2020 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 162 engine complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, 13% of its 1,218 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,350 miles. Two related recalls cover engine oil/fuel vapor risk and loose motor mount fasteners.
- Engine complaints
- 162
- 13% of 1,218
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 12,350 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Some owners report sudden engine seizure or stalling at very low mileage, in one case less than 2,000 miles after purchase.
- Several complaints describe the engine stalling or losing power while pulling out into traffic or driving at highway speed, sometimes requiring multiple restart attempts.
- Owners report false engine coolant overheating alarms that cut engine power and limit speed to under 50 mph on the highway.
- Multiple complaints describe smoke or fire originating near the engine or front of the vehicle, including one case that started a garage fire and another with fire visible near the front wheel while driving.
- One owner reported unintended acceleration while parking that led to a collision, though a dealer inspection found no equipment malfunction.
When 2020 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 11, 2020, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 24V598000Aug 9, 2024Engine85,238 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
- NHTSA 20V788000Dec 17, 2020Engine1,405 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Engine complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 162 engine complaints for the 2020 Explorer, which is 13% of all 1,218 complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2020 Explorer engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 12,350 miles for engine complaints on the 2020 Explorer.
- Is there a recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer engine?
- Yes. Recall 24V598000 covers 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles with the Police Interceptor Utility Package for engine oil and fuel vapor release risk during engine failure, and recall 20V788000 covers loose right-hand motor mount fasteners on 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles.
- Did the 2020 Explorer engine complaints involve fires or crashes?
- Among the 162 engine complaints, NHTSA records show 4 fires and 2 crashes, with 0 injuries reported.
- Is the 2020 Explorer engine worse than other model years?
- The 2020 Explorer's 13% engine complaint share is lower than years like 2016 (22%) and 2015 (17%), but higher than 2019 (9%), based on NHTSA complaint data across model years.