2020 Ford Explorer forward collision avoidance problems
70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the forward collision avoidance on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 6% 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
“I am writing to formally express serious concerns regarding the safety of a Ford vehicle that continues to carry a 5-star safety rating despite multiple known, safety-critical defects that emerged after relatively low mileage. Two major issues developed between approximately 62,000 and 72,000…”
filed Aug 26, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Forward Collision Avoidance problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 12 | 12% |
| 2024 Explorer | 3 | 15% |
| 2023 Explorer | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 Explorer | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 19 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 9 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 8 | 0% |
| 2015 Explorer | 6 | 0% |
| 2014 Explorer | 9 | 1% |
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.