The Recall Desk

Vehicle

Ford Explorer · 2020

33 recalls affect this vehicle. Sorted by severity, then date.

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1–33 of 33

  • Severity pendingNHTSA·26V451000·2026-07-14

    Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles recalled for seat unlatching risk

    Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles because the second-row seat switch may cause seats to move unexpectedly.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·26V402000·2026-06-24

    Ford Recalls 2018-2021 SUVs and 2021 F-150s for Transmission Defect

    Ford is recalling specific 2018-2021 SUVs and 2021 F-150s because the transmission park pawl may engage while moving, risking vehicle rollaway and crashes.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, EXPLORER, AVIATOR
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·26V159000·2026-03-17

    Ford Explorer second-row seat belt anchor bolts may be improperly secured

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V685000·2025-10-10

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles recalled over engine block heater fire risk

    Ford is recalling 59,006 vehicles across many Ford and Lincoln lines because the engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, short circuiting when plugged in.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, FUSION, CORSAIR, MKC
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V166000·2025-03-14

    Ford Explorer rear axle bolts may fracture and disconnect the driveshaft

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recalls 23V-199 or 22V-255, because the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·24V598000·2024-08-09

    2020-2022 Ford Explorer Engine Compartment Fire Risk Recall

    Certain 2020-2022 Ford Explorers may experience engine failures that release oil and fuel vapors, risking engine compartment fires. Ford will update the engine control software and inspect for bearing damage.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V626000·2023-09-08

    Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer battery defect poses fire and power-loss risk

    Ford is recalling 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviators and Ford Explorers with 3.0L plug-in hybrid engines. A high-voltage battery manufacturing defect may cause battery failure, loss of drive power, and fire risk.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·20V730000·2020-11-24

    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.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·20V693000·2020-11-10

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Driveshaft Fracture Risk

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the drive shaft may fracture, potentially causing a loss of drive, vehicle rollaway, or fire.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·19V859000·2019-12-04

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Fuel Leak Risk

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because a chafing fuel line may cause a leak, increasing the risk of fire.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, AVIATOR
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·19V633000·2019-08-28

    Ford Recalls 639,137 Vehicles for Defective Seat Back Recliner Mechanisms

    Ford is recalling 639,137 vehicles because a missing part in the seat back recliner mechanism may reduce strength and fail to restrain occupants in a crash.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN F-150, ESCAPE, F-550, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·26V123000·2026-03-03

    Lincoln Corsair and Ford vehicles recalled for rearview camera display issues

    Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2024 Lincoln and Ford vehicles because the center display may show an inverted rearview image, increasing crash risks.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD CORSAIR, AVIATOR, EXPLORER, ESCAPE
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·26V117000·2026-03-03

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles recalled due to windshield wiper motor failure risk

    Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles because the windshield wiper motors may fail, potentially reducing visibility and increasing crash risks.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD CORSAIR, AVIATOR, EXPLORER, ESCAPE
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V442000·2025-06-27

    Ford rearview cameras may show a blank or persistent image

    Ford is recalling a wide range of 2018-2024 vehicles because a software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or leave the image on screen after backing has ended.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN F-250 SD, ECOSPORT, EDGE, FUSION
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V393000·2025-06-13

    Ford Explorer second row seats may unlatch or slide while driving

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the easy-entry second-row seat switch may bind, letting seats unlatch, fold or slide unexpectedly.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V159000·2025-03-14

    Ford Explorer and Aviator camera video output may fail entirely

    Ford is recalling certain Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall 23V-342, because the video output may fail.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD CORSAIR, AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·25V093000·2025-02-14

    Ford Explorer seat belt buckle anchor bolts may be improperly secured

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·24V188000·2024-03-08

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorers for Rearview Camera Electrical Defect

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorers because a poor electrical connection may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image, increasing crash risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V675000·2023-10-06

    2020-2022 Ford Explorer Driveshaft Disconnection Risk

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles because the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, causing the driveshaft to disconnect. This can result in loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing crash risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V342000·2023-05-12

    2020-2023 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Vehicles Rearview Camera Failure

    The rearview camera video output may fail on certain 2020-2023 Ford Explorer and Lincoln vehicles, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. Ford will replace the camera free of charge.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD CORSAIR, AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V305000·2023-04-28

    Ford Explorer backup camera display failure reduces rear visibility

    Certain 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles have a software issue where the backup camera display does not appear when turned off before reversing, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V199000·2023-03-24

