2020 Ford Explorer acceleration & cruise control problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 3, 2026LAAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission malfunctioned on the Interstate. The car started jumping and then would slow way down to about 33 MPH with the RPM's super high and then kick back in and speed up super fast and I would have to brake constantly. I almost hit the car in front of me at one point. A different point in the same trip the car behind me had to slam on it's brakes to stop from hitting me when the car lost power. I got off the Interstate at the very next exit and took back roads…

   NHTSA complaint #11748182 · source
2. Filed Mar 23, 2026MSAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Since purchase as a preowned vehicle, we noted this vehicle is equipped with a faulty transmission/tcm software design that is dangerously unpredictable and creates erratic driving conditions. This passenger SUV Is equipped with a 10 speed automatic that (once at operating temperature) the gear shifts and operation become highly unpredictable, often causing severe safety issues navigating in traffic, slowing down to sudden stops, and any acceleration, frequently getting…

   NHTSA complaint #11726413 · source
3. Filed Mar 3, 202626,000 miOHAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11721751 · source
4. Filed Dec 30, 2025PAAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle did not want to shift above 35 mph. When letting off gas - harsh downshift (with no break lights) at 25mph. Diagnosed transmission problem - repaired- Ford dealership rebuilt transmission. No warnings or messages prior to failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11707911 · source
5. Filed Jul 10, 2025NHAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   With no previous problems, over the course of the past two days the transmission has begun to hard and delayed shift in multiple gears between 10 to 75 mph. When slowing down to go through tolls this morning, as I accelerated, there was a sudden loss of power transmission and a loud rattling sound. The engine would rev in this case. I had to coast for about 150 ft before I regained control of my speed. Once I was slowing down to take my exit to get to work and wait at the…

   NHTSA complaint #11672556 · source
6. Filed Jun 5, 2025TNOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11665160 · source
7. Filed Feb 10, 202572,000 miINAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle occasionally exceeded 85 MPH and accelerated independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11641809 · source
8. Filed Jan 5, 2025ALOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11634155 · source
9. Filed Nov 25, 2024MOAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmissions “A” clutch failure diagnosed by Ford service department. There were no warning lamps indicating there was an issue Car start jolting upon acceleration and deceleration in 2nd to 3rd gear. Because of the jolting effect, especially upon deceleration, it put me at greater risk of an accident. Vehicle is only 4 years old.

   NHTSA complaint #11627356 · source
10. Filed Jul 6, 2024TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I have put my 2020 ford explorer platinum in the ford shop several times because my cruise control has never worked properly. While using the cruise control it will reset to 85 mph whenever it chooses. This is a dangerous issue. Sames Ford dealership has looked at this issue 4 or so times with no fix. This issue needs to be addressed as my car is not the only one with this same issue.

    NHTSA complaint #11599515 · source
11. Filed Jun 27, 2024OHElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    While vehicle was driving in motion, all system error messages began to sequence on the dashboard (Steering Assist Fault Service Required, Check Park Aid, See Manual, Service AdvanceTrac, Front Camera Fault Service Required, Full Accessory Power Active, Park Brake Fault Service Now, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Navigation Fault). Vehicle lost acceleration and had decreased steering and braking capability. This happened on 5/20/2024 and was "repaired" by dealership…

    NHTSA complaint #11597304 · source
12. Filed Jun 18, 2024MOAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    When braking and slowing down between 30-25 mph the transmission catches and feels like it “bucks”. Almost to a sudden stop and I’m afraid the cars behind me are going to rear end me. I took it to my local Ford dealer where they reprogrammed and reset adaptive tables, then told me to drive it like this for 500-1000 miles to see if it worked itself out! I feel this is dangerous! I have an extended warranty 5 yr/ 60,000 miles, I’ve owned it 4 yrs with approximately 30,000…

    NHTSA complaint #11595065 · 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