general problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer - part 2

Sunshade - bought the car 2 years ago. Hit the button to close the sunshade and it stopped closing. Turns out the frame cracked on its own. No accident, no one pushing or pulling on the sunshade, the frame just cracked on its own. This is a 2020 model so I find it very hard to believe it is "wear and tear", this is definitely a defective part or Ford used too cheap of a product on a expensive vehicle. This issue can cause health concerns as my family is being cooked by the sun, not to mention the potential for skin conditions/sunburn that could develop as a result of this.

Interior driver door handle - coating is metal, it partially peeled off. Several times it has cut my finger when I open the door (paper type cut). Due to fast paced life, I forget to open door is a way to avoid the metal flake and tend to always cut my finger which is scary if I touched it when vehicle was in motion, there is a quick second of shock/pain from cut. Ford has this common problem as we had the window openers replaced when it was warrantied, same issue. I think it's a safety issue and should be replaced by Ford. They want to charge me over $300 for the repair, I'm not going to give them the satisfaction. Driver side is more affected because it is used 3x as much and other doors.

Panoramic moon roof shade cover has detached from the roof of the car. The fabric shade falls into the car blocking vision of the driver. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. I am unaware if the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings of the problem. The fabric just fell into the car blocking the vision of the driver.

Sunroof shade sagging preventing rear visibility and potential injure to rear passenger.

On the glass panels in between the rear and front side windows, the panels are shattering underneath both sides. When looking up online to see if anyone else has this problem, there’s all kinds of pictures of this problem posted online. . I’m including photos of mine. Have included photos of driver and passenger side.

On [xxx], after starting my vehicle, I received multiple safety warnings, prompting the check engine light and a wrench icon on the dashboard. The alerts included issues with the anti-collision system, hill assist, traction control, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, as well as my drive modes which were also unavailable. I contacted raceway Ford in riverside, CA, and dropped off the vehicle that day, reporting the errors. The dealership informed me the next day that the half shaft speed sensor had failed and would cost $870. 52 to replace. Since the warranty had expired a month earlier on [xxx], this was no longer covered under the drivetrain warranty. I agreed to the repairs. After installing the new sensor, and conducting a test drive, additional errors appeared. After two weeks in the shop and multiple follow-ups, the dealership concluded that the awd/fwd sensor had also failed and replaced both sensors. The repair documentation references TSB 21-2270, ssm 49045, and c0631. I believe this raises serious safety concerns and should warrant a recall, especially since other vehicles are experiencing similar issues just a month after warranty expiration. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The panoramic sunroof shade has lost its tension when opens. The roller may have broken its clip to hold since being plastic. When open it blockes from seeing from rear view mirror as it sags down. In short cant use sunroof as it poses a risk of view.

Under 23s55 my rear bolt was supposed to be replaced at my recall appointment at the nice Ford dealership in sioux falls south dakota. Only the bushing always replaced as stated by the service writer and also the paperwork says they found no broken bolts and the bushing and ‘hardware’ was replaced. I have the invoice. 1 1/2 year later the bolt snapped causing my differential to nearly come completely off, hanging by one bolt, nearly killing my wife and I, coconut point Ford in estero FL, had the audacity to say bolts aren’t covered under my 100k warranty and the recall is closed so you have to pay. Then they said they’d pay 2100 then 2600 towards the 5300 repair which is not fair as this is a known recall issue that Ford failed to fix at my recall appt. Please assist and pressure Ford to fix this under the recall. They are saying it is closed which seems inaccurate,.

Recently, my 2020 Ford Explorer showed a front passenger tsmp failure followed by the rear driver tsmp failure light about 3 weeks later. Within a day or two of the second tsmp light displaying, I had multiple codes lighting up my dash: 4wd fault, hill-start assist unavailable, service advance track, pre-collision assist unavailable, check manual, etc. I found my car was not accelerating every time I pressed the acceleration pedal, and it would stop maintaining my speed and appear to drift like power was lost for a couple to few seconds before resuming power. This caused me to move into a turn lane or make an unexpected turn off the road as I could not maintain speed in the midst of traffic. It was terrifying and dangerous to myself, my children and the vehicles moving around me. One reputable repair shop replaced the tsmp sensors; however, the codes for the other warning lights showed a communication error that only Ford could diagnose. Ford stated the awd module failed, which meant the different systems were not in communication when I was driving which led to the loss of power that I experienced multiple times while driving to repair shops. Ford stated the awd module needed to be replaced. It is unbelievable that I would have 2 tsmp sensors and an awd module fail in less than 5 years of the vehicle being manufactured when I have never replaced any of those items in 7-8 years of owning other vehicles with similar components. I believe Ford has used inferior parts that they know will fail to drive their repair revenue, which is unethical and unsafe to consumers.

