2020 Ford Explorer: multiple warning lights

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Driver assistance · OH

I am writing to formally express serious concerns regarding the safety of a Ford vehicle that continues to carry a 5-star safety rating despite multiple known, safety-critical defects that emerged after relatively low mileage. Two major issues developed between approximately 62,000 and 72,000 miles. Both are documented by Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), yet neither has been addressed through a formal recall. My vehicle’s warranty expired at 60,000 miles, leaving me responsible for more than $3,000 in out-of-pocket repair costs. Issue 1 – Front axle seal leak (TSB 23-2174) The front axle seal began leaking fluid. According to the TSB, the original affordable seal is no longer available, requiring replacement of the entire axle assemblies at a cost of approximately $2,000. Failure to complete this repair risks axle lock-up and a potential collision. Issue 2 – All-wheel-drive module ground wire omission (TSB 23-2061) Ford failed to install a required ground wire on the AWD module. This caused multiple warning lights to illuminate, including powertrain failure and collision-assist system failure. I refused to allow my wife and children to ride in the vehicle throughout the winter because of these critical warnings. The repair, which required replacement of the AWD module, cost more than $1,000. These are not minor inconveniences. An axle that can lock up, loss of AWD capability in hazardous conditions, and the simultaneous failure of collision-assist systems present clear and foreseeable risks of serious crashes. A vehicle exhibiting these defects does not merit a 5-star safety rating, particularly when the problems are known to the manufacturer and affect used-vehicle buyers who may lack the financial means to perform the repairs. I respectfully urge the NTSB to investigate these issues, determine whether the continued 5-star rating is appropriate, and encourage Ford to issue formal recalls so that owners are not left to bear the cost and risk of repairs.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly while upshifting or downshifting before slamming into gear. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. There was transmission fluid odor coming from the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the engine unexpected revved while driving on the freeway. The contact stated that when the transmission slammed into gear, the vehicle felt like the parking brake was activated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the repairs were put on hold until the warranty had ended. Most recently, the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly while upshifting and downshifting before slamming into gear. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was called for assistance and went to where the vehicle was pulled over. The vehicle was driven back to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where it was confirmed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure was more predominant during colder weather. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · NY

Car was bought from Healy Ford in Goshen Ny in January 2023. Car drove fine for the first 6 months. Out of no where all the lights on the dash came on. Hill assist 4wheel drive fault power train malfunction. Collision assist I mean everything. Took it it Rea Ford they looked at it and charged me for a system update. Was good for about 8 months still had a problem when in reverse splitting out of gear then would slam back in to gear. Then the power train malfunction comes on every time I drive it, Took it back to dealership he updated the software I was told it was a bulletin not a recall and it is going to cost me over 2000.00 to fix since the update didn’t fix the problem. I am truly disappointed but stuck with ford at the moment. How can this not be a recall when you go on and see the hundreds of complaints saying the same thing.

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Brakes · FL

After starting vehicle it rolled when placed out of park while foot was on break and the emergency break was still engaged. There was no pressure and all warning lights associated with pre-collision, hill start, and antilock break fault were flashing across screen only while trying to stop and break from rolling. My safety and others was at risk by rolling into the street i could have been hit by oncoming cars or unable to stop from hitting anyone. My vehicle is maintained at dealer and is kept up on all service and recalls requirements. After vehicle was towed to dealer they were able to find the following TSB: https:// [XXX] Lives are not a technical service bulletin they are a RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MI

2020 ford explorer st-about 55,000 miles. Dealer: preferred ford in grand haven, mi. Issue is sometimes a multitude of warning lights would come on when traveling. They include shutting down the cruise control when in motion, the forward collision sensor would stop working, all wheel drive and hill assist lights would come on and stop working. This happens whether a short trip, 10-15 miles into town, or on a longer trip. Only way to potentially reset it was to stop, turn vehicle off for a minute or two and restart. Sometimes this worked and sometimes not. This is a safety hazard when operating on a roadway, usually at highway speeds, especially in winter road conditions or an occasional trip through the mountains to the southern states. Had a computer update, which cost $540.00, still not solve it. Finally able to get into dealer with all warning lights activated. Dealer stated has to do with drivetrain. Now today (8-3-23), was advised by dealer a new ford engineer internal service memo stated that is not the total fix. Total repairs cost is in/around $2000.00. If ford knows this is an issue and with the many ford explorers on the road today, this needs to be addressed so the consumer can have confidence in driving their vehicles.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

