Have token it to several different dealerships and they say it’s up to specs but they won’t touch it without me paying for the work you can see that it’s not installed correctly idk what to do to get this fixed before it does break and something happens
2020 Ford Explorer brakes problems
88 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 7,500. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 88
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 7,500
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1
- Antilock1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Explorer brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Ford Explorer brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Parking brake: electrical
- What is wrong
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V199000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. 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."
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V575000 · Recall details
What 2020 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking excessively, with severe vibrations throughout the cabin of the vehicle. The failure was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while approaching a stop sign or a red light and depressing the brake pedal, the RPM was rising and the vehicle failed to stop as intended, causing the vehicle to crash into a pole in a parking lot, causing a dent to the front grille and scratches in the paint. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Power steering doesnot work , steering was hard also antilock brake failure
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures, and upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle shut off. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the electronic parking brake was unintendely engaged. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset. After researching this is a problem with my VIN that was offered free replacement until 2022 this should be a total unexpired recall. I could have lost my life or someone eles! It’s part of the Customer Satisfaction Program 20B51:
Had recall for parking brake fixed, soon after I’d be on interstate or intersection and it would lose power wrench and check power train system light came on. Took to dealership and they said it was parking pawl sylenuod. Had repaired left the shop didn’t even get home and it did the same: Mechanic said it was gas pedal sensor repaired that and same thing happened it may go real fast or not go . I worked for uber and lyft and have been out of work for a few months. Car setting at dealership and the say I need to pay for a new power train module because my cars lost it brains. So I got recall fixed and my cars went to hell in a hand basket. Now another recall is issued but no resolution. It is a huge safety issue when your gas pedal gets a not responsive to your foot touching the pedal then it accelerating without touching the gas pedal. I’m lucky I didn’t die in it. This year model just needs to be lemoned out. Oh also when it starts messing up airbag not working driver assist not working all the safety features go haywire. I feel 💯 sure this is all related to the recall and ford will be hearing from me or a lawyer one.
ABS and parking brake. Was confirmed by the dealer & tow truck driver. No warning when I parked it, only after putting it into reverse. There were flashing ABS & Parking Brake lights plus a beeping sound.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after pulling over, an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the message to activate the electronic parking brake was displayed due to a critical fault within the shift lever and parking system. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
front end axle actuator failing and causing all safety systems to turn off, loss of power and can lead to seized up front end
I previously reported a safety issue re. Brakes not working in park. Vehicle rolled back and car almost hit mom and young daughter walking behind vehicle in parking lot. When I brought it to BellFord in [XXX] they told me it was not covered under the recall since it wasn’t being caused by rear axle. Instead they wanted to charge me $3,000 to diagnose their manufacturing defect. In addition when I notified Ford rep who never said anything other then I must get car diagnosed and pay for it and then “we will see .” Ford complaint XXX and I believe this is the federal safety agency Complaint # XXX. Here is my initial Ford complaint Cxh-XXX was closed without explanation no one could tell me why no one had contacted me. I am very concerned that Ford is not taking responsibility for defective cars. My car now has only 47k. Brake issue. I had to replace front boots due to leaking and front axle was leaking. I had that fixed and now rear back up camera isn’t working. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2020 Ford Explorer brakes
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 88 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Explorer brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 7,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Ford Explorer brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 23V199000, 19V575000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Explorer have bad brakes?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (261 complaints), 1993 (244 complaints) and 1996 (132 complaints).
Other 2020 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission 507Electrical 189Driver assistance 180Engine 139Visibility 70Lights 56Body 46Fuel system 43Seats 42Suspension 37Acceleration 29Steering 28Seat belts 18Wheels 16Locks 7Airbags 6Tires 2
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