2020 Ford Explorer lighting problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026MILighting

   Drivers side low beam intermittently does not operate. Becoming more and more common. Now, passenger side lamp is doing the exact same thing, and both shut down while in motion at night. These lamps should not fail like this. There is an existing recall for 2026 vehicles with the exact same issues.

   NHTSA complaint #11768857 · source
2. Filed Oct 2, 2026FLElectrical SystemLighting

   "CHECK HEADLAMP SYSTEM SEE MANUAL" appears intermittently on the dash with headlights going out. As hundreds of others have reported here and on internet forums, we too are dealing with intermittent headlights. This is a major SAFETY issue while driving at night and your headlights go out suddenly. After bringing our vehicle to a Ford Dealership (who regularly service our vehicle) and paying a diagnostic fee, they could not properly diagnose the issue and said the only fix…

   NHTSA complaint #11768546 · source
3. Filed Aug 24, 2026INLighting

   The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint #11759016 · source
4. Filed Jun 14, 2026OKLighting

   The passenger headlamp has went out and after researching this is supposed to be a lifetime lamp and has become a common issue on these vehicles. If these lamps are malfuntioning it should be recalled because it is a safety issue specially to ones that already have vision issues at night.

   NHTSA complaint #11744024 · source
5. Filed May 21, 2026MOElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   Both my passenger and driver headlights have failed. I have paid to have them replaced. The drivers side has failed twice. The passenger side has failed 3 times. I have taken it to the dealership and they “fixed” the issue but it keeps coming back months or weeks later. The low beams are what is failing. The message on the dash says “check headlight assembly see manual” This is a safety risk to me and other people on the road. They have failed while driving. If I am driving…

   NHTSA complaint #11739255 · source
6. Filed May 14, 2026TXLighting

   Driver side headlamp low beam has burned out. They are supposed to be lifetime LED headlamps, not burn out after only 67,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11737734 · source
7. Filed Apr 6, 2026MSLighting

   The driver side headlight low beam will not work. Dealership said 1700+ labor to replace. I have looked into this and several other ford explorer platinum owners have same issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11729390 · source
8. Filed Feb 27, 2026MOLighting

   Headlight Assembly. Low beam is "out". Check headlight assembly message appears on dash. Was told by Ford that the whole unit needed to be replaced for $1000+. Weeks later it started working normally again. How can it suddenly work when I was told the light was "out"? This has happened to MANY people with a Platinum Explorer.

   NHTSA complaint #11720986 · source
9. Filed Feb 20, 2026KSLighting

   Passenger headlight, LED low beam has gone out. Daytime running lights, high beam, and turn signal still work. Tried replacing the module and it's the headlamp that is bad.

   NHTSA complaint #11719340 · source
10. Filed Jan 28, 2026NELighting

    LED Headlight assembly failure. Loss of headlight is a safety concern because by law you need both headlights working. It allows cars to see you. The malfunction of the headlight has been confirmed by a Ford Dealership. There are several reports online of this happening to the 2020 Explorer LED headlamps. The only warning was the message system.

    NHTSA complaint #11713906 · source
11. Filed Jan 23, 2026NCElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

    **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 ...ie: drivers…

    NHTSA complaint #11712966 · source
12. Filed Jan 18, 2026ILLighting

    Passenger side headlight quit working, except on high beams. Also, dashboard warning came on about headlamp not working. Tried to get new bulbs and was told that the whole headlight assembly had to be replaced and dealership charges $1500+

    NHTSA complaint #11711700 · 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