2020 Ford Explorer steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026MISteeringTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   on the highway it was raining heavily, and my 6 years old was in car back seat. Suddenly wipers stopped working, Steering wheel wasn't working, indicator was not working, I was getting multiple warnings on my screen. We would have ended up in a major accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11769834 · source
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026187,307 miPACrashTowedSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the AWD disengaged and the vehicle started sliding. The contact attempted to correct the vehicle but crashed into a lamppost with the rear driver’s side door. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The failure mileage was 187,307.

   NHTSA complaint #11767370 · source
3. Filed May 20, 2026NJOther / UnknownSteeringWheels & Tires

   When putting the car in reverse and moving backwards start to feel the vehicle look drive power and knock sounds. Sounds likes and feels like gear teeth or not aligned. When putting the car into drive the vehicle jumps a little and you hear a lout pop noise.

   NHTSA complaint #11738967 · source
4. Filed Jul 29, 202554,000 miOHSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for regular service, he was made aware that the driver’s side CV axle was leaking. The contact was informed that the driver’s side CV axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11676990 · source
5. Filed Jul 2, 2025GAElectrical SystemSteering

   Experiencing issues with power steering after battery replacement. Taken to two Ford dealerships (Fayetteville, GA & Morrow, GA) . One unable to diagnose (Fayetteville) and the other reset battery settings (Morrow). Issue still persistent with intermittent power steering failure while driving. Very dangerous and scary! Errors that appear: service advance trac, steering assist fault service required & pre-collision assist not available.

   NHTSA complaint #11670672 · source
6. Filed Jun 23, 2025WISteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recall on a bolt on the rear axle on mine and a steering bolt on another 2020 vehicle. Another mechanic said it could be the transmition not working properly. It drives down the road good except when accelerating a little. It…

   NHTSA complaint #11668760 · source
7. Filed Jun 17, 2025MDSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Front axle boot defective and leaks grease causing steering instability and possible powertrain failure. Dealer charged $475 to fix/replace the part. Upon further research on-line, it is apparent that thousands of 2020 Ford Explorers exhibit the same problem and the manufacturer should be fixing this problem free of charge.

   NHTSA complaint #11667427 · source
8. Filed Apr 22, 2025118,000 miCASteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH and driving over a slight deformation in the road surface, the vehicle was swaying to the left and right with the Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated. The contact slowed down and regained control of the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact received…

   NHTSA complaint #11656075 · source
9. Filed Mar 19, 2025TXBrakesOther / UnknownSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11649371 · source
10. Filed Sep 24, 202467,900 miWISteering

    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The failure occurred while the contact was driving home from a trip. The contact made several attempts to have the vehicle inspected for the failure; however, there were no local dealers available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic;…

    NHTSA complaint #11616171 · source
11. Filed Aug 30, 2024MSSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle is giving a code C0631 and C0632 also has a wrench light indicator on it has something to do with the AWD the vehicle will become hard to turn stall completely will not move and a loss of power occurs

    NHTSA complaint #11611863 · source
12. Filed Jul 6, 2023PASteering

    Upon starting and before driving (still parked) steering column started making vibrating, creaking, cracking, screeching noises when adjusting to proper driving position and seems to be beginning to fail. This is worse when the vehicle has been heated by hot summer temps. I have video with audio too. I've attached Ford's TSB 22-2144 and the NHTSA ID# 10210476

    NHTSA complaint #11530728 · 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