2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN · 1 injury

When I was driving on the highway, the car braked really hard like brake checked. It seemed like it was part of the safety system because a light was flashing on the dash like I was gonna hit something but no car was there. Now my car keeps jolting and breaking fast even when I accelerate it will brake for half a second when I am driving. in my car keeps overheating. The mechanics tell me it’s related to something pinching off oil lines and the transmission possibly and that the recalls are possibly related to this issues. it’s not safe and it’s messing up my transmission and my car keeps stopping and starting in the middle of traffic. I have a family I LOVE my vehicle but it’s not safe and I can’t afford to fix it.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WA

My 2020 Ford Explorer previously received a safety recall repair under Ford Recall 23S23 for the 360-degree/rearview camera system. Unfortunately, the camera system is malfunctioning again following that repair. The 360-degree display intermittently shows solid blue/teal or black areas instead of properly displaying the vehicle’s surroundings. The camera images also become washed out, distorted, or unusually dark, reducing visibility when reversing. Additionally, my instrument cluster displays the warning “Reverse Brake Assist Not Available – See Manual.” These problems raise serious safety concerns because the vehicle’s camera visibility is compromised while another safety system reports that it is unavailable. This creates potential risks when backing near children, pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. I have photographs documenting the camera malfunctions and dashboard warning. Ford subsequently issued Recall 25S27 after discovering that certain vehicles previously repaired under Recall 23S23 may not have received the correct remedy, even though the repairs were recorded as completed. I have not yet received confirmation whether Recall 25S27 applies to my specific vehicle. On October 8, 2026, I visited Mullinax Ford of Olympia regarding the recurring safety problems. The dealership advised that I would have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis. I subsequently submitted a written request asking for the recurring defect and applicable recall coverage to be reviewed, but received no response. I escalated the matter to the dealership’s General Manager on October 19, 2026. The underlying cause has not been determined. I am concerned that the original camera safety defect may not have been adequately corrected and that the vehicle continues to experience a related safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency review these recurring malfunctions and the adequacy of the previous recall remedy.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · OH

When I am driving, every now and then there is a grinding/electrocution noise that my vehicle makes. When that happens, I lose all acceleration power until the episode stops then it seems like it kicks back into gear.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · FL

"CHECK HEADLAMP SYSTEM SEE MANUAL" appears intermittently on the dash with headlights going out. As hundreds of others have reported here and on internet forums, we too are dealing with intermittent headlights. This is a major SAFETY issue while driving at night and your headlights go out suddenly. After bringing our vehicle to a Ford Dealership (who regularly service our vehicle) and paying a diagnostic fee, they could not properly diagnose the issue and said the only fix THEY THINK MIGHT correct the issue is to replace the entire headlamp assembly at an over a $3500 cost. The problem is Ford does not know that this will correct the issue. If it truly was a headlamp issue wouldn't our headlamps go out completely after approximately a year of experiencing the headlights going out intermittingly, especially when they are supposed to last the life of the vehicle. The dealership printed out the detailed list of codes on our vehicle going back to January and it confirms the headlights intermittently going out. Besides the dealership, we have spoken to Ford corporate multiple times and they are unwilling to help us in any way nor do they want to address this dangerous issue. An investigation needs to be opened into this matter before a serious accident occurs and Ford needs to answer why this issue is happening to so many vehicle owners and create a recall. the federal safety agency has helped me before with a problem/recall I had on my Dodge Durango many years ago and I am hopeful that we will be helped on this issue as well.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Body, Electrical · WA · 1 injury

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Electrical · IN

My wife was driving and the horn started blowing and the rear wiper started ejecting all the wiper fluid. When I showed up to assist, it smelled super hot and I had to pull the fuse and negative lead to make the wiper pump and horn stop. It was towed to a Ford dealer, who found the main engine harness had MELTED going into the engine compartment fuse box. The horn and wiper fluid pump also had to be replaced. It's fortunate this did not result in a fire. Ford dealer had the vehicle for TWO MONTHS to repair (and we had to take it back for the horn and washer pump). The Ford dealer said they could not give any reason for why this happened. The entire main harness and fuse panel had to be replaced. No check engine or warning lights appeared when this happened. My wife had to pull over on the side of the road.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Body, Electrical · IN

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

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Electrical, Seats · OH

With people in the backseat, the seats decided to fold out of nowhere from the previous recall where the seat released buttons on the second row get stuck. Even though it’s very clear that these buttons need to be replaced and I took it to a Ford dealership they said that they were fine even though the buttons literally are stuck in no matter what and ever so slightly touching them causes the seats to fold. The passengers in the second row were not injured, but very easily could’ve been.