How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 230 electrical system complaints for the 2020 Explorer, which is 19% of the 1,218 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 19V687000 covers a wiring harness that may not be properly secured and can contact the A/C compressor pulley on 2020 Explorers with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. A separate recall, 23V626000, covers a high voltage battery cell defect on 2020-2022 PHEV Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models.

Did the 2020 Ford Explorer's electrical issues cause any fires or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 4 fires, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to electrical system complaints for the 2020 Explorer.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2020 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints is 12,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.

Is the 2020 Explorer's electrical complaint rate high compared to other years?

Yes. The 2020 model year's 19% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is higher than every other year listed except 2025, which shows 23%.

2020 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 230 electrical system complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, 19% of all complaints for the year, with 4 fires, 4 crashes and 3 injuries reported. Two related recalls cover a wiring harness contact issue and, for PHEV models, a high voltage battery defect.

Electrical System complaints: 230; 19% of 1,218
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 12,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report fires igniting from the electrical system, including while the vehicle was parked and turned off and while driving with smoke coming from the passenger visor or from under the hood near the glove box.
Backup camera failures that freeze or go black, sometimes paired with backup lights shutting off, leading to collisions while reversing.
Vehicles entering a 'deep sleep' mode after being parked for a couple of days, draining the battery and requiring a jump start to restart.
Sudden unintended engine revving or hard jerking and stalling when shifting out of park, occurring at very low mileage shortly after purchase.
A false engine coolant alarm that triggers loss of engine power and limits speed to 50 mph at highway speeds, despite no actual overheating.

When 2020 Ford Explorer electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 12, 2019, latest Sep 18, 2026.

230 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q3 (25).

Electrical System recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 23V626000Sep 8, 2023Electrical System2,954 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
NHTSA 19V687000Sep 30, 2019Electrical System10,655 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.
Risk: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

Electrical System complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200538 (8%)
200641 (7%)
200727 (13%)
200846 (31%)
20093 (9%)
201014 (12%)
201199 (8%)
201267 (8%)
2013183 (8%)
2014121 (7%)
2015105 (6%)
2016130 (5%)
201799 (6%)
201862 (8%)
201919 (6%)
2020230 (19%)
202151 (12%)
202242 (16%)
202314 (13%)
20242 (10%)
202523 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA lists 230 electrical system complaints for the 2020 Explorer, which is 19% of the 1,218 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2020 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 19V687000 covers a wiring harness that may not be properly secured and can contact the A/C compressor pulley on 2020 Explorers with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. A separate recall, 23V626000, covers a high voltage battery cell defect on 2020-2022 PHEV Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models.
Did the 2020 Ford Explorer's electrical issues cause any fires or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 4 fires, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to electrical system complaints for the 2020 Explorer.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2020 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints is 12,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
Is the 2020 Explorer's electrical complaint rate high compared to other years?: Yes. The 2020 model year's 19% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is higher than every other year listed except 2025, which shows 23%.