2020 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the suspension of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car was thumping at left rear after recall (for transmission oil cooler) was just completed. I hadn't left the parking lot. Ford mechanic said it was the shock. I was told that the car was safe to drive and to bring it back after 3 days. I'm having my doubts as to whether it's safe or not. They said they'd change only that absorber. If one is bad after 3 months, why wouldn't the others? I bought the car new in november 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11398168, filed 2021-02, 3,100 miles“On saturday august 22, I drove my 2020 Ford Explorer sport to work in my company parking lot. When I attempted to leave work to go home, after starting the car, I received a succession of warning notices - hill start assist not available / reverse brake assist not available / pre-collision assist not available / service advance trac / steering loss - stop safely. The car was brand new, not even a year old and has only 7,000 miles. The car was towed to summit Ford in siverthorne colorado on august 23 where it has been for two weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11352988, filed 2020-09, 7,731 miles“This truck has a few different issues on and off issues 1. The reverse camera stops working turns blue when trying to reverse 2. All my warning sensors stop working going reverse or forward when trying to park there's even times when I'm driving and I get a warning that my sensor are not working to refer to manual 3.my car car has an auto shut off when on a red light for some reason this is not working I get the symbol on dash board but is crossed with a line 4. When driving and I step on gas the RPM stay high like if the engine or transmission is trying to catch up 5. …”
NHTSA complaint #11390830, filed 2021-01, 600 miles“I was replacing the rear struts on 12/5/25. I noticed that both speedlogix vertical links were cracked in the exact same location. I called Speedlogix and they said they no longer carried those links (I see why). Asked for a refund and doesn’t appear I am going to get one. They were purchased November of 2024. No telling how long they’ve been cracked like this. Could have ended up killing me and my family.”
NHTSA complaint #11703470, filed 2025-12“I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....”
NHTSA complaint #11753585, filed 2026-07Related recalls
- 21V154000Mar 10, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020, Lincoln Aviator 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11037671Sep 16, 2026This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction…
- 11032909May 19, 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians…
- 11027608Jan 7, 2026This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction…
- 11009831Oct 15, 2024In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise…
- 10240575Aug 1, 2023Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low…
- 10222520Sep 23, 2022Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3
- 10214129Jun 10, 2022Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 12% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
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 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