VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Explorer Hybrid years?

Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted7 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 3 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Explorer Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Transmission150%

Does the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V255000TransmissionApril 14, 2022 · 252,936 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving the vehicle through a neighborhood and there was a clunk noise and it sounded like my brakes were metal on metal. I stopped to ensure my brakes were okay. Then I continued to drive home when there was a louder clunk and the reared on my vehicle locked up and the car would no longer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP MAKING NECESSARY REPAIRS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES INSIDE THE GARAGE OF THE INDEPENDENT SHOP. NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THERE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 8, 2020 · fire

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.