What 1,163 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle began to jerk when downshifting without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for another repair and the contact requested a transmission flush. The contact was later informed that transmission fluid had leaked into the transmission resulting in transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11623434

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the Power Train Malfunction - Reduced Power", "Pre-Collision Assist not available", "Hill Start Assist Warning" messages flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted, and the messages continued flashing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not replicated. The failure later reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,149.

NHTSA ODI 11623504

We bought this our ST in April and just our luck it has passed the 5-year mark.....no powertrain warranty for us, darn. On Wednesday, during the 30-minute drive home from work, my spouse reported a fault indicator on the dash related to 4WD or AWD being inoperable. This did not trigger the MIL, but diagnostics showed DTC C0631, identified in TSB 23-2114/2174. After a costly fix replacing the FADA with an intermediary shaft, the SUV will no longer be an "Intelligent 4WD" vehicle—seems like creative and false advertising masking a known engineering failure identified by many on the internet [XXX] ). The first sign is a FADA leak. The TSB states that customers can continue to drive, so I took the vehicle for a drive, only to find myself abruptly stalled in traffic after about a mile. I tried to restart the vehicle several times, but nothing happened. After waiting about five minutes and calling my spouse, I tried again and was able to start it. It felt like it was in "limp" mode, as it had issues accelerating, so I slowly drove home. When entering the driveway, the vehicle could barely make it into the parking spot. As I pulled in and applied the parking brake, the vehicle was idling and started squealing so ear-piercingly loud (maybe SSM 51419?) that I was shocked and quickly shut it off. Later, I started the vehicle again and noticed it was knocking now, but the squeal was gone and didn't reproduce. The vehicle was towed to the local Ford dealer, and after reporting my experience and their troubleshooting, I've been given an incredible ~$8,000 estimate for repairs. The technician claims that the VTC phasers, a fix from TSB 23-2058, are the additional corrective action for the stalled engine, lack of power, and engine knock noise. Ford knows the VTC phasers are design flawed, they've redesigned them multiple times; Ford TSBs have been available for this issue on this website for other engine models for over 10 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11623224

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Ford Recall: 23S23/NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention); related to the Camera Blue Screen however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that approximately 3 years after the recall repair was completed, the digital screen failed to display the rearview image as intended and would reset once the rear door was opened and closed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall repair and that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11622715

Several years ago I reported to Elk Grove Fird that the middle right car seat would release and move forward when a personas seated in the chair. It wouldn’t happen otherwise and we seldom have a 3rd person in our car. They couldn’t duplicate the issue and did nothing. In May 2024, it took it in again. They replaced a seat release button and something else. In August, the unexpected seat release occur again. Another repair was done. The same problem happened again when I had my [XXX] granddaughter with me. On a 5 mile drive to Costco, it suddenly released about 10 times; each time propelling the seat forward and causing the seal belt around her neck. I stopped, placed my iPhone to catch what was occurring, as no body believed me. Within 5 minutes, as we returned home, I captured about 5 more releases. After one month of discussion with Ford, they said they would replace the entire seat and pay about $1,400 and I would pay $1,150. This is a safety issue that could cause serious injury or death to my grandchildren. I believe Ford doesn’t want to make safe a high-end car they know has a serious problem. I have video evidence of this defect. What can the NTSB do to help me? [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11622375

Multiple advanced service warnings. Dealer states it’s the AWD module that needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11621703

Harsh down shift 7 gear to 6 gear. Apparently ford knows of the issue. Very expensive repair due to Ford’s negligence

NHTSA ODI 11621812

A couple months ago I started having problems with the turbo kicking out and having no power. I let the vehicle sit for a while before being able to get someone to look at it. Once the mechanic looked at it, it was determined that the catalytic converters were clogged and causing problems with the turbo or engine. The vehicle had started blowing out with smoke from the exhaust at this time also. After having the cats cleaned, the vehicle ran but was still kicking out white smoke. After driving it the first day it was now back to low power and low oil pressure light is kicking in more white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. I parked it 100 miles from home and having it towed for the second time

NHTSA ODI 11621824

Engine / Transmission constantly kicking when accelerating. Brought it to Ford Dealership multiple times for this issue. Told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11620848

Multiple warnings lights from advanced drivers assistance 4x4 went accelerate and could not error code u0102 also rattling from right second row seat.

NHTSA ODI 11620894

As my [XXX] was opening the rear passenger door of the vehicle part of the chrome trim had came loose in turn causing a laceration on his finger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11620553

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after a hurricane, there was water damage inside the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that water had entered the vehicle through the rubber seal of the windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 76,290.

