Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2020 Ford Explorer 1.9/10 — Approach with caution. It has 33 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,160 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?

The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?

The 2020 Ford Explorer has 33 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2020 Ford Explorer?

A used 2020 Ford Explorer typically sells for $22,000–$31,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?

Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.

How many miles is too many for a 2020 Ford Explorer?

A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2020 Ford Explorer

Sixth-gen redesign — rear-wheel-drive platform; early builds had quality issues, inspect.

Typical price: $22,000–$31,000
Recalls: 33
Owner complaints: 1,160

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NHTSA Recalls

33 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#19V859000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Engine#20V788000
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension:Rear#21V154000
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention:Software#21V735000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly#20V549000
Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft#20V693000
Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#20V575000
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage#20V730000
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.

Owner Complaints

(1,160 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain314
Unknown Or Other119
Back Over Prevention56
Electrical System44
Engine43
Exterior Lighting41
Visibility/Wiper28
Brakes27

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2020 Ford Explorer in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2020 Ford Explorer 1.9/10 — Approach with caution. It has 33 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,160 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?: The 2020 Ford Explorer has 33 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2020 Ford Explorer?: A used 2020 Ford Explorer typically sells for $22,000–$31,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2020 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2020 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Accessories & exterior protection

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Suspension & performance

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Also consider

2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2017 Jeep Cherokee

$10,000–$16,000

2017 Ford Escape

$9,000–$14,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2020 Ford Explorer

Sixth-gen redesign — rear-wheel-drive platform; early builds had quality issues, inspect.

Typical price: $22,000–$31,000
Recalls: 33
Owner complaints: 1,160

ShareX f

Have a specific 2020 Ford Explorer to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

33 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings#19V859000
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Engine#20V788000
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension:Rear#21V154000
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention:Software#21V735000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly#20V549000
Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft#20V693000
Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#20V575000
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage#20V730000
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.

Owner Complaints

(1,160 total)

Transmission & Drivetrain314
Unknown Or Other119
Back Over Prevention56
Electrical System44
Engine43
Exterior Lighting41
Visibility/Wiper28
Brakes27

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2020 Ford Explorer in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2020 Ford Explorer 1.9/10 — Approach with caution. It has 33 NHTSA recalls on record and about 1,160 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?: The most frequently reported area is Transmission & Drivetrain. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?: The 2020 Ford Explorer has 33 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2020 Ford Explorer?: A used 2020 Ford Explorer typically sells for $22,000–$31,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?: Ford maintenance costs are typically moderate, with widely available, affordable parts.
How many miles is too many for a 2020 Ford Explorer?: A well-maintained Ford Explorer can reach ~180,000–200,000 miles. Above ~130k, prioritize service history and an inspection.

Find a 2020 Ford Explorer for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2020 Ford Explorer

Featured in

Also consider

2019 Buick Encore

$11,000–$16,000

2017 Jeep Cherokee

$10,000–$16,000

2017 Ford Escape

$9,000–$14,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free