VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford Explorer fuel system problems

The 2020 Ford Explorer has 42 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 3% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

42

Fuel System complaints

3%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

20V730000Fuel SystemNovember 24, 2020 · 17 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.

19V859000Fuel SystemDecember 4, 2019 · 3,857 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer fuel system — 3% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer fuel system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the fuel system: 19V859000, 20V730000.

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.