This is the platinum model, with the leather Dash. The dash is separating in two pieces, and the leather is curling up. This is all the way across the dash from the driver side, to the passenger side. It is in my line of vision, to where it is not safe to see the road. I believe this is from the sun.
2020 Ford Explorer body problems
46 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,302. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 46
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 40,302
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body33
- Body: door: handle: interior2
- Interior panels: sun visor1
- Frame and members: underbody shields1
- Body: tailgate1
- Body: hood1
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1
- Body: hatchback/liftgate1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Explorer body problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Ford Explorer body
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Underbody shields detachment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the âunderbody shieldsâ on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The petition alleges premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody shields, potentially leading to road debris. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11682326. A search of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI. No related complaints were found in the federal safety agencyâs database for the subject vehicle population. Subsequently, ODI conducted a broader search for related complaints and field reports involving MY 2020-2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models, as these vehicles utilize substantially similar underbody shields. No complaints or reports were found citing any allegations pertaining to any of the underbody shields. ODI also reviewed manufacturer information and data and did not identify a trend related to the Petitionerâs allegations. Based on the absence of consumer complaints and reports, ODI has not identified a material risk of a complete detachment or a projectile hazard related to this condition. The petitioner's description of detectable symptoms - including noise and vibration that progressively worsen and visible sagging of the shields underneath the vehicle - indicates a failure mode that provides drivers with ample notice to seek service before a potential detachment. In view of the insufficient evidence of a vehicle-based defect pertaining to the underbody shields of the subject vehicle, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP25001
What 2020 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Panoramic roof sunshade/retractor failure resulting in obstruction of rearward visibility through the interior rearview mirror while driving
On August 14, 2026, the power liftgate on my 2020 Forde Explorer unexpectedly began closing while I was loading my dog into a kennel in the rear cargo area. I did not press the liftgate close button and no one else activated a liftgate control. My key fob was inside my purse on the front seat of the vehicle. The liftgate came down while I was underneath it and struck me directly on the head. The impact knocked me to the ground. I saw stars and was confused immediately afterward and sustained a scalp laceration with significant bleeding. I did not lose consciousness and did not require stitches. One person directly witnessed the incident and was also struck by the closing liftgate. Because the liftgate struck my head first, its force was reduced before it contacted the other person, who was not injured. Other people arrived immediately afterward and can confirm my condition following the impact and that the key was in my purse on the front seat. This was not the first time this has happened. It has occurred on multiple occasions while loading without intentionally activating. I have been hit in the head before but not enough to cause bleeding. The incident occurred Friday evening on 8/14/2026. Vehicle has not yet been inspected because the service department is closed for the weekend. I plan to contact Ford once open on Monday. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a defect involving unintended activation of the power/hands-free liftgate and/or its safety obstacle-detection system. The unexpected closure has now caused an injury and also struck a second person.
My driver window won’t stay up once it gets to the top it goes back down. The underbody is starting to detach. It is shifting hard and makes a loud noise. Worse at low speeds and applying brakes . The tire pressure sensors all went out at one time
The fabric/plastic/felt under the car is falling to pieces! It's becoming a safety hazard. This complaint is posted in a lot of forums.
The A-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected the part and said that it needed replaced. I first noticed this due to the sound of wind while driving even with the windows shut. Not long after, I noticed the trim sticking out away from the body of the car.
The Driver's side pillar along the door and windshield blew off and almost hit the car behind me. On 10/22/24, the exact same thing happened but on the passenger side that time. Our Ford Dealer said the 2020 Ford Explorer model was not a recall item only 2017-2019 however later models also had many issues where these side pillars blew off.
I was driving on the highway and I heard a loud bang , with grinding and a jerk i assumed the rear axel or differential something in the rear area along with smoke and I was able to swerve to the side of the highway along the grass and jump out with my kids multiple cars where behind me but I turned on my emergency lights & got out just in time before causing a accident , this is all tied to a recall that’s been fixed twice now here we are a third time and it’s back again at ford dealership
Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident risk. Unable to drive vehicle until leak is fixed and mold is remediated.
The panoramic sunroof Rolo shade has malfunctioned and is currently sagging. This condition is expected to worsen over time, potentially obstructing driver visibility or posing a safety risk due to the possibility of entrapment or flammability. The vehicle has been brought to a certified Ford dealer for inspection; however, no additional inspections have been performed by other authorities at this time. There are no warning lights or alerts displayed in the vehicle related to this issue.
Questions about the 2020 Ford Explorer body
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have body problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the body of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 4% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Explorer body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,302 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Ford Explorer body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ford Explorer have the most body problems?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most body complaints are 2017 (661 complaints), 2016 (593 complaints) and 2002 (486 complaints).
Other 2020 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission 506Electrical 189Driver assistance 180Engine 139Brakes 88Visibility 70Lights 56Fuel system 43Seats 42Suspension 36Acceleration 29Steering 28Seat belts 18Wheels 16Locks 7Airbags 6Tires 2
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