Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have recalls?

NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Explorer, including Electrical System › Wiring; Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner; Back Over Prevention › Display Function. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2020 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 1,250 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (505), electrical system (187), engine (118), back over prevention (104).

How much does a 2020 Ford Explorer cost to own for 5 years?

About $44,127 over 5 years ($735/month) at an estimated $17,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 49/100. Expect about $44,127 to own it for five years, or $735 a month. NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 1,250 complaints.

Recalls: 33
Complaints: 1,250
5-yr cost: $44k
MPG (EPA): 23

Weak

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific Explorer?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

33 recalls may apply

For the 2020 Ford Explorer. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. 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.
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.
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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

Get a history report

Free public resource (NMVTIS-approved providers). No commission. How we make money

5-year cost to own

Estimated $17,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$44,127

$735/month · $0.74/mile

Depreciation	$5,064
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$8,740
Maintenance	$7,590
Repairs	$3,890
Loan interest	$4,793
Taxes & fees	$2,050

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

1,250 complaints37 involved a crash10 involved a fire

Power Train505
Unknown Or Other213
Electrical System187
Engine118
Back Over Prevention104
Service Brakes85

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2020 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD

What to check on a used 2020 Ford Explorer

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Driver-assist systems
- Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
- Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2020 Ford Explorer problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good car to buy?: The 2020 Ford Explorer earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 49/100. Expect about $44,127 to own it for five years, or $735 a month. NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 1,250 complaints.
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have recalls?: NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Explorer, including Electrical System › Wiring; Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner; Back Over Prevention › Display Function. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2020 Ford Explorer problems?: Owners filed 1,250 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (505), electrical system (187), engine (118), back over prevention (104).
How much does a 2020 Ford Explorer cost to own for 5 years?: About $44,127 over 5 years ($735/month) at an estimated $17,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.