The 2020 Ford Explorer has an abundance of problems from powertrain issues to electrical system failures. Not surprisingly, the best-selling mid-size SUV has also received 12 formal recalls since it came out.

The Ford Explorer has been a popular choice for many drivers since its debut in 1991. With expansive cargo space, potent engine options, and outstanding towing capabilities, it’s no wonder families flock to the capable mid-size SUV for daily commuting and road trips alike.

But that doesn’t mean the Explorer comes without issues. In this article, we’ll give you the rundown of everything that’s wrong with the 2020 Ford Explorer—from frightening transmission problems to even scarier brake system malfunctions reported by actual drivers.

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The most common 2020 Ford Explorer problems

The 2020 Ford Explorer has a lot of problems—a plethora of them. How else would you explain a total of 338 complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)?

But the most common 2020 Explorer problems deal with the powertrain—specifically the transmission. With a total of 108 NHTSA complaints, some Explorer drivers reported that the transmission would independently shift from drive (D) to neutral (N) while making a loud revving sound. Other drivers complained that the SUV would jerk or shudder as it sped up or slowed down when shifting gears, while other Explorer owners had a difficult time shifting gears at all.

Another top complaint among Explorer drivers lies with the electrical system which received 62 complaints total. For many Explorer owners, the rear camera display would unexpectedly turn blue—preventing all visibility when attempting to reverse. And what’s worse, there have been many reports of the brake system completely failing while Explorer drivers were on the road.

Powertrain and electrical system failures like these are extremely alarming as they can lead to a serious accident—or worse. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only problems that Ford Explorer drivers have had to contend with. Other common problems with the 2020 Explorer include:

Fuel system failures (fuel can be heard sloshing back and forth in the tank)

Forward collision warning malfunction

Vehicle structure issues

Exhaust fumes entering the SUV’s cabin

Faulty steering system

With this many issues, it should come as no surprise that the 2020 Ford Explorer has received 12 formal recalls. Here are some of the most recent recalls for the 2020 model:

The rearview camera may not display (September 22, 2021)

Rear lower control arm bolts might break (March 10, 2021)

Motor mount fasteners may loosen over time (December 17, 2020)

The fuel tank inlet check valve not welded properly (November 24, 2020)

Drive shaft may facture on weld seam (November 10, 2020)

Distorted or inoperative rearview camera (September 23, 2020)

As you can see, visibility issues with the rearview camera on the 2020 Ford Explorer were so plentiful that two formal recalls were issued for this particular problem alone.

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Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

Even with its share of several concerning problems, the 2020 Ford Explorer fluctuates from average to above-average reliability scores for the mid-size SUV class.

Of course, it depends on who you ask. RepairPal gives the popular SUV an above-average 3.5/5.0 rating for reliability. On the other hand, J.D. Power rates the 2020 Explorer a 74/100 for quality and reliability with an overall rating of 78/100. If you’re dead set on a Ford Explorer, you might want to think about opting for the 2019 year model instead with a slightly better reliability rating of 78/100.

What about ownership costs? The average annual repair cost of a 2020 Ford Explorer is about $732—meaning it has average ownership costs when compared to the competition.

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