2020 Ford Explorer Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the seat belts of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,500 miles. 3 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.
“No accident at this time. This is regarding the knob shifter and its ability to automatically shift the vehicle into park when disconnecting the seat belt and opening the drivers door. The system works great unless you are using a seatbelt extender. I think this should be addressed. I don't think drivers are made aware of this issue. I certainly was not.”
NHTSA complaint #11384670, filed 2020-12, 12,000 miles“I am driving and the second row seat is disengaging randomly and folding/sliding forward. These are the bucket seats. It appears that the button on top of the seat to do this is stuck in the down position. There is a current recall for the 2020 explorer, but my vin is not currently included. However, the exact situation in ford recall 25S67 is happening to my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11695073, filed 2025-10“I've received more than one recall notice from Ford (Recall Number: 25S09) but ever time I contact my dealer to schedule service, they say that Ford has not released the parts. I'm very concerned since this is a SAFETY recall. I'm also baffled because the letter says it's a improperly torqued fastener. I don't understand why they need parts for that. But what the heck do I know? Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11724921, filed 2026-03“The middle row passenger side seatbelt randomly unbuckles when we drive. We have had ford dealership look at it and are going to fix it as there is not a spicific recall for this but it is a saftey concern as the seatbelt doesn't stay fastened when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11712361, filed 2026-01“We received a recall stating that one or more of our seat restraint fasteners may have been improperly secured which may not effectively restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. However, there are no parts or fix available.”
NHTSA complaint #11655012, filed 2025-04Related recalls
- 26V159000Mar 17, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2026, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2026
- 25V093000Feb 14, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2021, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2021
- 20V549000Sep 10, 2020Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 23 | 1% |
| 2016 | 40 | 2% |
| 2015 | 38 | 2% |
| 2014 | 28 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 34 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 16 | 2% |
| 1999 | 21 | 2% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 54 | 3% |
| 1996 | 78 | 5% |
| 1995 | 59 | 7% |
| 1994 | 13 | 1% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 24 | 4% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2020 Ford Explorer
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 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsSeats
41 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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