Known Recalls

Model year record

2020 Ford Explorer

33 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,754 owner complaints on file.

Ford Explorer, 2020–2026 generation
Pictured: the 2020–2026 generation. Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V451000

Seats: mid/rear assembly

Component
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
387,911
Reported to NHTSA
2026-07-14
Owners notified
2026-08-21

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Safety risk

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V402000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
741,195
Reported to NHTSA
2026-06-24

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Safety risk

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V159000

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
561
Reported to NHTSA
2026-03-17
Owners notified
2026-03-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Safety risk

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V123000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
889,950
Reported to NHTSA
2026-03-03
Owners notified
2026-06-23

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V117000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
604,533
Reported to NHTSA
2026-03-03

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Safety risk

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V685000

Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

Component
Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
59,006
Reported to NHTSA
2025-10-10

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Safety risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V442000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
200,237
Reported to NHTSA
2025-06-27
Owners notified
2025-09-04

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Safety risk

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V393000

Seats: mid/rear assembly

Component
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
304,662
Reported to NHTSA
2025-06-13
Owners notified
2025-08-07

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Safety risk

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V159000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
49,399
Reported to NHTSA
2025-03-14
Owners notified
2025-04-25

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V166000

Power train: driveline: driveshaft

Component
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
4,247
Reported to NHTSA
2025-03-14
Owners notified
2025-04-25

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety risk

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V093000

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
240,510
Reported to NHTSA
2025-02-14
Owners notified
2025-06-05

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

Safety risk

A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V852000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
27,678
Reported to NHTSA
2024-11-08
Owners notified
2024-12-19

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V598000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
85,238
Reported to NHTSA
2024-08-09
Owners notified
2025-08-13

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Safety risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V188000

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Component
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
1,988
Reported to NHTSA
2024-03-08
Owners notified
2024-04-04

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 20V-575 and 22V-252.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V675000

Power train: driveline: driveshaft

Component
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
238,364
Reported to NHTSA
2023-10-06
Owners notified
2024-01-19

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety risk

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V626000

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

Component
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
2,954
Reported to NHTSA
2023-09-08
Owners notified
2024-04-08

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Safety risk

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V342000

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Component
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
442,973
Reported to NHTSA
2023-05-12
Owners notified
2023-11-10

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V305000

Back over prevention: display function

Component
Back over prevention: display function
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
523
Reported to NHTSA
2023-04-28
Owners notified
2023-07-27

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V199000

Parking brake: electrical

Component
Parking brake: electrical
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
674
Reported to NHTSA
2023-03-24
Owners notified
2023-05-31

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Safety risk

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V069000

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
3,674
Reported to NHTSA
2023-02-10
Owners notified
2023-03-28

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

Safety risk

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V022000

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Component
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
382,759
Reported to NHTSA
2023-01-23
Owners notified
2023-02-13

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V735000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
228,297
Reported to NHTSA
2021-09-22
Owners notified
2021-11-16

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Safety risk

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V154000

Suspension: rear

Component
Suspension: rear
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
49
Reported to NHTSA
2021-03-10
Owners notified
2021-04-02

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

Safety risk

Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V788000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
1,405
Reported to NHTSA
2020-12-17
Owners notified
2021-02-03

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Safety risk

With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V730000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
17
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-24
Owners notified
2020-12-08

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

Safety risk

An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V693000

Power train: driveline: driveshaft

Component
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
10,905
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-10
Owners notified
2020-12-11

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.

Safety risk

Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V575000

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Component
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
620,246
Reported to NHTSA
2020-09-23
Owners notified
2021-02-01

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V549000

Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
29
Reported to NHTSA
2020-09-10
Owners notified
2020-11-06

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

Safety risk

Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V497000

Air bags: critical fasteners

Component
Air bags: critical fasteners
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
488
Reported to NHTSA
2020-08-21
Owners notified
2020-09-10

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.

Safety risk

If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V859000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
3,857
Reported to NHTSA
2019-12-04
Owners notified
2020-03-23

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

Safety risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V687000

Electrical system: wiring

Component
Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
10,655
Reported to NHTSA
2019-09-30
Owners notified
2019-10-21

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Safety risk

The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V633000

Seats: mid/rear assembly

Component
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
639,137
Reported to NHTSA
2019-08-28
Owners notified
2019-10-21

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Safety risk

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V575000

Parking brake

Component
Parking brake
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
13,896
Reported to NHTSA
2019-08-05
Owners notified
2019-08-23

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Safety risk

Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train48940,000 mi
Unknown or other2105,761 mi
Electrical system1849,000 mi
Engine1178,000 mi
Service brakes816,050 mi
Visibility/wiper577,000 mi
Exterior lighting5657,000 mi
Back over prevention4022,900 mi
Fuel/propulsion system402,000 mi
Seats3820,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: warnings361,227 mi
Structure: body3212,000 mi
Suspension3128,500 mi
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera3050,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking297,000 mi
Steering2717,000 mi
Vehicle speed control2510,700 mi
Back over prevention: warnings2013,000 mi
Seat belts1838,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control1611,000 mi
Wheels14267 mi
Back over prevention: rearview system braking123,000 mi
Back over prevention: camera system106,659 mi
Power train: automatic transmission1061,800 mi
Lane departure: blind spot detection9500 mi
Engine and engine cooling882,253 mi
Lane departure: assist73,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor640,416 mi
Air bags5—
Electronic stability control (ESC)54,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system527,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock440,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly4109,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance360,000 mi
Parking brake3100,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly: head restraint370,000 mi
Structure376,290 mi
Visibility31,400 mi
Equipment231,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: camera212,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline254,000 mi
Lane departure: warning22,600 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch253,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooler/radiator: hoses and fittings223,000 mi
Structure: body: door: handle: interior217,000 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber243,000 mi
Tires2267 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control226,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls24,800 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs257,065 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel141,000 mi
Electrical system: adas: hill start assist: assembly170,000 mi
Electrical system: adas: hud: camera/sensor1—
Electrical system: adas: parking assist: sensors161,000 mi
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (BMS/BECM)1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger194,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control15,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe170,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)1—
Firerelated1—
Forward collision avoidance: dynamic brake support/brake assist16,342 mi
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radar112,000 mi
Lane departure142,000 mi
Lane departure: lane keep: automatic steering150,000 mi
Lane departure: lane keep: steering assist160,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages112,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)159,518 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit165,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)1—
Service brakes, air122,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock145,200 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1102,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip146,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion15,000 mi
Structure: body: door1—
Structure: body: door: handle: exterior140,302 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate1—
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1—
Structure: body: hood168,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate1—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1—
Structure: interior panels: sun visor148,123 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber170,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window: electrical heating element1—
Visibility: glass, side/rear1—
Visibility: windshield1—

The 2019 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2021 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

RQ21002Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Other Ford Explorer model years

202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841977

All Ford Explorer recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.