2020 Ford Explorer Electrical Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Ford Explorer?
187 owners have reported electrical problems on the 2020 Ford Explorer, 15% of all complaints for this year and the 2nd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 6,000–51,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.
187 complaints 15% of all 2020 complaints 11,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (60 of 187). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Electrical complaints by the year the problem happened.
Electrical complaints by Explorer year
Related recalls
Traction battery
Fire risk0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 23V626000 · Sep 2023Wiring
Fire risk3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt. The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge.
Recall 19V687000 · Sep 2019Instrument cluster / panel, Gear position indication (PRNDL)
The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect." Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge.
Recall 19V575000 · Aug 2019Get an email when your 2020 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Other 2020 Ford Explorer problems
Common questions
What are common 2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems?
Complaints most often name the management system / energy control module (BMS / BECM), instrument cluster / panel and camera / sensor.
At what mileage do 2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 6,000–51,000 miles. The middle value is about 11,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2020 Ford Explorer electrical problems?
Yes: 23V626000, 19V687000, 19V575000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Explorer year has the most electrical complaints?
The 2020 Explorer, with 187 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.