2020 Ford Explorer parts and specs

What changed for the 2020 Ford Explorer

• 2020Generation launch on RWD-based CD6 platform; 10-speed automatic across the board; hybrid and 400-hp ST debut; rocky launch quality (see common problems)

Known problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2020–2025 generation are documented against the 2020 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture (two recalls)

  majorNHTSA 22V-712 (Ford 22S27, software); NHTSA 23V-675 (Ford 23S55, bolt replacement)

  The bolt that mounts the rear axle to the subframe can fatigue and fracture, letting the axle shift so the driveshaft or half shafts disconnect, loss of drive power, and rollaway risk if parked without the parking brake. Ford first addressed it with a software fix that auto-applies the electronic parking brake (NHTSA 22V-712, Ford 22S27, ~253k 2020–2022 Explorers with the 2.3L RWD and 3.0L), then recalled 238,364 of them again in October 2023 (NHTSA 23V-675, Ford 23S55) to physically replace the axle bolt/subframe hardware, plus the driveshaft if damaged. Clunking from the rear on acceleration is the classic symptom. Check your VIN and insist on the hardware fix.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; a failed bolt outside recall scope can mean $1,000+ in driveshaft/axle repairs

• 360-degree camera blue/black image (recall)

  moderateNHTSA 23V-342 (Ford 23S23)

  On vehicles with the 360-degree camera system, the rearview or full camera display can intermittently show a blue or black image in reverse, a backup-visibility safety defect. Ford recalled about 382,000 2020–2023 Explorers (with Aviator/Corsair siblings) in May 2023; the fix is a free image processing module (IPMA) software update. Ford logged 2,100+ warranty claims and 17 minor crashes before the recall.

  Typical cost: Free under recall (software update)

• 10R60 10-speed transmission harsh shifting / shift flare

  moderateMultiple Ford TSBs (PCM updates, CDF clutch drum, output bearing)

  The 10-speed draws widespread complaints for harsh 1–2 and 2–3 shifts, delayed engagements, clunks, and 1–3 shift flare. Ford has issued multiple TSBs, PCM/TCM software recalibrations, and for persistent flare a CDF (clutch drum) assembly replacement for an internal clutch seal leak; a related TSB covers output-shaft bearing whine. Software fixes most cars; hardware repairs are covered under the 5-yr/60k powertrain warranty for many owners. A fluid exchange around 60k (despite the 150k schedule) is cheap insurance.

  Typical cost: Free reflash under warranty; $1,500–$3,500 for CDF drum or bearing work out of warranty

• 12V battery drain / dead battery ('deep sleep' complaints)

  minor

  Early 6th-gen Explorers are known for dead 12V batteries after sitting a few days, blamed on modules (telematics modem, SYNC) failing to sleep, marginal factory batteries, and lots of short-trip duty with auto start-stop. Symptoms: no-crank after a weekend, 'deep sleep mode' warnings in FordPass, random electrical gremlins. Fixes: software updates for the offending modules, an AGM battery in good health, and a BMS reset after replacement. The awkward under-cowl battery location makes DIY replacement a 30-minute job instead of a 5-minute one.

  Typical cost: $0 (software) – $250–$400 (AGM battery replacement)

• 2020 launch-year build quality issues

  moderate

  The 2020 model year, launched during a chaotic Chicago Assembly changeover, generated well-above-average complaints and multiple recalls beyond the axle bolt: missing/loose wiring, seat frame and trim faults, transmission issues, and PTU concerns, with many early vehicles shipped to dealers for rework. Consumer Reports and owner-reported reliability for 2020 is markedly worse than 2022+ builds. If shopping used, prefer 2022-or-later builds and verify all recalls are closed by VIN.

  Typical cost: Varies; most covered by warranty/recalls when documented

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Explorer problems and years to avoid guide.