general problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer - part 1

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT active recall: Ford #26s48 the transmission on my 2020 Ford Explorer has completely failed, leaving my vehicle inoperable and my family stranded. The vehicle is currently located at a local Ford dealership, just sitting there waiting for a fix. My vehicle started shifting gears randomly while driving, causing a lot of jerky movements. My wrench light came on the dashboard, and I instantly took my SUV to a local Ford dealership for inspection. After the inspection, the dealership described metal shards floating in my transmission fluid and stated that the only way to fix the issues is to pay for a brand-new transmission to be installed. Having both the dashboard warning light (wrench icon) and shifting issues alongside metal shards strongly points to active internal mechanical damage matching the 26s48 recall pattern associated with my exact VIN. Although my VIN is tied to active safety recall 26s48 for this exact component failure, the dealership refuses to repair it, stating that an official corporate remedy/parts are not available yet. Furthermore, the dealership attempted to quote me roughly $10,000 out of pocket for a transmission replacement for an emergency fix. When I contacted Ford corporate, they confirmed the lack of a current remedy and refused to provide alternative transportation (such as a loaner or rental vehicle), instead telling me to pay out-of-pocket for a rental or independent repair and "hope" for a future reimbursement. As a single-income family currently navigating an extreme financial hardship due to medical issues, paying thousands out-of-pocket or taking on high debt for a manufacturer defect seems impossible and an unfair burden. Forcing a family to choose between severe financial strain or being left indefinitely without a vehicle due to a delayed manufacturer remedy defeats the entire protective intent of the safety standards enforced by NHTSA.

I was driving back home going approx 40mph and my car started to slow down on its own. Got back up to speed and it continued to do this the whole way home. It sounded like it was downshifting. Making it extremely dangerous turning, lane shifting.

Moon roof is leaking from rain and snow and causing damage to whole interior.

Transmission downshifts hard, jerks at take off.

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when I stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the Ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process. . . .

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v685000 (equipment), 26v117000 (visibility), and 26v402000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was concerned that the incomplete recalls presented significant safety risks, specifically because the contact resided in alaska, where it rained constantly with low temperatures. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

I contacted a Ford dealerhip for recall work on xxx. There are multiple outstanding recalls on this VIN, and the dealership refused to make the required repairs. The dealership's name is [xxx] @ 22702 TX-249, tomball, TX 77375. I have supporting text message correspondence substantiating my claims. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle was parked on a slight incline and they were inside the vehicle rolled away and struck a fire hydrant. The vehicle was in park and rolled down the hill and struck multiple stationary objects.

My 2020 Ford Explorer had several issues with the hill assist, tcm control, power train malfunctions, it shifted very hard between first and second gear, at times it felt like it wouldn't accelerate at all and would pop into gear at higher speeds. I took it to family Ford of enfield several times for repairs which never fixed the overall problem. After several times at family Ford of enfield, I continued to drive my vehicle because my trusted dealership kept telling me the car was repaired. Now my vehicle needs a new transmission at 100% my cost.

The dashboard glue melted dashboard lifting also inside other areas of the dashboard leather?? vinyl is detaching also on the drivers side.

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

States “apply parking break before exiting” recall listed but not available. Unable to drive vehicle.

When putting the car in reverse and moving backwards start to feel the vehicle look drive power and knock sounds. Sounds likes and feels like gear teeth or not aligned. When putting the car into drive the vehicle jumps a little and you hear a lout pop noise.

Service advance track 4 weel drive doesn’t work and I don’t have control on the weels.

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 NHTSA. 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 NHTSA 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.

Sunroof headliner sagging. It completely blocks use of rear view mirror when open. Does not retract.

The chrome overlay on the driver side interior door handle is chipping and caused an injury to my finger. The chipped chrome broke off and became wedged in my skin and also resulted in a 0. 5in scratch. The injury was extremely painful and required medical attention to remove the broken chrome chip that was lodged in my finger.

Scenic sunroof shade has drooped and sagged down impeding my visibility in the rear view mirror to check traffic while backing out and seeing my grandchildren in their car seats.

Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When it’s not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.

On my 2020 Explorer st, the plastic backing on the front seats is popping off and exposing the seats airbags. My dealer said one replacement backing would be $1400 to replace. In a facebook group I am in, multiple people have complained on the 2020 st that theirs has done the same thing.

Sunroof clip broke and fabric sags which can affect visibility.

My Explorer has the optional double moonroof with an electric sunshade that opens or closes with a button. A week ago when I tried to retract the sunshade I noticed that the driver side of the fabric started drooping. After trying a few more times the roller failed to retract the fabric completely. So when I try to open the sunshade the fabric just hangs from the roller and impedes my view out the rear window, thereby creating a safety hazard.

Sun roof sun shade malfunctions and the shade sags down unable to see out of rear of vehicle, or rear view mirror. Also sags down on rear passengers and children and could cause your passengers to stop breathing from covering your face. Very dangerous.

The rear differential axle bolt on my vehicle has broken. There was no impact or collision prior to this failure. The vehicle suddenly made a loud noise and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while I was driving with my [xxx] daughter in the car. This created a serious safety hazard. Although my VIN does not currently appear under an active recall, I am aware that there have been prior recalls issued for this specific issue on the same vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed promptly for safety concerns and potential coverage, as the failure occurred without warning and placed my family at risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sagging sunroof shade.

Ford Explorer roof screen issues— sun shade does not retract and is now the cover sagging into the backseats when open, and is loose.

Transmission oil cooler leaking transmission fluid cooler inlet and outlet leaking.

Catalytic converters and flex pipes cracking.

The sunroof fabric is sagging and partially obstructing my view through the rear view mirror.

The sun shade for my 2020 Explorer has now joined the list of many others, where the sunshade drops and as it is now, I can’t see out my rear view mirror. Very dangerous!.

The panoramic sunroof cover is not functioning properly. When it is open, it’s supposed to spool up in the back, but it is not working and the cover just drops back into the backseat, obscuring the view to the rear of the vehicle. It’s a very unsafe situation and upon doing some research, I have found this to be a very common problem with this car. No recall has been issued, but it is very clearly a manufacturers defect.

**upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle . . . Drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the bcm (is what I am told. ) so the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. At least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still getting a dead monthly battery and here and there "check headlamp". Approx last year 2025, I realized. It was really dark driving the SUV. I get out and long behold the low beam headlamp was out. Played with switches. . Nothing. Checked into just getting a new one. Its is a staggering 1. 5k!!!!per headlamp! well, the cops pull me over 4 times. For a headlight with leds why am I even having to price this? this platinum trim just h I 5 years old and I cant believe all the problems. Along with that I found that this is considered something for the owner has to replace due to owners maintenance. No. This needs to be recalled. Should have already been recalled. The dead battery. Well. . . I know am out of all warranties to the vehicle and Ford is shutting the door in my face for any "goodwill repairs" (so far) as of this very moment, I have a dead 2020 Ford platinum Explorer. Heads lamp is still out. Yet there is a recall on a backup camera. Complete joke and this is literally disappointing.

The panoramic sunroof shade broke and hung down obstructing my view out of my rear view mirror. It is dangerous for me to be driving without being able to see behind me when my sunshade or sunroof are open. It is available to inspect. I brought it to a repair shop and they said it is a very common issue with Ford Explorers and an expensive repair. The vehicle wasn’t inspected by the manufacturer or police and there were no warning lamps. Ford is well aware of this issue and needs to fix it.

Somehow the sun shade for the sun roof has started sagging. It’s like it suddenly popped out of its tracks and it can block the rear view which is very unsafe.