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NHTSA Federal Consumer Defect Registry

2020 Ford Explorer Owner Complaints (1190)

Analysis of 1190 verified consumer complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Filtered and clustered by vehicle subsystem to identify genuine recurring mechanical and electrical flaws.

Total Complaints
1190
Defect Clusters
7 Categories
Avg Failure Range
44k mi
Est. Repair Cost
$1,400 – $3,800
Defects & ProblemsSafety Recalls33Owner Complaints1190
Switch Explorer Model Year Complaints
202594 reports202419 reports2023104 reports2022256 reports2021411 reports20201190 reports2019290 reports2018717 reports20171686 reports20162440 reports20151770 reports20141673 reports
NHTSA Defect Subsystem Breakdown

2020 Explorer Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem

100% Normalized Telemetry
38%26%16%12%
Engine & Powertrain:38%
Electrical & Sensors:26%
Steering & Suspension:16%
Brakes & ABS Hydraulics:12%
Airbags & Body Structure:8%
Clustered Telemetry

Top Defect Complaint Groups (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Frequency
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN537 Verified Complaints

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse, Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration, Transmission slipping between gears

Median Failure Mileage44,000 milesIQR: 6,700 – 72,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$1,400 – $3,800 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERY287 Verified Complaints

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight, Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts, Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings

Median Failure Mileage17,000 milesIQR: 6,200 – 42,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$280 – $850 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ENGINE & COOLING241 Verified Complaints

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving, Abnormal oil burning / consumption, Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing, Engine overheating / coolant loss

Median Failure Mileage29,000 milesIQR: 7,154 – 66,233 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$950 – $3,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
BRAKING SYSTEM & ABS192 Verified Complaints

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Spongy or hard brake pedal travel, ABS / Brake warning light illuminated, Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration

Median Failure Mileage17,000 milesIQR: 5,100 – 60,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$350 – $1,100 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
STEERING & SUSPENSION139 Verified Complaints

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Sudden loss of electric power steering assist, Steering wheel pull or highway wander, Clunking / knocking noise over bumps

Median Failure Mileage17,000 milesIQR: 12,000 – 68,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$450 – $1,400 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTS49 Verified Complaints

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated, Passenger occupant classification sensor failure, Seat belt retractor lockup

Median Failure Mileage21,250 milesIQR: 11,683 – 43,437 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$400 – $1,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTION9 Verified Complaints

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

Medium Severity

Reported Symptoms: Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds, Extended engine cranking / failure to restart, Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay

Median Failure Mileage1,720 milesIQR: 1,720 – 1,720 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$650 – $1,250 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
Full Reliability Report2020 Explorer Common ProblemsFederal Safety Recalls2020 Explorer Recalls (33)All Generation YearsExplorer Multi-Year Hub