2020 Ford Explorer service brakes problems
80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset. After researching this is a problem with my VIN that was offered free…”
filed Jul 30, 2026
“Had recall for parking brake fixed, soon after I’d be on interstate or intersection and it would lose power wrench and check power train system light came on. Took to dealership and they said it was parking pawl sylenuod. Had repaired left the shop didn’t even get home and it did the same: Mechanic…”
filed Jul 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 15 | 17% |
| 2023 Explorer | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 19 | 5% |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 21 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 17 | 1% |
| 2015 Explorer | 26 | 1% |
| 2014 Explorer | 25 | 1% |
| 2013 Explorer | 31 | 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.