I own a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, VIN 1FMSK8DH6LGA35229. While driving, my vehicle displayed “4WD Fault – Service Required” along with the powertrain wrench warning. I then became unable to select/change drive modes. Pre-Collision Assist became unavailable, I experienced Lane Keeping/Lane Assist problems, and additional stability/traction warnings appeared. A professional diagnostic scan found AWD codes C0631:7E-68 and C0631:7F-6C related to the front axle disconnect actuator. The ABS module also stored U0102 (Lost Communication With Transfer Case Control Module) and U0155 (Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster). My mechanic diagnosed failure of the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate-shaft system. The repair requires removal of the original disconnect system and installation of Ford’s revised intermediate shaft/axle components, replacement of the vent/breather hose, and AWD programming. I was quoted approximately $1,337. The mechanic will then determine whether the transfer case/AWD control module also requires replacement, which would cost approximately $828 additional. Ford has issued TSB 25-2373, superseding TSB 23-2174, for certain 2020-2021 Explorer AWD vehicles. The bulletin specifically identifies C0631 and/or C00A6 and the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft and directs replacement with a revised intermediate shaft. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the failure resulted in AWD/drive-mode malfunction while multiple driver-assistance systems became unavailable. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this known failure and determine whether a safety recall is warranted.
2020 Ford Explorer: ABS light or ABS activating
16 of the 1,254 complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 2,800
- recalls
- 2
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
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.
Ford ST 2020 just 37000 miles, the window from driver side can’t complete close when you try to roll up. When it all most close- it will automatically roll down. TPMS fails cause 4WD fault, ABS turn off and a lot of warning symbol turn on like pre-collision…etc. Dealer can’t fix and claim for client need to paid for 4WD program.
The Abs failed and my car break system went out while on the highway with two small kids. Very dangerous
Vehicle continuously shows a fault for Hill Start Assist, AWD Mode disabled, AdvanceTrac fault, Park Sensor, AWD Module Failure, ABS disabled. These faults started showing 13/04/25. While in traffic, driver was giving the throttle gas. While giving gas, driver lost power, and noticed a ticking noise as car was losing power in normal drive mode. Driver could have potentially been rear ended, pushed into traffic, and fear that the vehicle will eventually have a brake failure; or have the brakes lock up on the car while driving that could also lead to fatality, or bodily injuries of driver, or civilians. After making it to destination, driver parked for the night. The next day driver started car all faults were gone. Driver then trashed car to dealership to see what malfunction the car had and everything was fine. Fault later appeared, and driver lost power again. Driver then proceeds to a nearby Auto store where driver had a diagnostic of the car. The store associate then tells driver that the car had a faulty PCM. Driver also notes that the car was Purchased used with mileage reported at 29,000 miles. Driver now has 57k miles. Though car isn’t new. It isn’t old. Being that it is used, car is and was practically new. Driver feels a car with low mileage should not be malfunctioning given the status of its components.
We had an issue where the abs light came on going down the road. If you applied the brakes the dash would say release parking brakes and then the vehicle did not want to stop when I actually needed too.
2020 Explorer ST transfer case and transfer case module failed. Safety was a high risk factor for myself and anyone around me because when trying to make turns the vehicle slow way down like the brakes were being applied and the vehicle would violently shake. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer and confirmed to be the transfer case and transfer case module. When this occurred there were several warnings, advancetrac fault, hill start assist fault, 4WD fault, ABS fault, and traction control fault.
On [XXX] I was driving my 2020 explorer east bound on [XXX] just past the [XXX] intersection in Aurora, CO when all kind of warning lights lit up on the dashboard. (Parking brake engaged, pre collision prevention system failure, ABS light, check break system and other warning lights as well) the vehicle had a hard time stopping when I applied brakes almost caused a collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
the pre collision assist came on 10/09/2022 then On 10/02/2023 the pre collision assist warning light flashed 3 times on dash then went out drove to work when i started the car again the hill assist light came on abs light came on collision warning light came on4wheel drive light came on and little wrench light came on i could not change drive modes while driving the vehicle home the reduced power light came on and the vehicle ran slower got the vehicle home did feel safe driving it with system telling me failures and everything not working and called ford dealership asked if it was ok to drive with everything going on was told it was ok to drive was told i had to wait 3 weeks I called another ford dealership was told not to drive it and it had to be towed because it was unsafe and undriveable to dealership where it is being repaired for safety issues
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed down a steep driveway, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The driver was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop by shifting into park. The hill stop control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 45,200.
I hit my brakes at a traffic light and the dash board lite up. With the following messages. Service Advance trac, 4WD Fault service required, see manual, hill start asst not available, auto hold fault, tooknto dealer tried to charge $600 for a diagnostic, codes were ran all codes are communication codes. Have no abs brakes. Took to another shop they couldn't figure it out. Called Ford. They refer back to dealer who what's to charge more money for diagnostics and the 33 codes they say are in the computer. Big safety issues. Happened just after 60,000 miles before looking at it dealer stated it wouldn't be covered under powertrain warranty anyway. Can't upload photos from phone for some reason.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning...
- Noise when the brakes are applied
- Red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a...
- Noise when the brakes are applied
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020...
- This article supersedes TSB 20-2364 to update the production fix date
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034,...
- This article supersedes TSB 20-2135 to correct the Service Procedure
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
Questions about the 2020 Ford Explorer abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2020 Ford Explorer?
16 of 1,254 owner complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer (1%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1993.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Ford Explorer?
There are 2 recalls and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Ford Explorer
Jerking 130Backup camera 104Transmission failure 84Harsh shifting 65Headlights 56Collision warning 54Loss of power 49Check engine light 44Stalling 43Grinding brakes 30Won't shift 29Engine failure 23Hesitation 23Slipping 21Adaptive cruise 19Screen failure 18Fuel smell 17Door locks 16Fire or smoke 14Overheating 13Warning lights 13Knocking 11Lane assist 11Whining noise 11Rollaway 10Sudden acceleration 9Won't start 9Key fob 8Water leak 8Wipers 8Brake failure 7Shudder 6Sunroof shattered 6Ball joint 5Fuel pump 5Power steering loss 5
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