    Ford Explorer driveshaft disconnect and parking brake recall

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles due to potential driveshaft disconnection and incomplete parking brake software, which could cause vehicle rollaway and loss of drive power.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·23V022000·2023-01-23

    2021 Lincoln Aviator rearview camera video output may fail

    Ford is recalling 2021 Lincoln Aviators with 360-degree camera systems because the rearview camera video may fail to display, reducing driver rear visibility and increasing crash risk.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER, CORSAIR
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·21V735000·2021-09-22

    2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln vehicles rearview camera display failure

    Ford and Lincoln are recalling 228,297 vehicles with 360-degree cameras because the rearview camera image may fail to display, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, AVIATOR, CORSAIR
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·20V788000·2020-12-17

    2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator motor mount fastener recall

    Ford is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because right-hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened and could loosen, potentially causing the axle to disconnect from the engine and loss of power.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·20V575000·2020-09-23

    Ford Recalls 2020 Vehicles for Rearview Camera Electrical Defect

    Ford is recalling 620,246 2020 vehicles because a poor electrical connection may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image, increasing crash risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD, LINCOLN F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, ESCAPE
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·20V497000·2020-08-21

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Side Air Bag Fastener Issue

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because side air bag fasteners may not be properly tightened, potentially affecting deployment during a crash.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·19V687000·2019-09-30

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorers for Wiring Harness Fire Risk

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorers because a wiring harness may contact the A/C pulley, causing a short circuit and increasing fire risk.

    Product
    FORD — FORD EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·19V575000·2019-08-05

    Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Parking Brake Cover Issue

    Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because a missing parking brake cover or Factory Mode setting may allow the vehicle to roll away or hide gear selection.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • Severity pendingNHTSA·24V852000·2024-11-08

    Air Bag Warning Label Missing on Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

    Ford is recalling certain 2018-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for missing air bag warning labels on the dashboard. The missing label increases risk of crash injury if occupants don't follow proper restraint guidelines.

    Product
    LINCOLN — LINCOLN, FORD CORSAIR, EXPLORER, AVIATOR, F-150
    Category
    Vehicle
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide

NHTSA crash-test safety rating

Federal 5-Star Safety Rating from crash testing. This is a separate government program from the recall(s) above — a high star rating says nothing about whether a specific recall has been fixed, and a recall says nothing about crash-test performance.

  • 20205/5

    2 trims tested for 2020; overall ratings can differ by trim.

    View on NHTSA.gov

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a federal crash-test program — not a recall record.

Wider context for this vehicle

Beyond the official recalls above. These are third-party figures derived from NHTSA complaint data — useful signal, but not part of our verified recall record.

Federal investigations — 2 open

  • EA26004 Engineering Analysis · open · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
  • PE25020 Preliminary Evaluation · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
  • DP25001 Defect Petition · structure:frame and members:underbody shields
  • RQ24014 Recall Query · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
  • PE24019 Preliminary Evaluation · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
  • PE24014 Preliminary Evaluation · open · fuel system, diesel

Complaint clusters with no matching recall

  • 2016 · steering 527 complaints, median 58,000 mi
  • 2014 · steering 496 complaints, median 90,000 mi
    Includes 1 alleging a death and 2 alleging a fire. Unverified owner allegations from complaint filings — not confirmed by any agency.
  • 2020 · powertrain 456 complaints, median 44,000 mi
  • 2015 · steering 345 complaints, median 60,980 mi
  • 2006 · powertrain 279 complaints, median 64,303 mi
    Includes 2 alleging a fire. Unverified owner allegations from complaint filings — not confirmed by any agency.

Technical service bulletins

1,005 manufacturer service bulletins across 22 model years. A TSB is repair guidance to dealers, not a safety recall.

Third-party reliability score

  • 2026: 3.7/5
  • 2025: 1.9/5 · 95 complaints · most complained-of: electrical
  • 2024: 3.3/5 · 19 complaints · most complained-of: visibility
  • 2023: 2.4/5 · 106 complaints · most complained-of: steering
  • 2022: 1.3/5 · 258 complaints · most complained-of: powertrain

This is ProblemsByVin’s own published heuristic (1 worst – 5 best), not an official rating and unrelated to our severity scale.

Data on this panel comes from ProblemsByVin, derived from US NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, and licensed CC BY 4.0. It is not published by a federal agency and is not part of our verified recall record.

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