2020 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

When the vehicle was started this morning, it sounded like it was chugging and did not wasn’t to stay on. Then when the driver went to drive, he got the notification on my dash to stop safely and the engine was disabled. The check engine light was on, as well as the battery light was on, and the warning light was on. PCM code P1A0C present. TSB 25-2447 applies but the vehicle has current software already installed as of 3/26/26. Ongoing issue with this and other Hybrid Ford Police Interceptor Utilities in our Fleet.

Driver was responding to a priority call with lights and siren going when the engine RPM's raced to approx 8,000 RPM's, engine lost forward movement and red triangle and stop safely now message turned on. Vehicle was moved to the side of the road and was disabled requiring a tow to Fleet. PCM codes P2884 and P2885 for Hybrid engine disconnect clutch faults were noted in PCM and vehicle was sent to dealer for diag/repairs on 4/27/26.

Car starts to jerk all of a sudden when breaking ( from 30-26 miles) .

CUSTOMER STATES THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS A STARTING SYSTEM FAULT, PLEASE ADVISE VERIFIED CONCERN. RETRIEVED OTCS ANO P0A1E, U0120 PRESENT IN PCM. CLEARED ores AND LIGHT STAYED ON ANO BOTH RETURNED. CUSTOMER LEFT VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS. PULLED VEHICLE INTO BAY AND WARNING LIGHTS OFF. RETRIEVED DTCS- P0A1E, U0120 MEMORY IN PCM. CLEARED DTCS AND BOTH CLEARED. TEST DROVE VEHICLE ANO BATTERY LIGHT RETURNED WITH B11D9:09 IN BCM AND P06EF IN PCM. SUSPECT VOLTAGE CONCERN. REMOVED WIPER COWL AND TRUNK TRIM, DISCONNECTED AND WARRANTY CHARGED/TESTED BOTH BATTERIES- BOTH PASSED. REASSEMBLED VEHICLE, CLEARED DTCS AND TEST DROVE- NO CONCERNS RETURNED. TEST DROVE AGAIN NEXT DAY ANO NO CONCERNS PRESENT. CONCERN WAS MODULE ERRORS CAUSED BY DISCHARGED BATTERY FROM SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. CONCERN RESOLVED DURING DIAGNOSIS.

Vehicle stuck in park. But will go in gear but just won’t move.

My vehicle is experiencing manufacturers defect identical to Ford program 21B35, yet Ford tells me my VIN is not covered under this program. Manufacturer defect includes car converter welds breaking, causing exhaust fumes to enter the cabin. This is a serious safety concern.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Ford Explorer (2.3L engine) experiencing a transmission-related failure. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting a dangerous failure pattern. While braking, a loud mechanical noise occurs, followed by hesitation and inability to properly accelerate. The vehicle then displays a “Shift System Fault” warning. After this occurs, the vehicle struggles to respond when attempting to accelerate, creating a serious safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. This issue appears to be consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin 23-2249, indicating the manufacturer is aware of a defect involving the transmission system. Despite this, no recall has been issued, and I have been quoted a significant out-of-pocket repair cost. The sudden loss of acceleration and erratic shifting presents a clear safety risk that could lead to a crash. I am requesting that this issue be investigated for a potential recall due to the safety implications.

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 the car.

Three alerts appeared on my dash after starting my car. These alerts are “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available,” “Service AdvanceTrac,” and “4WD Fault Service Required.” This has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle which directly affects the safety of drivers. After discussing with other consumers, this system failure is happening more and more. While these alerts are displayed, the front end collision assist is completely nonfunctional, thus increasing the risk of an accident. The Advanced Traction Control System is also nonfunctional. Based on other consumers with the same experience, the only solution is to replace the AWD module.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after pulling over, an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the message to activate the electronic parking brake was displayed due to a critical fault within the shift lever and parking system. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain lock-up while traveling at approximately 25 mph. The rear wheels physically halted, creating an immediate loss of control and safety hazard. Upon inspection, the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) was found to have a failed pinion bearing/internal gear failure, resulting in dual fluid leaks. This is a REMEDY FAILURE related to Safety Recall 23S55 (NHTSA Campaign #23V675000). The vehicle underwent the 23S55 recall repair 90 days prior (Jan 2026). The internal failure is a direct consequence of latent fatigue and stress placed on the RDU pinion and housing due to the defective axle mounting bolts and subframe bushings addressed in the recall. Furthermore, the vehicle is within the coverage window of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 24N01 (10-year/150,000-mile extension for Rear Axle Bolt and Housing). The dealer (Hertrich Ford) and Ford Corporate Case Management (ASO Case #XXX) have refused to authorize an Administrative Rental or acknowledge the related damage, leaving the owner in a hazardous financial and logistical situation. I am reporting this as a failure of the federal safety remedy to adequately protect the vehicle’s drivetrain from consequential damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

this vehicle has sustained a complete transmission failure at 117,000 miles. There are known issues with this 10 speed transmission that the automaker needs to own to and address. This poses a safety risk when traveling and there were no apparent signals of anything prior to this. The vehicle is a garage to have a new transmission installed and had to get a rental car to continue to work and will cost thousands of dollars out of pocket as a result of this issue.