This recall has been remedied and there is nothing wrong with the car. I need this recall marked taken care of so that I can continue renting it. Please remove this care off the unrepaired list ASAP!!!!!.

The vehicle’s transmission system has been malfunctioning exhi jerky, delayed, and unpredictable shifting behaviors, especially noticeable at speeds between approximately 27 an 30 mph and higher. At lower speeds, the jerking is less frequent, but as speed increases, the jerks become more severe and abrupt. These issues manifest during various driving conditions, including accelerating, decelerating, coming to a stop, and lane changes on highways and city roads. When the problem first occurred, the vehicle suddenly jolted in a manner that felt as if I had been rear-ended, causing a sharp, uncomfortable sensation akin to whiplash. The unexpected jerks cause the vehicle to surge or hesitate unpredictably, significantly affecting my ability to maintain smooth control. On multiple occasions, this behavior happened while I was slowing down at stop signs, red lights, or in traffic, with vehicles close behind me, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. In one hazardous incident, while attempting to merge from the right lane to the outermost left lane in order to cross an intersection, the vehicle jerked suddenly and unexpectedly, nearly causing me to collide with multiple vehicles behind me. This loss of control was alarming and made it unsafe to continue driving in this condition. At the time of these transmission malfunctions, my children were passengers in the vehicle, which made the situation even more alarming due to the increased risk of injury to my family. To date, this transmission issue has been consistently reproducible during everyday driving but has not been formally inspected, diagnosed, or repaired by any dealership or independent mechanic. There have been no warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators that signaled this problem prior to or during these events. The transmission system and related components are available for inspection upon request. Because of these unpredictable and unsafe transmission malfunctions, I am currently u.

The panoramic sunroof sunshade assembly on my 2020 Ford Explorer limited failed when the sunshade suddenly came off the guide track during normal operation. Prior to the failure, the sunshade operated normally with no warning signs, messages, or indicators. Once detached, the sunshade hung down into the rear window area and obstructed rearward visibility while driving, creating a safety hazard during lane changes, merging, and reversing. An authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle, confirmed that the sunshade had come off the track, and quoted approximately $1,500 for repair. The component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.

Back up camera glitches and back up lights went out cause me to back into a tree at night.

Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident risk. Unable to drive vehicle until leak is fixed and mold is remediated.

Back up camera turns off out of nowhere while in use. We have to stop immediately and turn back and not always is there visibility through the rearview window. Has not been inspected, they wanted to charge me $200 just to look at it. Once it goes out after a while it states that backup camera not available and to contact the dealership on the screen.

My 2020 Ford Explorer required a transmission replacement just after 100,000 miles. The service department that handled the repair informed me that the issue with my vehicle’s transmission matches the same issue affecting 2021 and newer Ford Explorer models — models which, I understand, have been recalled due to this known transmission defect. Despite this, my vehicle—just one model year earlier—was not included in the recall, and I was required to cover the full cost of the transmission replacement. This is frustrating and concerning, as it indicates the issue may extend beyond the currently recalled model years. To make matters worse, about a month after the replacement, I had to return to the dealership because the transmission required an update that had not been performed. As a loyal Ford customer, I’m disappointed that I’ve had to endure these issues — both with a known transmission defect and with the quality of the repair — at my own expense. Ford motor company cannot cover the repairs due to it not being included in the recalled vehicles, even though the issue is the same.

Panoramic sunroof shade came off track causing it to sag.

Back latch is getting stuck in secondary position when released. Module is intermittently not communicating.

I was involved in an accident. I was traveling through a green light and a car was coming towards my driver side, they failed to yield. I attempted to accelerate and my transmission slipped prior to impact. I have tried to address this concern with Ford in the past and have reported the vehicle jerks on acceleration and when slowing down. You can feel the transmission slip when it is attempting to go from gear to gear.

My SUV was expired last Dec and didnt know I just got that since April 2025 and I have to pay my own self for fix SUV it not my fault and there no warranty for me check SUV and fix recall.

The panoramic roof fabric has become unhinged from the track and caused a visibility issue for my rear view mirror.

The sunroof fabric covering the glass sags down and does not work properly. This is a known issue on 2020+ Ford Explorers with the sunroof option. The sag blocks visibility out the rearview mirror and causes a distraction to drivers.

