How many fuel system complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 42 Fuel System complaints for the 2020 Explorer, which is 3% of the 1,218 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 20V730000 covers a fuel tank inlet check valve that may not be fully welded on 2.3L models with 19-gallon tanks, and recall 19V859000 covers a vapor fuel line sleeve that can chafe through the liquid fuel line and cause a leak.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically occur on the 2020 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2020 Explorer is 5,743.5 miles.

Did the fuel system issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area on the 2020 Explorer shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries.

What does the fuel sloshing noise mean on the 2020 Explorer?

Multiple owners describe hearing and feeling fuel sloshing under the front seats at low speeds when the tank is more than half full, a pattern that appears repeatedly in NHTSA complaint narratives.

2020 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 42 Fuel System complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, 3% of its 1,218 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 5,743.5 miles. Two related recalls exist: a fuel tank inlet check valve weld issue (20V730000) and a chafing vapor fuel line sleeve (19V859000).

Fuel System complaints: 42; 3% of 1,218
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 5,744 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report loud fuel sloshing or clunking noises coming from under the driver or passenger seat during low-speed maneuvers and stops.
Several owners say the sloshing is most noticeable when the fuel tank is above half or three-quarters full and lessens as fuel level drops.
Some vehicles would not start or displayed a 'cranking limit exceeded' message when parked with less than a quarter tank of gas.
One owner described the engine sputtering and shutting off unexpectedly after a short idle period, then failing to restart.
Dealers reportedly confirmed the sloshing noise in some cases but told owners Ford had no fix available at the time.

When 2020 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 10, 2019, latest Jun 26, 2026.

42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2020 (4).

Fuel System recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 20V730000Nov 24, 2020Fuel System17 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
Risk: An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
NHTSA 19V859000Dec 4, 2019Fuel System3,857 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

Fuel System complaints by Explorer model year

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

200566 (13%)
200627 (4%)
20074 (2%)
20082 (1%)
20092 (6%)
20109 (8%)
201140 (3%)
201234 (4%)
2013153 (7%)
201471 (4%)
201594 (5%)
2016112 (5%)
201749 (3%)
201823 (3%)
201917 (6%)
202042 (3%)
202126 (6%)
202236 (13%)
20233 (3%)
20240 (0%)
20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 42 Fuel System complaints for the 2020 Explorer, which is 3% of the 1,218 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 20V730000 covers a fuel tank inlet check valve that may not be fully welded on 2.3L models with 19-gallon tanks, and recall 19V859000 covers a vapor fuel line sleeve that can chafe through the liquid fuel line and cause a leak.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically occur on the 2020 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2020 Explorer is 5,743.5 miles.
Did the fuel system issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area on the 2020 Explorer shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries.
What does the fuel sloshing noise mean on the 2020 Explorer?: Multiple owners describe hearing and feeling fuel sloshing under the front seats at low speeds when the tank is more than half full, a pattern that appears repeatedly in NHTSA complaint narratives.