On Tuesday April 7 as I was driving to work, as I was stepping on the break to pull into the parking lot and when the car hit 25 mph it jerked forward.; this was the first time I’ve ever experienced this so I didn’t think much of it. When I was leaving work that evening pulling out of the parking lot onto the main street the car jerked forward once I hit hit 35 miles an hour and then again jerking as I was slowing down to 25 to make the stop at a light this happened five or six times I live 3.9 miles away from my job. This had never happened before. I called the Ford dealership in Brentwood, Ca Bill Brant Ford as I had an oil change scheduled for Friday, April 10. They told me they would check it out at the time of my appointment. I got a call from the service department saying that my transmission was shot and then I would have to buy a new one for $8000. My car is a 2020. It has 53,000 miles on it and I need to buy a new transmission? I’ve had cars for over 10 years that had never needed a new transmission!! There was never a maintenance light or a check light, so who knows how long this was going on and I wasn’t aware and now five days after the first experience I have to replace the transmission. The service department says it is an internal issue that is why I was not seeing any warning lights… so the owner does get to know there is a problem until it’s too late far a repair?? This does not sound like something that can happen in 5 days.

Thank you for your time reviewing my complaint. I've answered each of your bullet points below. - the transmission is hard shifting in low gears however no warning/no dashboard lights to indicate issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - I use my car for work which includes transporting individuals to work and appointments. This hard shift happened with a passenger while on the freeway in traffic, then continued for the remainder of the ride each time I approached low speeds. - A vehicle diagnostic was performed by an independent service center/certified mechanic and no errors registered with the transmission. However the transmission diagnosis was determined by the service center driving the car and experiencing the hard shifts. I have a copy of the report. - The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or any other representatives. _ There were no warning lamp messages leading to the problem or a this current time and currently there are no warning lights indicating the transmission issue, although it has been diagnosed by a certified mechanic/service center as "Engine concern - neutralizing in gears between 1st & 2nd". There were sporadic episodes of this "hard shifting" within the last few months and the frequency of hard stops occurring were random. Additionally, there were no warning lamps or messages to indicate an issue. On 4/4/26 a hard shift happened on the freeway and has been consistent daily at low speeds.

I had a really disappointing experience at Delta Sonic Car Wash in [XXX] and feel like other customers should be aware. During my visit, an employee used a pressure washer on my windshield before I entered the wash. This caused small debris to stick to the glass, and instead of being removed, it stayed on my windshield as my car went through the wash. The equipment then dragged that debris across the glass, leaving a deep scratch about 8 inches long. My windshield was only 2 months old and in perfect condition before this. I reported the damage immediately on-site, but my claim was denied. There was no real accountability, no effort to make it right—just a flat refusal. What makes this even more frustrating is that my fiancé and I have been loyal customers for years. We’ve spent hundreds here and have had memberships every winter since 2018. Because of how this was handled, we have now canceled our membership and have urged others to do the same. Also worth noting—many of the reviews here focus heavily on the food and not the car wash itself, which I now find misleading based on my experience. I understand that accidents can happen, but how a business handles those situations matters. In this case, the damage was caused by their process, and they still chose not to take responsibility. I would recommend taking photos of your vehicle before entering or reconsidering using this location altogether. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The failure involves the automatic transmission system (10-speed 10R60) in my Ford Explorer 2020. The issue appears to be internal, affecting clutch packs and/or internal components (spring-related failure was initially noted by the dealership).Yes, the vehicle and transmission are available for inspection upon request. The transmission malfunction caused delayed engagement and loss of proper power delivery, which created unsafe driving conditions. There were moments where the vehicle hesitated or failed to respond properly when accelerating, increasing the risk of being struck in traffic or being unable to move out of the way of oncoming vehicles. This presents a clear safety concern, especially in traffic or intersections. Yes, the issue was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as an internal transmission failure involving clutch-related components. However, those diagnostic notes were later removed or altered in the service record. I have retained screenshots of the original diagnosis as evidence. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership representing Ford Motor Company. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle but has reviewed the case and offered partial financial assistance. Yes. Prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced symptoms including harsh shifting, delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse, and abnormal transmission behavior. These symptoms developed over time before the failure occurred. In some cases, there were no warning lights present before the issue became severe, which made the failure more sudden and unexpected. I was informed the original technician is no longer employed and there is no service manager currently overseeing the department. This lack of oversight makes it difficult to verify the original diagnosis or changes made to service records.

