2020 Ford Explorer electrical system problems
185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, VIN 1FMSK8DH6LGA35229. While driving, my vehicle displayed “4WD Fault – Service Required” along with the powertrain wrench warning. I then became unable to select/change drive modes. Pre-Collision Assist became unavailable, I experienced Lane Keeping/Lane Assist…”
filed Sep 15, 2026
“On August 14, 2026, the power liftgate on my 2020 Forde Explorer unexpectedly began closing while I was loading my dog into a kennel in the rear cargo area. I did not press the liftgate close button and no one else activated a liftgate control. My key fob was inside my purse on the front seat of…”
filed Aug 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an…Campaign 23V626000 · Sep 8, 2023
- Wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner…Campaign 19V687000 · Sep 30, 2019
Electrical System problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 9 | 26% |
| 2025 Explorer | 22 | 22% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 Explorer | 13 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 39 | 15% |
| 2021 Explorer | 42 | 10% |
| 2019 Explorer | 19 | 6% |
| 2018 Explorer | 58 | 8% |
| 2017 Explorer | 93 | 5% |
| 2016 Explorer | 126 | 5% |
| 2015 Explorer | 92 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 100 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.