2020 Ford Explorer: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Lights · MN

Headlight went out.

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Lights · MI

Drivers side low beam intermittently does not operate. Becoming more and more common. Now, passenger side lamp is doing the exact same thing, and both shut down while in motion at night. These lamps should not fail like this. There is an existing recall for 2026 vehicles with the exact same issues.

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 18, 2026 · Lights · NH

Passenger headlight module has blown and seems to be an issue with the 2020 Ford Explorer.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Lights · IN

The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · MI

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving. The vehicle displayed the warning message, **"Check Headlamp System – See Manual."** Initially, the headlamp would occasionally begin working again after restarting the vehicle, but for approximately the past three months, the passenger-side low beam has remained inoperative. The failed component is the passenger-side adaptive headlamp assembly and related headlamp system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety concern because nighttime visibility is reduced with only one functioning low-beam headlamp. It also makes it more difficult for other drivers to see my vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, especially on dark roads or during poor weather conditions. The warning message first appeared before the headlamp permanently failed. The problem was intermittent at first but has progressively worsened until the passenger-side low beam no longer functions. I have learned that numerous owners of higher-trim Ford Explorers equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps have reported experiencing the same issue. I understand that similar complaints have already been submitted to the federal safety agency. The replacement cost is extremely expensive and often requires replacement of the entire adaptive headlamp assembly, leaving owners to pay out of pocket for what appears to be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue to determine whether a manufacturing or design defect exists and whether Ford should issue a recall or other corrective action. Also, I do have the vehicle available to show.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Lights · OK

The passenger headlamp has went out and after researching this is supposed to be a lifetime lamp and has become a common issue on these vehicles. If these lamps are malfuntioning it should be recalled because it is a safety issue specially to ones that already have vision issues at night.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · MO

Both my passenger and driver headlights have failed. I have paid to have them replaced. The drivers side has failed twice. The passenger side has failed 3 times. I have taken it to the dealership and they “fixed” the issue but it keeps coming back months or weeks later. The low beams are what is failing. The message on the dash says “check headlight assembly see manual” This is a safety risk to me and other people on the road. They have failed while driving. If I am driving early in the morning or late at night I can not see if there are no street lights. People also can’t see me coming. This is a major safety risk. I bought the car in August 2024. Headlights have failed 5 times since then. The dealership helped me with my first four failures. On this last failure, they said it is not covered under warranty and that I need to pay $3000 for the headlight. Five failures of headlights seems like a manufacturer issue and not something. I am doing on my end.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Lights · TX

Driver side headlamp low beam has burned out. They are supposed to be lifetime LED headlamps, not burn out after only 67,000 miles.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Lights · MS

The driver side headlight low beam will not work. Dealership said 1700+ labor to replace. I have looked into this and several other ford explorer platinum owners have same issue.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Lights · MO

Headlight Assembly. Low beam is "out". Check headlight assembly message appears on dash. Was told by Ford that the whole unit needed to be replaced for $1000+. Weeks later it started working normally again. How can it suddenly work when I was told the light was "out"? This has happened to MANY people with a Platinum Explorer.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Lights · KS

Passenger headlight, LED low beam has gone out. Daytime running lights, high beam, and turn signal still work. Tried replacing the module and it's the headlamp that is bad.