When the car starts all warning lights come on. Hill start assistance, pre collision assistance, all assistance. There is no cruise, no safety collision assistance at all. First appeared on June 13 2023. Ford Dealer is currently trying to fix the problem. They are unsure why it’s doing it. It puts all occupants life at risks as the car doesn’t have any safety assistance.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Driver assistance · MO

When the car starts all warning lights come on. Hill start assistance, pre collision assistance, all assistance. There is no cruise, no safety collision assistance at all. First appeared on May 19 2023. Ford Dealer is currently trying to fix the problem. They are unsure why it’s doing it. It puts all occupants life at risks as the car doesn’t have any safety assistance.

Filed Nov 23, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · TX · 1 injury

While driving at 70 mph the vehicle experienced the following issues all at once, the power steering shut off, all brake pressure was lost, the pre- collision system was turned off, parking brake engaged(at 70 mph) traction control system turned off, engine light turned on and all of the warning lights on the dash activated. This has happened 3 times and almost killed me twice. Ford has tried to repair this vehicle all three times and still have not corrected the issue. Ford has also refused to replace or buy back the vehicle.

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Driver assistance · SC

On two separate occasions while using the cruise control, the vehicle continued to receive warnings on the dash that the 4-wheel drive, hill assist, emergency braking, etc. were all unabled and service would be required. The cruise control then also disabled and I was unable to use it again until I pulled over, stopped and re-started the vehicle. Upon doing this, the system seemed to reset and all warning lights went off. I contacted a local Ford dealer about this issue and was told that their loaner 2020 Explorer has the same issue and they're unable to pinpoint the problem. They've had it in and out of service for 4 months. Their machine is unable to find any errors. They feel like it may be something to do with the body control module. Since my vehicle is apparently not the only 2020 Explorer experiencing this issue, I thought it would be worth reporting.

Filed Dec 6, 2020 · 13,303 miles · VA

All warning lights came on kept flashing that everything was wrong. Then the whole dash blacked out. I had no lights. No turn signals. Then they would come back on and off again. Had the car into the dealer on 7/20/20 when it keep saying head on collision and they told me nothing was wrong. On nov. 20 had wench light come on and said the car could not hold on hill. On nov. 24 they said they could not find any fault and problems. When I left I was at the light and the car accelerated trying to go forward. But I had my foot on the brake. So dec 5, is when all the lights and electrical issues are going on. I was driving with all this going on I have a video but don't know how to add to the file. Also I could not check all the warning light above

Filed Nov 10, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 5,175 miles · OH

2020 ford explorer st with approximately 5,200 miles. Yesterday, I started the vehicle and put it into reverse and it started to roll backwards even though my foot was on the brake. Regardless of how hard I pushed the brake, the car continued to lunge backward until I fully depressed/repressed the brake. With my foot on the brake the vehicle continued to move. This same event occurred a few months ago but when in drive and the vehicle continued to lunge forward despite my foot full pressing the brake as much as possible. I shut off the vehicle, waited a few minutes, and attempted to restart. Restarted without issue. Today, I attempted to start the car and all lights on the dashboard began flashing and the engine failed to turnover. The in-dash display then began beeping, flashing all service/hazard/warning indicators, and cycling through the following error messages: - steering assist fault service required; - see manual (with wrench icon indicating powertrain fault); - front camera fault service required; - service advancetrac; - full accessory power active; - park brake fault service now; - pre-collision assist not available; - check park aid; - reverse brake assist not available see manual; - hill descent control fault; - normal cruise active adaptive braking off; I turned off the vehicle and attempted a few more restarts ranging in intervals from an immediate start/stop, 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes without success (same error messages displayed as described above). My next attempt was a few hours later and the vehicle started without error, but did not give any indication that the vehicle had failed to start the previous time and the 'powertrain fault' wrench icon remained lit.

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 4,500 miles · OH

I have numerous fault messages, pre collision assist fault, 4wd temp disabled, 4wd system fault service required, service required, drive mode unavailable fault,auto hold system fault,service advancetrac, vehicle will not swtich into park or neutral. I was in motion at the state speed limit of 70 on the ohio turnpike when out of the bule the warning cluster lit up like a christmas tree with mutiple faults and system errors. Vehicle has limited braking.