2020 Ford Explorer Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,244 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 6% of the 1,244 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle detected possible collision and applied brakes. There was nothing anywhere near me. Then several faults appeared. Service 4wd, pre collision assist fault, stabilitrack fault, drive mode unavailable fault. Info screen went all black. I was driving at 45 MPH and a straight 2 lane road with no traffic in site. This is now the second time this has happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11362026, filed 2020-09, 6,342 miles“While making a turn around under the freeway, I saw an upcoming SUV stopped for cross traffic. By the time I was where the SUV was I saw the SUV accelerate to merge. I checked over my shoulder for the cross traffic unaware the SUV had stopped again in front of me. My SUV's collision warning and braking system never engaged or alerted me. I ended up rear ending the SUV in front of me causing a fended bender.”
NHTSA complaint #11403086, filed 2021-03, 1,227 miles“I received my 2020 Ford Explorer back from the dealership on 01/23/2021, after it had been at the dealership since 12/22/2020 for an overheating issue, which turned out to be a module and sensor issue. While driving last night I received a warning for a powertrain malfunction . I was able to get home with no issue by driving slowly. I parked the car overnight and checked the status this morning, 01/24/2021, in order to call roadside assistance and let them know what the current issue is. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389648, filed 2021-01, 7,393 miles“Several times when the rear camera just doesn't work - no particular reason but it's just out. It usually resumes normal operation after shutting off the car and restarting but sometimes I've had to shutdown and restart more than once (see picture from most recent issue). The emergency breaking system, particularly when moving in reverse has engaged unexpectedly numerous times without warning and without any danger or obstructions in the way of my car. This has happened in my driveway well before the sidewalk and when there have been no people are animals anywhere nearby. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375093, filed 2020-11, 7,000 miles“2020 Ford Explorer st with approximately 5,200 miles. Yesterday, I started the vehicle and put it into reverse and it started to roll backwards even though my foot was on the brake. Regardless of how hard I pushed the brake, the car continued to lunge backward until I fully depressed/repressed the brake. With my foot on the brake the vehicle continued to move. This same event occurred a few months ago but when in drive and the vehicle continued to lunge forward despite my foot full pressing the brake as much as possible. I shut off the vehicle, waited a few minutes, and attempted to restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373972, filed 2020-11, 5,175 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10238875Jun 20, 2023Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10% |
| 2025 | 15 | 14% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 12 | 4% |
| 2021 | 19 | 4% |
| 2020 | 72 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 0% |
| 2015 | 6 | 0% |
| 2014 | 9 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2020 Ford Explorer
502 complaintsOther or unknown
212 complaintsElectrical system
188 complaintsEngine
117 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
104 complaintsBrakes
88 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
69 complaintsExterior lighting
56 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsSeats
41 complaintsSuspension
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology