2020 Ford Explorer engine problems
113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving down a main road, the speed limit changed from 40 to 55 mph. When the gas pedal was pushed, the car violently jerked, did not speed up, and proceeded to have a grinding sound emitting from the engine. No warning lights appeared. The grinding noise continued until the vehicle was…”
filed Aug 21, 2026
“I drove to work with no issues, lights or warnings. I parked and worked for 7 hours. Upon leaving and cranking the engine, it immediately showed overheated and went into limp mode. I drove it less than 100Ft, parked and called for a tow. There was no puddles or other indications of an issue. Upon…”
filed Jul 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the…Campaign 24V598000 · Aug 9, 2024
- Right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over…Campaign 20V788000 · Dec 17, 2020
Engine problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 6 | 18% |
| 2025 Explorer | 7 | 7% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 30 | 11% |
| 2021 Explorer | 48 | 11% |
| 2019 Explorer | 19 | 6% |
| 2018 Explorer | 95 | 13% |
| 2017 Explorer | 237 | 14% |
| 2016 Explorer | 381 | 16% |
| 2015 Explorer | 226 | 13% |
| 2014 Explorer | 196 | 12% |
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.