2020 Ford Explorer transmission problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · IN

Subject: Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402 – Supplemental Progressive Damage & Dealer Non-Compliance Report – 2020 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX]) Body: To the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to file a supplemental safety complaint and non-compliance report regarding Ford Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402 (Transmission Parking Pawl Unexpected Engagement) and the subsequent progressive failure of connected drivetrain components on my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (VIN: [XXX]). 1. The Severe Safety Incident & Recall Remediation In XXX, while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a major highway, my vehicle experienced the exact catastrophic failure mode described in Campaign 26V402: the transmission parking pawl abruptly attempted to engage, causing severe mechanical duress, violent deceleration, and transferring massive kinetic shockwaves through the entire connected driveline. The vehicle was delivered to Pearson Ford ([XXX]) on XXX, where it was held for an unreasonable timeline of 7.5 months until XXX, to perform the recall-mandated transmission overhaul and the concurrent rear axle mounting bolt recall. 2. Progressive Driveline Failure & Present Safety Risk Just months after receiving the vehicle back from the recall remedy, the connected powertrain suffered a secondary breakdown. The vehicle is currently back in the custody of Pearson Ford. The service department has provided completely conflicting diagnoses, alternating from a failed fluid pump, to a transmission support failure, and now to a differential bearing and front axle failure. The dealership is refusing to acknowledge that the severe mechanical shock from the 70 mph parking pawl engagement compromised the structural integrity of the connected differential and axles. Furthermore, the dealership has performed unauthorized work by replacing front axle assemblies (Part N1MZ 3A427 F) despite technician video con INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and was unable to shift out of park(P). The message "Remain in Park" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lead powertrain control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle independently shifted to park(P), followed by a ripping sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 43-44 MPH and attempting to merge into the passing lane with his wife in the vehicle, the failure recurred, nearly bringing the vehicle to stop. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that upon shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle hesitated, made a clicking sound and jerked while responding. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact emptied the trunk; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the Chalmers Ford (2500 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124), where it was test-driven, and the failures were confirmed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · MI

For the past year i have been dealing with the 4wd fault where a lost connection to the module and im not the only one i belong to a group on facebook where they are always asking the same questions about who has the same problem and i feel like this should of been recalled a long time ago

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · OK

Have token it to several different dealerships and they say it’s up to specs but they won’t touch it without me paying for the work you can see that it’s not installed correctly idk what to do to get this fixed before it does break and something happens

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · KS

Front axle disconnect actuator on my 2020 Ford Explorer 2.3L AWD is failing. The vehicle stores DTC C0631-7E (Actuator Stuck On) and previously stored C0631-7F (Actuator Stuck Off). When the fault is active, the wrench light comes on and the following safety systems are disabled: AdvanceTrac, Pre-Collision Assist, and Hill Start Assist. Ford has issued TSB 25-2373 / 25-2568 for this exact issue requiring replacement of the intermediate shaft with revised part N1MZ-3A329-A and AWD module reprogramming, but there is no recall. Owners must pay for the repair. The problem is intermittent and has been confirmed with a scan tool. This is a known design defect, not normal wear, and it affects safety systems.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · SC

I was driving to work on XXX. My explorer slipped out of gear while driving. I was a minute from work so I went and parked it. The vehicle wouldn’t shift out of gear or into park. The symptoms seemed to be tied to recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Recall 26V402 so I had the car towed to a ford dealership. The service guy said it would be diagnosed in 1-2 weeks. It was finally diagnosed 3 weeks later. The service person told me I’d need a new transmission and it would cost 9800 to replace. I asked for the mechanics notes and diagnostic codes. They sent this: “Concerns verified, no crank no start the vehicle is stuck in park setting dtc P07E4. Found ssm 49685 and checked ground G210 and G214. Both grounds are not loose continued normal diagnosis. Completed work shop manual pinpoint test I. Found no issues with PCM or transmission harness wiring. Removed the transmission fluid pan for further testing. Found that the transmission fluid is black in color and is contaminated with metal debris. Found large chunks of steel within the transmission fluid pan. With further inspection found that the park pawl actuator rod has broken and has caused damage to the parking pawl causing the vehicle to hang in park. Dtc P07E4 sets because the vehicle cannot physically shift out of park. This failure has caused fluid contamination and has caused further damage to the transmission. Catastrophic failure is present. Transmission replacement is recommended along with replacing the transmission fluid cooler as fine metal debris may not be able to flushed from the cooler. -- [XXX]” I believe that the park pawl breaking is exactly the recall issue. I called ford corporate and they said they can’t do anything until the final remedy notice letter comes out at the end of this week 10/23 and can’t do any interim repairs until the recall is finalized. I texted the dealership to hold the vehicle until the letter is released. I’ve been out of a vehicle for a little over 3 weeks and frustrated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on more than one occasion, the vehicle stalled while driving. The contact stated the vehicle experienced difficulty shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where diagnosis confirmed the transmission failed and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 72,000.