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

My new 2020 FORD EXPLORER had had on at least 4 occasions, the last being in July 2021 (mileage was approximately 7,280 miles at the time). This problem has only occurred when parked in my garage, I turn on the Explorer with my foot firmly on the brake and put the vehicle in Reverse (with foot still on brake) the vehicle starts reversing with force even though my foot is hard on the brakes. I then push down even harder on brakes. I am fighting to keep the Explorer from roaring out of the garage. Luckily I haven't hit anyone or anything, but had I not reacted as quickly I could easily have caused serious injury. I reported this problem to my local dealer two times, the first about 10 months ago and the second incident was reported to the dealer when I took it in in August 2021 for numerous alerts received in July 2021 for: POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/ REDUCED POWER; PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE; HILL START ASSIST WARNING, PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. The dealer said all the alerts came from one power module which will be fixed this week when the part arrives at the dealer. The dealer also said that the recent Reverse power surge I advised them of is probably related to all of the alerts listed above and that this should take care of the problem. I never received any warnings, messages or other symptoms of this problem - it has always been a shock when it happens.

NHTSA ODI 11428257

Vehicle would not start and every warning lamp and alert triggered on the dashboard. Tried remote start which was successful, but vehicle shut off 5 seconds later and the above alerts/warning lamps repeated. Vehicle would not start and just repeated all of the warning lamps/alerts. Waited 20 minutes, car started without issue; however, when put into reverse WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE the vehicle started to drive backwards WHILE FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE! No amount of pressure on the brake pedal stopped the vehicle. Had to depress and repress the pedal to stop the vehicle. Rear cameras failed to activate as well. Luckily no one was injured. This is the third time this has happened, the third time I have reported to the NHTSA, and the third time I have reported it to my local dealership without resolve.

NHTSA ODI 11427711

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the day he purchased the vehicle, the rearview camera turned blank as he was reversing out of the dealer parking lot. The warning message "Back Up Brake Assist Is Not Functioning" appeared on the instrument panel. The dealer diagnosed that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was repaired, however the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V575000 (Visibility) due to the manufactured date. A case was opened and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 10. Consumer stated 5th camera has been installed.

NHTSA ODI 11427750

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon rapid acceleration at various speeds, exhaust fumes from the tailpipes would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact also stated that after heavy rains, water-filled the spare tire compartment located in the rear of the vehicle. One day while his wife was driving and coming to a complete stop, the water spilled out of the compartment and flooded the cabin floor of the vehicle. Once the contact discovered where the water was located, he vacuumed up nearly four gallons of water out of the spare tire compartment. As a result of the internal water intrusion, there were several electrical failures. The forward collision warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel without any vehicles in near proximity. The contact also stated that his wife received multiple alerts on her phone through the Ford app that an intruder had attempted to open the tailgate however, each alert was a false alarm. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where the service manager agreed to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ODI 11426950

Turned the car on and immediately the headliner above the drivers seat started smoking. Within seconds there was an actual fire and had to call the fire department. Ford does NOT seem concerned about it at all. Are not sending it to be investigated at all from my understanding, My car has sat for 2 months now with no answers still. We do not know what caused the fire or exactly where the fire started.

NHTSA ODI 11426767

The car jerks when it is downshifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. It was inspected by a dealership in TN (we were out of town from MI) and the Ford dealership there was unable to identify the issue as they did not have a transmission tech. We have 15K in miles on our car. We contacted Ford CS and the car was driven by a car hauler back to a dealership in MI. They have 1 transmission person. At this time, we have had a rental car for over 2 weeks at a cost of over $1200. They cannot service the vehicle until next week leaving us without a vehicle for over 3 weeks. Ford has been difficult to work with and meanwhile I continue to pay my lease, they are only offering $35/day for 10 days for rental car and have no idea when the car will be fixed. I have asked for credit on our lease and formal follow up on this and they are slow to reply leaving us stranded to find our own way home. Very disappointed as this seems to be a known issue with the 2020 Explorers and the new power train.

