings: EXPLORER HYBRID, EXPLORER PHEV. Components: Powertrain: axle assembly; Powertrain: driveline, driveshaft. Ford campaign 22S27.
driveline · driveshaft
Nov 10, 2020
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
Fix: 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.
10,905 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20S65.
automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Aug 5, 2019
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 114 (theft and rollaway protection) · 13,896 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel; Parking brake; Powertrain: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl). Ford campaign 19C06.
Seat belts 3 recalls
Seat belts
Mar 17, 2026
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 210 (seat belt anchorages) · 561 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26C18.
Seat belts
Feb 14, 2025
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
240,510 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S09.
rear/other · buckle assembly
Sep 10, 2020
Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.
Fix: 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.
29 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20S50.
Seats 3 recalls
mid/rear assembly
Jul 14, 2026
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Fix: 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.
387,917 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S52.
mid/rear assembly
Jun 13, 2025
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
304,662 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25S67.
front assembly · recliner
Aug 28, 2019
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 202 (head restraints) · 639,137 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Seats: front assembly, recliner; Seats: mid/rear assembly. Ford campaign 19C07.
Electrical system 2 recalls
propulsion system · traction battery
Sep 8, 2023
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Fix: 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.
2,954 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 23S53.
wiring
Sep 30, 2019
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
10,655 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 19S32.
Engine 2 recalls
Engine
Aug 9, 2024
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
85,238 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 24S52.
Engine
Dec 17, 2020
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
Fix: 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.
1,405 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20S72.
Equipment 2 recalls
electrical · engine block heater
Oct 10, 2025
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fix: 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 December 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.
59,006 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 25SA4.
labels
Nov 8, 2024
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 27,678 vehicles.
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.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 24C39.
Fuel system 2 recalls
storage
Nov 24, 2020
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
Fix: 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.
17 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 20S68.
delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dec 4, 2019
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
Fix: 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.
3,857 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 19S49.
Air bags 1 recall
critical fasteners
Aug 21, 2020
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
Fix: 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.
488 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Air bags: critical fasteners; Air bags: side/window; Seats. Ford campaign 20S48.
Suspension 1 recall
rear
Mar 10, 2021
Risk: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
49 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 21S11.
Visibility 1 recall
windshield wiper/washer · motor
Mar 3, 2026
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Fix: 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 November 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.
604,533 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 26S14.
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations that name the 2020 Ford Explorer; 1 is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
Owners have filed 1,256 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Explorer. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
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Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting178 · 14%
Median 20,000 miles at failure, from 67 reports with mileage
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Transmission failure or replacement113 · 9%
Median 63,000 miles at failure, from 44 reports with mileage
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Backup camera problems103 · 8%
Median 8,000 miles at failure, from 29 reports with mileage
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Loss of power or limp mode81 · 6%
Median 81,000 miles at failure, from 26 reports with mileage
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Hesitation or slow acceleration51 · 4%
Median 58,700 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
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Stalling or shutting off46 · 4%
Median 73,500 miles at failure, from 22 reports with mileage
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Driver-assist errors or blocked-sensor messages40 · 3%
Median 6,900 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
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Shaking, shuddering or vibration40 · 3%
Median 63,000 miles at failure, from 21 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
The highlighted bars are the 2020 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659) and the 2020 drew 339.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.