2020 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 51owner reports
- 64,158median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Aug 21, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
477 of the 1,204 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 51 of those describe drivetrain problems.
Tick what matches of 51 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the CV joint or axle (35 reports), the differential (12 reports), the transfer case (9 reports) and the driveshaft (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
7 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Explorer
Rear axle bolt failure. Closed feb 15, 2024, led to recall 23V-675.
NHTSA summary
Vehicle rollaway allegations. Closed feb 12, 2013.
NHTSA summary
Accelerator pedal. Closed mar 9, 2000.
NHTSA summary
Vehicle hesitation/stalling. Closed feb 22, 2000.
NHTSA summary
Parking pawl. Closed apr 1, 1999, led to recall 91V-189.
NHTSA summary
Auto trans prndl misalign. Closed jul 29, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Auto trans.prndl misalign. Closed jan 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Park pawl bending. Closed nov 8, 1991, led to recall 91V-189.
NHTSA summary
What owners paid
17 of the 51 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $475 to $2,946.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 46,821 and 72,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“front end axle actuator failing and causing all safety systems to turn off, loss of power and can lead to seized up front end”
Filed Apr 14, 2026
“Found transmission fluid burnt. Found harsh 7-8 downshift and delayed engagement in various gear ranges. Suspect front support is broken causing damage to a/b clutchpacks. Internal fault. Overhaul required. Found transfer case has failed internally also. Recommend replacing transfer case at same time.”
Filed Mar 5, 2026
“Bought my car 2020 and every year I have been on and off the shop to fix it. Last year I just paid them to fox my transmission gearing, clutch and axle. The other dY I have them service it again due to power train malfunction. And sent me an invoice of $1700 not including the $195 to diagnostic test for my car.”
Filed Sep 20, 2025
“The 2020 Ford Explorer was repaired due to a recall on the rear differential bolt. The bolt that was replaced fell out and had to go back in for service. The dealer said Ford refused to pay the full cost and it was split between Ford and the owner. We had to pay $2085.97 for the repair of a recalled item.”
Filed Sep 19, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 51 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.
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 186 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 176 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 93 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 82 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 69 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 56 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 46 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 28 reports