The chrome overlay on the driver side interior door handle is chipping and caused an injury to my finger. The chipped chrome broke off and became wedged in my skin and also resulted in a 0.5in scratch. The injury was extremely painful and required medical attention to remove the broken chrome chip that was lodged in my finger.

Sunroof liner is sagging, blocking rear vision. Currently unable to use sunroof unless I pay 4k for repairs.

Scenic sunroof shade has drooped and sagged down impeding my visibility in the rear view mirror to check traffic while backing out and seeing my grandchildren in their car seats

I've received more than one recall notice from Ford (Recall Number: 25S09) but ever time I contact my dealer to schedule service, they say that Ford has not released the parts. I'm very concerned since this is a SAFETY recall. I'm also baffled because the letter says it's a "improperly torqued" fastener. I don't understand why they need parts for that. But what the heck do I know? Please help!

I was driving the vehicle through a neighborhood and there was a clunk noise and it sounded like my brakes were metal on metal. I stopped to ensure my brakes were okay. Then I continued to drive home when there was a louder clunk and the reared on my vehicle locked up and the car would no longer move. The reared differential unit had failed and exploded parts and put holes in the unit causing fluid to exit onto the street and lock up the drive tires. The vehicle was stranded in the middle of the street and could not move. There was no warning or indication of a failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and components were replaced under extended warranty.

Vehicle Issue Description – 2020 Ford Explorer Limited (Transmission Failure) The issue involves the transmission system in a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. The transmission began exhibiting hard and erratic shifting, particularly between lower gears and when decelerating to a stop. A within days experienced complete failure, leaving the vehicle unable to properly move or engage gears. There were no warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators at any point prior to the failure. This lack of warning prevented any opportunity to address the issue before it became severe. This failure created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle became unreliable in traffic conditions. Hard shifting and delayed engagement made it difficult to predict acceleration and deceleration, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or unable to safely merge into traffic. The final failure rendered the vehicle inoperable, which could have been dangerous if it occurred in a high-traffic or unsafe location. The problem appears consistent with known transmission issues reported by other owners of 2020 Ford Explorers, including hard shifting, jerking, hesitation between gears, and sudden loss of drivability.  Many drivers report similar symptoms progressing to severe transmission problems or complete failure. At this time: •Confirmation by dealer or service center: 3/18/26 Despite the number of similar complaints and documented issues, there has not been a specific recall issued for the transmission system itself, although other drivetrain-related recalls (such as rear axle or driveline failures) have been issued for this model year.  Based on the pattern of symptoms and widespread reports, this appears to be a systemic issue affecting the transmission in this model year, rather than an isolated incident.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was stopped and there was an abnormal burning rubber odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the messages “Charging System Fault” and “Service Steering” were displayed. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that her husband replaced the battery and the alternator, however the failure persisted, and the vehicle was losing automotive power. The vehicle had not been taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V687000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 113,849.

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.

Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When it’s not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.

On my 2020 Explorer ST, the plastic backing on the front seats is popping off and exposing the seats airbags. My dealer said ONE replacement backing would be $1400 to replace. In a facebook group I am in, multiple people have complained on the 2020 ST that theirs has done the same thing.

on 2/27/26 I heard a knocking sound in my car, no warning lights came on, took it to local car place and was told there was no oil in the tank. I immediately made an appt to take it to River View Ford dealership for service. They looked at it on 3/2 and found the engine to be damaged from the turbos pulling oil out of the oil tank and sucking it into the engine. They informed me nothing was being offered to replace the engine for that year 2020 and my warranty just ended 11/25. This car is worth $70,000 new, just paid it off early, otherwise in great condition. I called the Customer service line and was told there is nothing they can do or offer and filed the complaint. My husband called back and spoke to 3 different rude people requesting someone call our dealer and talk with the service people- this didn't happen. Earlier this year this car had a differential leak that cost $3000; it also had the undercarriage of the car that holds the flex pipes up, fall apart and required the entire undercarriage to be replaced. I find it appalling that you google ST engine issues and they specifically say 2020 models have issues with and suffer from severe oil-related issues, including high oil consumption, oil starvation, and, in some cases, turbocharger failure or engine knocking. How is this not a recall? No warning signs til its too late.

