2020 Ford Explorer body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026NDBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

   Panoramic roof sunshade/retractor failure resulting in obstruction of rearward visibility through the interior rearview mirror while driving

   NHTSA complaint #11766953 · source
2. Filed Aug 15, 2026WA1 injuredBody & StructureElectrical System

   On August 14, 2026, the power liftgate on my 2020 Forde Explorer unexpectedly began closing while I was loading my dog into a kennel in the rear cargo area. I did not press the liftgate close button and no one else activated a liftgate control. My key fob was inside my purse on the front seat of the vehicle. The liftgate came down while I was underneath it and struck me directly on the head. The impact knocked me to the ground. I saw stars and was confused immediately…

   NHTSA complaint #11757115 · source
3. Filed Jul 2, 2026INBody & StructureElectrical SystemWheels & Tires

   My driver window won’t stay up once it gets to the top it goes back down. The underbody is starting to detach. It is shifting hard and makes a loud noise. Worse at low speeds and applying brakes . The tire pressure sensors all went out at one time

   NHTSA complaint #11747989 · source
4. Filed May 12, 2026ALBody & Structure

   The fabric/plastic/felt under the car is falling to pieces! It's becoming a safety hazard. This complaint is posted in a lot of forums.

   NHTSA complaint #11737404 · source
5. Filed Apr 23, 2026OHBody & Structure

   The A-pillar trim on the driver's side is pulling away from the body of the car. The previous generation of this vehicle had the same issue and has had a recall. The trim can fly off while driving causing damage to other cars and accidents. The dealership body shop inspected the part and said that it needed replaced. I first noticed this due to the sound of wind while driving even with the windows shut. Not long after, I noticed the trim sticking out away from the body of…

   NHTSA complaint #11733279 · source
6. Filed Mar 8, 2026WIBody & Structure

   The Driver's side pillar along the door and windshield blew off and almost hit the car behind me. On 10/22/24, the exact same thing happened but on the passenger side that time. Our Ford Dealer said the 2020 Ford Explorer model was not a recall item only 2017-2019 however later models also had many issues where these side pillars blew off.

   NHTSA complaint #11722800 · source
7. Filed Jan 16, 2026TXBody & StructureSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving on the highway and I heard a loud bang , with grinding and a jerk i assumed the rear axel or differential something in the rear area along with smoke and I was able to swerve to the side of the highway along the grass and jump out with my kids multiple cars where behind me but I turned on my emergency lights & got out just in time before causing a accident , this is all tied to a recall that’s been fixed twice now here we are a third time and it’s back again at…

   NHTSA complaint #11711552 · source
8. Filed Dec 10, 202595,000 miCOBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the system then resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown sensor had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that recently the…

   NHTSA complaint #11704326 · source
9. Filed Sep 8, 2025MNBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11685813 · source
10. Filed Aug 25, 2025OHBody & StructureOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

    The panoramic sunroof Rolo shade has malfunctioned and is currently sagging. This condition is expected to worsen over time, potentially obstructing driver visibility or posing a safety risk due to the possibility of entrapment or flammability. The vehicle has been brought to a certified Ford dealer for inspection; however, no additional inspections have been performed by other authorities at this time. There are no warning lights or alerts displayed in the vehicle related…

    NHTSA complaint #11682868 · source
11. Filed Aug 11, 202553,000 miNH2 injuredBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to open the passenger’s side door, her son and husband’s hands were sliced and injured by the door. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to…

    NHTSA complaint #11679846 · source
12. Filed Jun 28, 2025KYBody & StructureOther / Unknown

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11669879 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology