2020 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Multiple warning lights come on at once
- 29owner reports
- 55,000median miles
- $1,500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 17, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
373 of the 1,223 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 29 of those describe warning lights.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
Warning lights on other Explorer years
No other Explorer model year has enough reports of warning lights for a sheet of its own. See every Explorer year.
What this problem usually is
This sheet is for the moment the whole dash lights up at once: a string of warnings for systems that seem to have nothing to do with each other. Sometimes features drop out. Sometimes it's all gone on the next start. When that many systems complain together, it makes sense to look first at what they have in common.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the module (8 reports), the sensor (6 reports) and the wiring (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 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 engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
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
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.
What owners paid
7 of the 29 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $870 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 7,300 and 64,000 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Multiple advanced service warnings. Dealer states itâs the AWD module that needs to be replaced.”
Filed Oct 24, 2024
“The lift ajar lights came on, lift wont lock so it goes back up umless i push it down manually but the warning light âlift ajarâ keeps going on everytime i turn the engine on.im afraid that the lift would open up while im driving .”
Filed Apr 14, 2024
“When the car starts all warning lights come on. Hill start assistance, pre collision assistance, all assistance. There is no cruise, no safety collision assistance at all. First appeared on June 13 2023. Ford Dealer is currently trying to fix the problem. They are unsure why itâs doing it. It puts all occupants life at risks as the car doesnât have any safety assistance.”
Filed Jul 21, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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 Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 190 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 177 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
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 28 reports