The car leaks water into the cabin on the front passenger side from the hvac system. This has been a consistent issue and has not been resolved by Ford. The car has no sunroof and the water drips from behind the glovebox. It is enough water to make a large puddle in the front passenger side foot space.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - driveline, brakes, acceleration, and steering. Ford and 2 dealerships now refuse to take my complaints seriously even though I’m willing to pay diagnosis fees for them too try to figure out what the issue is. Yes available. How was your safety or the safety risk? - delay and at times complete lack of braking and acceleration, being unable to steer, accelerating when braking and vehicle moving when in park. The vehicle shakes, wobbles, vibrates and chimys. Vehicle warning lights have flashed only to be gone in 2 seconds. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? yes and no. Initially many parts in the driveline including the transfer case was replaced. The vehicle went into the dealership multiple times because the symptoms kept returning. However, now the same dealership refuses to take the vehicle back because they couldn’t figure out what the issue was and now the second dealership is trying to push back and even accepting my money to take a look at the vehicle. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the manufacturer including Ford engineers. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the warning lights seem to appear and then disappear as quickly as they show up. I have tried to log some of them, but sometimes I do not get to see it in time as when starting the car I’m closing my door and out putting my seat belt on. There have been multiple cars for this vehicle, including customer satisfaction programs. The most recent one a steering torque sensor failure posted on the NHTSA site as well as Ford. However on Ford’s website, it is being misrepresented as a loose seatbelt (see attachment). I don’t believe they are being transparent. There are recalls that I believe are excluding vins purposefully.

The sunroof liner began sagging when opened. It was inspected and repaired. The repairs were out of pocket at auto nation frisco. We have owned the vehicle for 4 years and hardly use the sunroof. We had no other problems with the sunroof.

2020 Ford Explorer st my panoramic sun blind is off track it is blocking rear view.

The driver side door latch is defective. I’ve often been locked in or out of my vehicle. Obviously the main door on the vehicle. Many times I have to climb over the center console to exit my vehicle. What if I’m in an accident or my car catches fire, I can’t get out. Leaving me trapped. Or if I’m in danger and need to get in my car but I’m locked out. Often since latch doesn’t function it doesn’t shut my automatic lights off potentially wearing down the battery. Pretty sure my insurance company would not be happy that they are insuring a vehicle with these dangers and potential for someone to enter my vehicle when it decides to not lock. I’ve been told the vehicle is not part of a recall and the vehicle part is on a national backorder with no eta. Dealership contacted me recently stating part was in, lost a whole day of work to find out they ordered the wrong part and the part is still not available. I bought this vehicle used off of a lease program only a year ago with 42,000 miles and have only put less that 10,000 miles on it. Transmission issues but dealership says they can’t find anything wrong. Car jerks and makes wining grinding noises when first taking off. I find it hard to believe Ford does not think this is s safety issue with driver being trapped in or locked out of vehicle.

Sunshade for the sunroof is starting to sag/come off track.

Door handle chrome plating is peeling off. Finger cut when opening the car door. Chrome tips on window buttons had already been recalled for the same reason, but the door handles were not included in this recall. Attached picture of finger was 7 days later.

The backup camera comes on when stop at a red light/stop sign all the time. When backing up sometimes screen will show picture of backing up and other times screen will be blue. Dangerous when in parking lot at grocery store as people do not pay attention. Ongoing for over 6 to 8 months now.

The fabric on the sunroof fails out when opened and blocks view.

The transmission failed. Causing me to almost be rear ended because when I hit the brakes there was a hard down sift between gears. Then I could not accelerate resulting in me being stranded on the side of the road. We have had the car inspected by two separate shops and they both confirmed it was a failed transmission. We were not able to take it to the manufacturer dealership for two weeks. There was no warnings before this happened.

The rear window dropped down while driving, which was scary and wouldn't go up.

The accelerator pedal is mounted to the floor and the pedal itself is attached to the base with a very thin piece of plastic that over time separates. In my vehicle the pedal has separated and is moving freely which makes the accelerator pedal raise up while your foot is on the brakes and when you go to accelerate the pedal is blocking your foot from returning to the accelerator. The answer to question #1, the accelerator pedal and yes it is available for inspection. #2 I was nearly struck while crossing over a divided highway because my foot was obstructed by the accelerator pedal. #3 I have contacted the dealer and they advised I had to replace the part because it was not under recall. #4 I am law enforcement and I have encountered and inspected the pedal and deem it to be dangerous. #5 there were no lamps, no warning lights and this occurred all of the sudden, no symptoms prior to separation.

-2020 Ford Explorer -panoramic sunroof shade. -sunroof shade sagging, blocking view from rear view mirror while driving. -problem is reproduced every time I attempt to open/retract the shade. This is a recurrent problem with many 2020 Explorer owners. -awaiting appointment with dealer for inspection. -no warnings prior to failure of shade retraction mechanism. Problem began 2-3 months ago.