The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V730000·Announced 2020-11-24

Ford Recalls 2020 Explorers Due to Fuel Tank Weld Defect

Ford is recalling 2020 Explorers with 2.3L engines because an incomplete weld on the fuel tank inlet check valve could cause a fuel leak and fire during a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (incomplete weld) that could lead to a substantial fuel leak and fire during a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks. The recall addresses a defect where the fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

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. No specific number of affected units is provided in the source text.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell free of charge. The recall began on December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Fuel System
Hazard
Affected units
17

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · FORD

Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company

See all →

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls