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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2020 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 33 safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Ford Explorer, spanning 12 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns33not VIN-specific
Component groups12distinct top-level categories
Latest recordJuly 14, 2026report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2020 Ford Explorer recall campaigns

The 2020 Ford Explorer report contains 33 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 26V451000 dated July 14, 2026.
Component
SEATS
Report received
July 14, 2026
Potential units
387,911campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: August 21, 2026 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
June 24, 2026
Potential units
741,195campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: Date not reported · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
SEAT BELTS
Report received
March 17, 2026
Potential units
561campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: March 30, 2026 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
March 3, 2026
Potential units
889,950campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

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

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.

Owner notification: June 23, 2026 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
VISIBILITY
Report received
March 3, 2026
Potential units
604,533campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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 October 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.

Owner notification: Date not reported · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
EQUIPMENT
Report received
October 10, 2025
Potential units
59,006campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

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 September 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.

Owner notification: Date not reported · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
June 27, 2025
Potential units
200,237campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: September 4, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
SEATS
Report received
June 13, 2025
Potential units
304,662campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: August 7, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 25V166000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
March 14, 2025
Potential units
4,247campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: April 25, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
March 14, 2025
Potential units
49,399campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: April 25, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 25V093000

Component
SEAT BELTS
Report received
February 14, 2025
Potential units
240,510campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: June 5, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
EQUIPMENT
Report received
November 8, 2024
Potential units
27,678campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: December 19, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 24V598000

Component
ENGINE
Report received
August 9, 2024
Potential units
85,238campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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.

Owner notification: August 13, 2025 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 24V188000

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
March 8, 2024
Potential units
1,988campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: April 4, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V675000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
October 6, 2023
Potential units
238,364campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: January 19, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V626000

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Report received
September 8, 2023
Potential units
2,954campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: April 8, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
May 12, 2023
Potential units
442,973campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: November 10, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V305000

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
April 28, 2023
Potential units
523campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

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

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.

Owner notification: July 27, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V199000

Component
PARKING BRAKE, POWER TRAIN
Report received
March 24, 2023
Potential units
674campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: May 31, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V069000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
February 10, 2023
Potential units
3,674campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: March 28, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
January 23, 2023
Potential units
382,759campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: February 13, 2023 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 21V735000

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
September 22, 2021
Potential units
228,297campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: November 16, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 21V154000

Component
SUSPENSION
Report received
March 10, 2021
Potential units
49campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: April 2, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 20V788000

Component
ENGINE
Report received
December 17, 2020
Potential units
1,405campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: February 3, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 20V730000

Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Report received
November 24, 2020
Potential units
17campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: December 8, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 20V693000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
November 10, 2020
Potential units
10,905campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: December 11, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Report received
September 23, 2020
Potential units
620,246campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Owner notification: February 1, 2021 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 20V549000

Component
SEAT BELTS
Report received
September 10, 2020
Potential units
29campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

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.

Owner notification: November 6, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 20V497000

Component
AIR BAGS, SEATS
Report received
August 21, 2020
Potential units
488campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: September 10, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 19V859000

Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Report received
December 4, 2019
Potential units
3,857campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

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.

Owner notification: March 23, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 19V687000

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Report received
September 30, 2019
Potential units
10,655campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: October 21, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Component
SEATS
Report received
August 28, 2019
Potential units
639,137campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: 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.

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.

Owner notification: October 21, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 19V575000

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, PARKING BRAKE, POWER TRAIN
Report received
August 5, 2019
Potential units
13,896campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.".

Why it matters: 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.

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 notification: August 23, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2020 Ford Explorer?

The most frequent component groups in 2020 Ford Explorer campaign records are Back Over Prevention (9), Power Train (7), Seats (4), Electrical System (3), Seat Belts (3); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Back Over Prevention9
Power Train7
Seats4
Electrical System3
Seat Belts3