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Fuel systemPart report

2020 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems

Complaints
42about this part
Share
3%of 1,249 total for the year
Median mileage
5,744miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,744 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When starting at intersections or stopping you can hear and feel the fuel in the tank sloshing back and forth. I've taken my vehicle to the dealership and they confirmed the noise and documented it. They reached out to Ford which said they knew of the issue and at this time there is no fix.”

NHTSA complaint #11310542, filed 2020-02, 3 miles

“The Explorer was put into reverse. The vehicle drove forward about 3 ft, jerked, then slammed into reverse. Reaction time on my behalf was slow as it was unexpected, I almost hit a light pole. This occurred in a parking lot”

NHTSA complaint #11307291, filed 2020-02, 5,800 miles

“I took my car to the bank and parked in the parking lot and while I went to the atm I left the car running I wasn't away from the car for more then three minutes and when I got back in the car it started sputtering and then just shut off. I tried to start it back up but upon doing so the vehicle wouldn't turn over. The engine sounded like it wanted to turn over but wouldn't. I tried this a bunch of times until the tow truck arrived( about an hour) but every time the vehicle still wouldn't turn over. Just continued to make the engine noise then would shut off.”

NHTSA complaint #11394729, filed 2021-02, 5,687 miles

“During low speed maneuvers like parking and when coming to a stop, the fuel sloshes loudly and can be heard inside the vehicle. It sloshes most noticeably when the fuel level is above 3/4 full. The fuel moves so much it sometimes sounds like there's something hitting the floor underneath the driver seat or a driveline issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11307917, filed 2020-02, 300 miles

“When stopping, moving slow or pulling into a parking spot or garage you can hear and feel the fuel in the tank sloshing back and forth. This happens when the fuel tank is at least 1/2 full and is very noticeable but seems to go away when fuel is under 1/2 tank.”

NHTSA complaint #11403968, filed 2021-03, 750 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202637%
202533%
202333%
20223714%
2021286%
2020423%
2019176%
2018233%
2017493%
20161125%
2015945%
2014724%
20131537%
2012344%
2011403%
201098%
200926%
200821%
200742%
2006274%
20056613%
2004333%
2003111%
2002722%
2001113%
2000192%
1999343%
1998633%
1997563%
1996232%
1995162%
1994333%
1993121%
1992183%
1991264%
1990217%

Other parts of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Transmission and drivetrain
504 complaintsOther or unknown
214 complaintsElectrical system
188 complaintsEngine
117 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
104 complaintsBrakes
88 complaintsForward collision avoidance
72 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsExterior lighting
56 complaintsBody and structure
46 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 29, 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