2020 Ford Explorer with the 10r80 transmission went bad. Shuttering between 2/3 gear, neutraled out of gear. Shop wants 5,800 for a remanufactured transmission.

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.

Sunroof clip broke and fabric sags which can affect visibility.

My Explorer has the optional double moonroof with an electric sunshade that opens or closes with a button. A week ago when I tried to retract the sunshade I noticed that the driver side of the fabric started drooping. After trying a few more times the roller failed to retract the fabric completely. So when I try to open the sunshade the fabric just hangs from the roller and impedes my view out the rear window, thereby creating a safety hazard

My Right windshield wiper dose not working properly . When I turn on the wipers the right one don't move . Sometimes it will come up but the only one that's works right is the left one . This is a safety hazard for driving

The back camera screen went blue, even though I already replaced the camera as per the previous recall. This time, the entire screen went blue.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Sun roof sun shade malfunctions and the shade sags down unable to see out of rear of vehicle, or rear view mirror. Also sags down on rear passengers and children and could cause your passengers to stop breathing from covering your face. Very dangerous.

The catalytic converters (both) on my 5-year-old Ford Explorer both failed due to cracked welds. This failure appears to be common with the v6 ecoboost engines. It happened sometime before 124000 miles, it was only noticed because my wife and daughters started complaining about headaches and sleepiness when riding in the vehicle. The failure was only noticed when a mechanic evaluated it, the failure was not noticeable otherwise. I believe this is a very dangerous condition, as the fumes were evidently getting into the vehicle somehow and causing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The estimate to repair both is $5000, but according to the repair shop, there are currently none available. Ford has acknowledged this defect in Customer Satisfaction Program 21B35 and the 2025 service bulletin covering cracked weld failures. At about the same time, the transmission suddenly. The failure is very specific, and is documented in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2411 as a known defect. The vehicle experienced harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and ultimately complete transmission failure requiring full replacement at a cost of approximately $7000. This appears to be a widespread defect, and I believe it represents a safety concern due to unpredictable loss of drivetrain function.

I previously reported a safety issue re. Brakes not working in park. Vehicle rolled back and car almost hit mom and young daughter walking behind vehicle in parking lot. When I brought it to BellFord in [XXX] they told me it was not covered under the recall since it wasn’t being caused by rear axle. Instead they wanted to charge me $3,000 to diagnose their manufacturing defect. In addition when I notified Ford rep who never said anything other then I must get car diagnosed and pay for it and then “we will see .” Ford complaint XXX and I believe this is the NHTSA Complaint # XXX. Here is my initial Ford complaint Cxh-XXX was closed without explanation no one could tell me why no one had contacted me. I am very concerned that Ford is not taking responsibility for defective cars. My car now has only 47k. Brake issue. I had to replace front boots due to leaking and front axle was leaking. I had that fixed and now rear back up camera isn’t working. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sunroof shade failed during normal operation. It is hanging down and obstructing the back window.

SUMMARY OF FACTS FOR LEGAL CONSULTATION Bad Faith Redhibition Claim — Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2545 Prepared for Attorney Consultation 1. Vehicle & Transaction Information Vehicle2020 Ford Explorer ST — AWDPurchase DateMarch 2025Purchase Structure17,000 trade-in applied 17,000 remaining loan balanceAdditional Warranty2,500 paid warranty purchased through dealership at time of saleSelling DealerIndependently licensed dealership (non-Ford franchise)Warranty ServiceWarranty work performed during coverage period 2. The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-2174) Ford issued TSB 23-2174 in July 2023 — nearly two years before the vehicle was sold to the client. Key facts about the TSB: •Covers: 2020–2021 Ford Explorer/Lincoln Aviator AWD vehicles •Component affected: Front Axle Disconnect Actuator (FADA) — left side •Failure mode: FADA O-ring seal failure causing AWD malfunction, triggering powertrain warning light (wrench icon) with DTCs C00A6 and/or C0631 •Required repair per TSB: Full replacement of FADA with revised intermediate shaft AND reprogramming of transfer case control module •Result of proper TSB repair: Permanently eliminates front axle disconnect capability — a fundamental, permanent change to vehicle drivetrain operation •TSB was publicly available on [XXX] at time of purchase — free, searchable by VIN 3. Critical Pre-Sale Service Record — January 2025 The dealership's own service center performed the following repair on the vehicle approximately 1–2 months before the sale to client: Date of ServiceJanuary 2025 (approx. 1–2 months pre-sale)Work Order DescriptionLeft axle disconnect/hub actuatorParts ListedMotorcraft left axle seal ONLYLabor Hours9 hoursDTCs or TSB ReferencedNone listed on work orderAWD Module ReprogrammedNot indicated on work order Critical observation: The terminology used on the dealer's own work order — "left axle disconnect/hub actuator" — mirrors the exact component language of TSB 23-2174. A technician with suffici INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Car will be in drive or reverse, start to move with foot on gas then will shift itself into park

