2020 Ford Explorer power train problems
484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Active Recall: Ford #26S48 The transmission on my 2020 Ford Explorer has completely failed, leaving my vehicle inoperable and my family stranded. The vehicle is currently located at a local Ford dealership, just sitting there waiting for a fix. My vehicle started…”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“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 concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/NHTSA safety recall (26S48 / NHTSA 26V-402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle…”
filed Sep 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park…Campaign 26V402000 · Jun 24, 2026
- Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnectCampaign 25V166000 · Mar 14, 2025
- Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnectCampaign 23V675000 · Oct 6, 2023
- An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in…Campaign 23V069000 · Feb 10, 2023
- Drive shaft may fracture along the weld seamCampaign 20V693000 · Nov 10, 2020
Related service bulletins
This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles…
TSB 26-2395 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids…
TSB 26-2287 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026For 2020 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum…
SSM 54902 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 5, 2026Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 >…
SSM 54827 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 15, 2026
Power Train problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 15 | 15% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 Explorer | 60 | 23% |
| 2021 Explorer | 120 | 28% |
| 2019 Explorer | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 Explorer | 49 | 7% |
| 2017 Explorer | 123 | 7% |
| 2016 Explorer | 214 | 9% |
| 2015 Explorer | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 79 | 5% |
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.