NHTSA ODI 11620678

While driving on an interstate highway, my car slipped from drive to neutral on its own. Within a few seconds the transmission returned to drive. When the car reached its destination, it went into park, but wouldn't shift out of park for 20 minutes. It finally shifted into reverse, and drive as needed until reaching my home. While trying to shut off the car at my home, it showed that it was in park, put the car was rolling. Finally the car stopped rolling and appeared to be in park. The car hasn't been driven since that day. I had the car towed to the local Ford dealer who sold me the car. They determined that the parking pawl malfunctioned and part of it destroyed the transmission. When I researched recalls on this vehicle, I noticed NHTSA Recall #23v-069 appears to be the same problem that I experienced. The Ford dealership said that this recall didn't include my car's VIN #, so that is why I never received any notifications of this recall. I believe that my car should have been included in the recall and I wouldn't be facing an $8,000 + bill for a new transmission. Ford will not pay for the repair because the car has 66,000 miles, which is over the 60,000 limit. The service technician at the dealership said that I did nothing to cause the transmission to be destroyed. This obviously was a very dangerous situation, and this is why there is a recall on 2020 Ford Explorers. I believe that more cars need to be included in this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11620117

recall in 2022 on rear bolts breaking was done bolts was replace. how ever new bolts are breakng as well, and dealership has put out report but only if rear bolts brake at this time u wreck the car , note two cars has crash do this when i ask they said the not replace them unless they break this incluedes bolts in upper and lower control arms, and related compontents, now why would say replace the bolts but wait untill they break makes no sence to me as total loss control can happen bolts should be replace with stanless steel , mettle wont rust or seze up , my resuch pulled up 5 car crashs all was hurt no one died so what must happen dose people neeed die , ? this must be taken care of asap cars are not safe , and this leads me to bigger probem front end uses same bolts yeat we have no idea how many bolts was replaced and never documented,

NHTSA ODI 11620020

it is well know fack that rear bolts for axle and all part tend break ford replace them once with what ? bolts that still break so probems was never fix, now as ford did this as was no recall they refuseing replace bolts a 2ed time to fix there error, wich lead to many cars being damage so bad ford has refuse to fix them leaveing the people holding the bag more so when car wreckes, probem is ford and may others are hiding cars throw use of modle number vr ack year that car was made under, 2020 ford expoler made 2019 throw not one 2019 recall was place on this car, ? and why vin is base on modle number not year was made, and your department dose not force these busness to investgate part number in reclall list, parts should not been used in newer cars but was this goneing on more then not, now again i get message replace rear axle bolts only after they brake ONLY AFTER THEY BREAK now they know what will happen if they brake going 70 mpr, this probem was never fix right first time and now again this time ford saying we not going replace bolts , it is time you all step up and find out why this keeps going on why wasent it fix and get fix right, this is huge saft probem, that one can lose a hole tire if more one bolts breaks this has happen, ford and others do not look at part numbers as part there recall process throw part number in the system so if other cars has this probem people has fix it, think change must be made to not only look at vin but part numbers in all recalls regardless of vin or what car if that part is in it should be replace, now i cant explane why ford refuse to not replace such a critcal part this is not just something as lose pice of molding these bolts hold rear end in place and all the bolts prone to breaking, i ask that u look in to why they replace first time and why they must be replace again and force ford to replace these bolts befor some one dies

NHTSA ODI 11619064

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, there was a screeching noise coming from the transmission and the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was transmission fluid leaking from the transmission oil cooler. The contact was advised that the transmission oil cooler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618520

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward and jerked upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that on one occasion, the SRS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no service technicians were available to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V069000(Power Train), and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.

NHTSA ODI 11618054

Lift gate stopped opening. Would no longer operate with any of the buttons in the car or key fob. Dealership states that they are seeing this happening a lot with this vehicle at around 60,000 miles. This is a safety issue. What if you needed to get out of your trunk due to an emergency. The lift gate latch quit working due to having 60,000 miles on your car. That makes absolutely no sense. I feel that this needs to be recalled. This is a necessary door that should no go out due to a certain mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11618199

The transmission failed on my 2020 Ford Explorer with only 66,000. Ford knows there is an issue with the snap ring inside of the tranmission but won't do anything about it. This is a vehicle that is less than 5 years old and 6,000 out of warranty. There was no warning to the transmission going out, I was on my way to work and my car downshifted very hard and lost all power. I was on the 4 lane highway and thankfully was able to get over to the side of the road safely and call my husband. There were no warning lights or messages displayed but clearly the transmission was bad. I took my vehicle to my local Ford dealer and they confirmed the snap ring had come unseated and I was going to need a new transmission. I took it to a local transmission shop to get a second opinion and they also confirmed the same thing. I called Ford Customer Care and they weren't able to help. She stated there is a TSB out for this issue but no recall at the moment so they wouldn't cover anything under warranty. I paid $5,400 out of pocket to fix a repair that Ford knows is going on and that could have been a major safety issue, had I not been able to get off the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11616566

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11616443

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH and slowing to exit the highway, the vehicle downshifted hard, and the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and was occurring while slowing down or while accelerating. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the transmission and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616256

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; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a failure with the steering. The contact was advised to safely drive the vehicle to his destination and then take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer agreed to cover 50% of the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 67,900.

NHTSA ODI 11616171

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the main control valve had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the CDF clutch bushing had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615568

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear hatch closed without driver input. The contact stated that the buttons were inoperable and failed to open the hatch as needed. While the hatch was closing, it pinned and violently struck the contact on the head. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on four occasions, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615461

Rubber seal around sunroof failed, and vehicle is only 4 years old. Ford states the seal appears to have dried out and failed. This failure cause water to leak into the vehicle during a rainstorm, in the amount of 25 gallons based on what I pulled out by vaccuum and dehumidifier.

NHTSA ODI 11614981