2020 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Backup camera goes black or freezes
- 77owner reports
- 10,000median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Jul 7, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
77 of the 177 reports of infotainment on the 2020 Explorer describe backup camera failure.
Part of Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails (177 reports)
Tick what matches of 77 reports
Backup camera failure on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the camera (77 reports) and the head unit or screen (49 reports).
Recalls and investigations
13 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display.
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
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.
All 33 recalls on the 2020 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Explorer
Rearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance. Open.
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Windshield wiper malfunction. Closed apr 24, 2000, led to recall 00V-072.
Blower assembly fires. Closed apr 18, 2000.
Heater blower assembly fire. Closed sep 11, 1998.
Blower assembly fires. Closed jan 15, 1999.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 40,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2020 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Ford Motor Company has determined certain 2020 Model Year Ford F-150, F-Super Duty and Explorer vehicles with a Ford factory-installed backup camera fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111 - Rear Visibility.
What owners wrote
“Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.”
Filed Jul 7, 2026
“Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When itâs not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.”
Filed Mar 17, 2026
“Put vehicle in reverse camera camera on then went black and the backup lights went out while trying to move resulting in hitting a pole.”
Filed Oct 17, 2025
“Back up camera image distorts goes black at times but goes blue multiple times a day while driving and putting in reverse camera is blue 90% of the time”
Filed Oct 13, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 77 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 190 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 95 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 82 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 75 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 56 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 52 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 47 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 35 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 35 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 29 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 28 reports