2020 Ford Explorer: engine failure

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Engine · TX

I drove to work with no issues, lights or warnings. I parked and worked for 7 hours. Upon leaving and cranking the engine, it immediately showed overheated and went into limp mode. I drove it less than 100Ft, parked and called for a tow. There was no puddles or other indications of an issue. Upon towing to the closest dealership, I was informed the oil cooler failed putting coolant into the oil and "scorching" the engine and I need an entire new engine. The dealership confirmed there wouldn't be any warning lights of this happening.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · NJ

The part that is affected is the engine/transmission. When the temperature outside reaches approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine seizes upon starting and it will not engage in gear until it is warmed up. That's take anywhere from 5-10 min. If its not fully warmed and you try to go in reverse or drive forward, the car does a hard jump and jerk rendering the vehicle hard to steer . The engine seizes in the cold making it dangerous also, if you were in an emergency situation you would not be able to move your vehicle. It has been to the Ford dealership several times. A complaint filed with Ford motor company and the issue is still NOT fixed. Parts were fixed in the engine but the problem still exists. I live in [XXX] where its cold 6-7 mints out of the year, especially overnights the temps go below 45. I would like this issue addressed and fixed properly with a new engine, but Ford has not done even given the amount of times its been in their shop with the same issue They had my car for a month and still didnt fix it properly. Its an unsafe vehicle to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2026 · Engine · AR

Vehicle with 42k miles and regular dealer maintenance suddenly stalled out in traffic, creating dangerous situation for driver and children passengers. Towed to dealership from which it was purchased. Told it was a catastrophic engine failure and had coolant and oil mixed. Dealer unwilling to explore exact cause. Vehicle 11 months past 5 year power train warranty but well under mileage.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · AR

front end axle actuator failing and causing all safety systems to turn off, loss of power and can lead to seized up front end

Filed Mar 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

on 2/27/26 I heard a knocking sound in my car, no warning lights came on, took it to local car place and was told there was no oil in the tank. I immediately made an appt to take it to River View Ford dealership for service. They looked at it on 3/2 and found the engine to be damaged from the turbos pulling oil out of the oil tank and sucking it into the engine. They informed me nothing was being offered to replace the engine for that year 2020 and my warranty just ended 11/25. This car is worth $70,000 new, just paid it off early, otherwise in great condition. I called the Customer service line and was told there is nothing they can do or offer and filed the complaint. My husband called back and spoke to 3 different rude people requesting someone call our dealer and talk with the service people- this didn't happen. Earlier this year this car had a differential leak that cost $3000; it also had the undercarriage of the car that holds the flex pipes up, fall apart and required the entire undercarriage to be replaced. I find it appalling that you google ST engine issues and they specifically say 2020 models have issues with and suffer from severe oil-related issues, including high oil consumption, oil starvation, and, in some cases, turbocharger failure or engine knocking. How is this not a recall? No warning signs til its too late.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including “Shift System Fault” and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in Park, it may actually remain in Neutral. This creates an additional safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due to: •Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic •Vehicle disabled in active intersections •Extended inability to restart •Potential rollaway risk due to Park malfunction The vehicle is currently pending major transmission-related repairs. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about loss of propulsion and park system malfunction creating a safety risk for occupants and surrounding traffic.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · WI

My explorer was very slow/unable to accelerate onto the highway. The next time I started it there was rattling and lots of non engine noises, along with all kinds of warning lights. I took it to the dealership. In his words ‘the turbo grenaded itself into the engine. Quoted me 15k to fix/replace the engine, turbo and half shaft. I still owe 9k on it. Extended warranty that I purchased expired 4,000 miles ago. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle since I purchased it brand new in 2020. I am trading it in tomorrow🙁

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Electrical, Visibility · WI

Water has been leaking on my passenger side front floor, and now the blower motor has completely seized. Ford quoted me over $1,000 for a blower motor! I have requested asking for satisfaction warranty for this to be covered via email, with no response. Blower motors should not go bad this soon. I have no way to defrost or defog my windows. This is a major safety concern

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and then the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power control module. The contact was informed that the power control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Engine · 130,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after coming to a stop. The contact stated that the oil pressure message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred thirty days after an oil change. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Nearly all loss of engine power while driving on on a highway. Ford states these are the necessary repairs. The mechanic supervisor Verbally told me told me possible Engine coolant in cylinders 2 and 3. I requested photos, however none have been provided. I have not approved repairs due to the costs. Total Estimate for repairs is over $15000.00 Ford ecoboost engines have had a lot of recalls, for these same issues on other model Ford engines except the 2.3 liter 2020 Ford Explorer. (Rapid Coolant loss and leaking into the combustion chamber) causing the engine block to damaged. However, no recalls yet on the 2020 Ford Explorer. Cause REPLACE LONGBLOCK DUE TO INTERNAL FAILURE Correction REPLACE ENGINE AND ALL ONE TIME USE PARTS Estimate $ 11,534.51 EITHER PCM, HARNESS OR SENSOR BAD HEATER CIRCUIT OXYGEN SENSOR BANK 1 SENSOR 2 Correction REPLACE O2 SENSOR BROKEN EXHAUST PRESSURE SENSOR Correction REPLACE SENSOR Concern Critical Check Engine Light Is On And Running Rough Cause REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Correction REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND RECHECK Approved $ 605.56 Total estimate $ 15,863.61 Manufacturer Recall Issued Recall 23S23 Inoperative Rear 360 Degree Camera With A Blue Screen Imported From Oxlo On 12/18/2024 06:52 Approved No Charge I have not authorized repairs due to the high costs, and lack of guarantee of repair. Plus I'm still making monthly payments for another 15 months. Ford has not acknowledged cylinder manufacturing defects to engine block on the 2020 Ford Explorer. I'm at a loss.

Filed Jan 26, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I have recently have experienced engine failure with the 2020 Ford Explorer 2.3 ecoboost engine. I was driving on a 4 lane highway, specifically on a bridge, and I experienced loss of power and acceleration. At that time, the engine light came on. I managed to get home, with the vehicle seemed as if in limp mode. I had my vehicle towed to the Ford Dealer ship. The service manager stated that they believe it is complete engine failure. He believes the failure is in the cylinder walls which is due to coolant intrusion in cylinders 2 and 3. His suggestion is to change the "long block" at the costs of $12,284,51. Also, he expressed a concern with the transmission. It might be an issue with the computer, or wire harness. Which would be $1091.81. Plus, a couple sensors, spark plugs. In all The total repair costs are $16,904.16. I owe about $9,500. Prior to this, in 2022 the Turbo went out. It was replaced under the warranty at that time. This was at 90,000 miles. After doing some online research. There has also been a class-action lawsuit involving the 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Owners of these engines reported issues such as coolant leaks leading to engine overheating and, in some cases, engine failure. The lawsuit claims that Ford was aware of these defects but did not take adequate steps to address them. There are some fantastic videos on youtube that explains and illustrates the reasons for the manufacture defect and engine failure. [XXX] I am a high mileage driver of highways and interstates. I understand that vehicles will have normal wear & tear. I now have 190,000 miles and no longer under warranty. However, based on my investigation, and other similar complaints about the 2020 Explorer with the same or similar issues, I believe there could be a defect with the Cylinder head just like the other ecoboost engines. Other ford explorer owners will likely experience the same as the add miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)