NHTSA ODI 11426871

Rear camera will intermittently cause the screen to display distorted or total blue screen upon placing the vehicle in reverse

NHTSA ODI 11426468

On two separate occasions while using the cruise control, the vehicle continued to receive warnings on the dash that the 4-wheel drive, hill assist, emergency braking, etc. were all unabled and service would be required. The cruise control then also disabled and I was unable to use it again until I pulled over, stopped and re-started the vehicle. Upon doing this, the system seemed to reset and all warning lights went off. I contacted a local Ford dealer about this issue and was told that their loaner 2020 Explorer has the same issue and they're unable to pinpoint the problem. They've had it in and out of service for 4 months. Their machine is unable to find any errors. They feel like it may be something to do with the body control module. Since my vehicle is apparently not the only 2020 Explorer experiencing this issue, I thought it would be worth reporting.

NHTSA ODI 11425636

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 - 75 mph, the contact was switching lanes and felt the vehicle was swerving. The contact stated that there were vibrations felt coming from the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that there was no failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,999.

NHTSA ODI 11425418

Transmission - available for inspection upon request (yes) Vehicle will lunge or stall as it searches for the right gear. Have had the vehicle to Ford Authorized Dealers 3 times with varying degrees of success. Now problem has reoccurred and is worse that ever. Searches for the right gear, lunges, sometimes will not go into gear at all. Feel unsafe driving the vehicle. Currently have a 4th apt with Ford to look at the transmission. No warning lights or messages present on the dash.

NHTSA ODI 11425544

Electrical- lift gate will just stop working at times. Trouble with Bluetooth connection Fuel- when filling up the pump will stop (even if only put in 2 gallons). Seats- drivers seat broken Engine/transmission- hard shifting, put itself in park while at red light Multiple ongoing issues with Explorer. Been in/out of shop over 10 times in one year. I have videos but unable to upload them.

NHTSA ODI 11425370

I was in a turn lane at a intersection waiting on the light and my daughter noticed the vehicle had shifted in to reverse by it self. The backup camera was not on and if it had not been called to my attention I would have backed into the car behind me. I shifted into drive when the light changed and went on my way. This has happened only once.

NHTSA ODI 11425296

Smoke started coming from the passenger side visor as I was driving. There was no indication of an issue with warning messages of any kind. Of course I panicked, ran from the car and called the fire department who stated it smelled electrical when they arrived. After a week of being at the dealership, they couldn't find anything; however, 30 seconds after I got into my vehicle, I noticed the cabin lights weren't working. After returning the vehicle within an hour they found that a wire had burned out and shorted out some fuses. 2 weeks later and I still don't have my vehicle. No injuries, just scared beyond belief to have a 2020 ST start smoking!! Even if they state it is fixed, I am still scared to death to drive it after that!! I have had issues with the brakes as well. Those stopped working but apparently that was a recall that was resolved. I have purchased Fords for the past 20 years. I will NEVER buy a Ford again with all the issues I have on this vehicle!

NHTSA ODI 11425163

This issue has happened 4-5 time in a years time. When driving with cruise control and lane assist enabled the car will pull to the left when it see's a dark line in the road. If i were not holding on to the steering wheel I would have been in the lane next to me. I think what's going on is lane keep or lane assist thinks there is a curve in the road and tries to correct for it. Its just a matter of time before a crash happens to a Explorer owner. I have been to the dealership 3 time for this and called Ford but they don't seem to care.

NHTSA ODI 11424953

Ford has a recall for Explorer backup cameras failing but ours was not built on the correct date so it doesn't fall under the recall. Yet, our 2020 Explorers backup camera shows a blue screen and no video. Took it to the dealership and they said we were 2500 mile out of warranty and we would have to pay. You and Ford knows there is an issue and should have to fix this. it goes beyond the build date listed. This vehicle is full of gremlins and should be heavily watched.