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including “Shift System Fault” and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in Park, it may actually remain in Neutral. This creates an additional safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due to: •Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic •Vehicle disabled in active intersections •Extended inability to restart •Potential rollaway risk due to Park malfunction The vehicle is currently pending major transmission-related repairs. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about loss of propulsion and park system malfunction creating a safety risk for occupants and surrounding traffic.

The rear differential axle bolt on my vehicle has broken. There was no impact or collision prior to this failure. The vehicle suddenly made a loud noise and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while I was driving with my [XXX] daughter in the car. This created a serious safety hazard. Although my VIN does not currently appear under an active recall, I am aware that there have been prior recalls issued for this specific issue on the same vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed promptly for safety concerns and potential coverage, as the failure occurred without warning and placed my family at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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 ford dealership

Power Train, Automatic Transmission Issue The vehicle is a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 71,000 miles. The automatic transmission has developed delayed engagement and harsh shifting during normal driving conditions. The issue occurs most often during low speed driving, rolling stops, and when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. The transmission will hesitate or pause before engaging, followed by a sudden harsh shift or jerk into gear. The condition has been reproduced multiple times during normal driving and is consistent. This behavior creates unpredictable vehicle response when I accelerate into traffic or proceed from a rolling stop. The delay followed by sudden engagement can cause the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly, which could increase the risk of a crash when entering intersections, merging into traffic, or operating near pedestrians. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection at a Ford dealership, and the issue will be evaluated under known Ford technical service bulletins addressing harsh or delayed shifting in the 10-speed automatic transmission. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. The vehicle will be inspected by an authorized Ford dealer Monday March 9, 2026. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The condition occurs without warning indicators and is noticeable through delayed engagement and harsh gear shifts. My vehicle has been regularly maintained and received the recommended 60,000 mile service prior to the issue appearing. Similar transmission complaints appear to be widely reported among owners of 2020–2022 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

On 1/11/2026 while was driving vehicle started making screeching sound. Stopped vehicle and a bolt came off from the rear arm of vehicle and unit was towed for service, which at this moment Ford dealer claimed could not not find any recall notice on file. After researching the internet came across recall 21S11 re Rear Lower Control Arm Bolts May Break announced 3/10/2021.

Sagging sunroof shade.

I have a leaking antenna (likely the "shark fin" or roof antenna base) on my 2020 Ford Explorer. This has caused significant electrical issues, leading to safety concerns like malfunctioning lights, infotainment, or even stalling, the water shorting wiring harnesses or modules located in the roof or headliner area. This should be a recall, but rather it is a known problem where water intrusion damages sensitive electronics, necessitating immediate professional inspection and repair to prevent further damage and ensure safety, as electrical failures can be dangerous. My GPS and satellite do not work because of this and I am being charged significantly by the dealership because I have to repair this or the damage will become more severe. The antenna's base seal can fail, allowing water to seep into the roof, drip down the pillars, and saturate the headliner and wiring harnesses. Common Symptoms: Interior lights, instrument cluster, or dashboard warnings. SYNC system freezing or failing. Windows, locks, or other accessories malfunctioning. Even potential water on the front passenger floor. Safety Risks: Loss of Control!!!!!!! Malfunctioning lights (headlights, brake lights) or sudden power loss can create dangerous driving conditions. Reduced Visibility: Issues with the infotainment screen or instrument cluster can distract the driver. System Failures: Critical safety systems, if affected by water, could fail unexpectedly. I barely get car washes or anything. This is certainly a manufacturers issue & poor design or cheap casing/ seals that leak and corrode too easily. This problem is a known weakness for the 2020 Explorer, often requiring a thorough inspection beyond just the antenna itself, as water can travel far from the entry point. And sure enough I have plenty of damage that I should not have to pay for. This is not a fluke, there are forums all across the internet about this. Please help! This is truly unfair to the customers.

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.