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WheelsPart report

2020 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
1%of 1,244 total for the year
Median mileage
45,738miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the wheels of the 2020 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,244 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,738 miles.

Example complaints

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

“My 2020 Ford Explorer which I purchased a week ago and is equipped with hankook kinergy gt tires has me all over the road when traveling on the freeway at speeds above 55 miles per hour on straight aways along with curves. It is dangerous because with short notice the vehicle will drift to the left or right because of the quality of the tires, upon further investigation it appears that many others that have vehicle's with these tires experience blow-outs, uneven wearing, and complaints about ride quality.”

NHTSA complaint #11325688, filed 2020-05, 267 miles

“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 2026-07

“I am filing a complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer that was not properly addressed during a recall repair, leading to a dangerous situation. Vehicle Details Make: Ford Model: Explorer Year: 2020 Recall Repair Details In January 2024, I took my vehicle to Coconut Point Ford in Estero, FL, for a recall repair related to the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, which was at risk of fracturing. The recall required the replacement of the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt to prevent driveshaft disconnection. …”

NHTSA complaint #11667955, filed 2025-06

“The rear left brake caliper locked up and caused damage to the wheel, tire, rotors and most of the brake assembly. Ford service thought that maybe a bolt fell out. The vehicle has ~36000 miles. I purchased what was called a bumper to bumper warranty from the dealership but was told it did not cover the problem. The damage is $3200. I looked at online forums and found numerous entries about the brake caliper issues. A parts employee at a dealership told me the part (L1MZ2B511C) was on national backorder due to a Quality problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11564689, filed 2024-01

“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a six-hour trip, the low tire message was displayed, and the tire quickly deflated. The contact slowed down and pulled into a service center and inflated the tire. The vehicle was then driven without failure. While pulling into a parking lot, the driver's side rear wheel detached from the vehicle. The previous tire lug nut had been factored out for installation at a tire center. …”

NHTSA complaint #11758565, filed 2026-08, 57,065 miles

Related service bulletins

Wheels: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202311%
202221%
202151%
2020161%
201941%
201881%
2017604%
2016502%
2015151%
2014262%
2013201%
201251%
201191%
201054%
200939%
200896%
2007105%
200661%
2005153%
2004413%
2003565%
2002782%
2001103%
2000121%
199960%
1998181%
1997121%
1996151%
199540%
1994121%
199361%
1992102%
1991132%

Other parts of the 2020 Ford Explorer

Transmission and drivetrain
502 complaints
Other or unknown
212 complaints
Electrical system
188 complaints
Engine
117 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
104 complaints
Brakes
88 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
72 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
69 complaints
Exterior lighting
56 complaints
Body and structure
45 complaints
Fuel system
42 complaints
Seats
41 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