NHTSA ODI 11424955

Vehicle started, but then every warning lamp and alert triggered on the dashboard and engine shut off. Would not restart, but would just cycle through error/alert messages. Waited 15 minutes, car started but upon putting it in reverse WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE the car started to drive backwards. No amount of pressure on the brake pedal stopped the car. Had to depress and repress the pedal to stop the vehicle after shifting into gear. Rear cameras failed to activate as well. Thankfully, no one was behind the vehicle and injured. This is the second time this has happened and the second time I have reported to NHTSA. The Ford dealership is oblivious to the root cause of the issue. Their quick fix is a battery replacement and software reload.

NHTSA ODI 11424582

Reverse camera has displayed very dark once. Reverse camera has displayed solid, bright blue multiple times. Gauge cluster displayed warning message that reverse assistance is unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11424670

Every now and then it will shift hard and jerk you in your seat, it will happen at different speeds, reported to ford garage and they said they haven't heard of any problems with it but the guy went on to ask if it happened with selector in sport mode but we usually drive in eco.

NHTSA ODI 11424170

FIRENo INJURIES0 DEATHS0 WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY HAVE A HARD BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD WITH INCREASED RPM. USE OF REVERSE, VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY STOP AND SOUND AS IF YOU HIT SOMETHING. BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD.. THE ISSUE OCCURS FROM A STATIONARY CONDITION, IN DRIVEWAY OR PUBLIC PARKING AREAS, SO THIS CAUSES CONCERN THAT IT DID RESULT IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. ISSUE CANNOT BE REPEATED ON DEMAND. IT IS ENTIRELY RANDOM AND EVERY DRIVE HAS TO BE APPROACHED WITH THE EXPECTANCY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE WITHOUT NORMAL BRAKES TO STOP. THERE ARE NO ALERTS TO TELL US WHY (OR WHICH SYSTEM) IS THE ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED RANDOMLY SINCE LEASING THIS EXPLORER . FORD SERVICE SEEMS SURPRISED AND UNAWARE OF THIS

NHTSA ODI 11423900

The vehicle suddenly started having transmission issues at 5,600 miles. Very low mileage and no issues until that point. The vehicle started jerking when up and down shifting, sometimes really lurching the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the Ford dealer ASAP and it was returned to me 4 days later. They said the issue was a valve and replaced it. However, on the drive home from the dealership the problem started again. Unfortunately, by that time the dealer was closed. The next morning there was transmission fluid all over the driveway. The car has now been towed back to the Ford dealership. We have been unable to use our vehicle for about 12 days now and are waiting to hear back from the service department.

NHTSA ODI 11423575

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the plate and gasket assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ODI 11423044

Transmission started shifting on it’s on. Mostly down shifting. Gas mileage went from 28mpg to around 20 mpg. Dealer had to order parts-not available for 4- 6 weeks. Never know when it will happen. No recall or warning lights Dealer aware of this issue

NHTSA ODI 11422474

Rear camera goes blue,

NHTSA ODI 11422252

Automatic transmission "jumps" and clunks in and out of gear at speeds between 25-35 mph, causing vehicle to lunge. Also, experienced vehicle sporadically engaging into gear from a stop sign and lunging forward for several seconds, almost causing a car to rear end my vehicle. Problem has been reported to dealer, but dealer will not look at it for more than 2 weeks. No warning lamps or system messages appear on the dash board. This is a major safety problem as it causes the vehicle to lunge and jump randomly while driving or accelerating from a stop.

NHTSA ODI 11422092

The backing aid camera turns blue out of nowhere when put in Reverse gear, which causes the parking warning system to fail, the forward collision warning turned on by itself while driving on the freeway, there were absolutely no cars or objects in front at the time, causing the SUV to abruptly come to a complete stop, putting my self and my family at risk of being hit by a vehicle in the back. this is absolutely unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11422058