NHTSA ODI #11663164

2020 Ford Explorer Complaint

Unknown Or Other

Filed May 27, 2025 · Incident date May 19, 2025

Vehicle
2020 Ford Explorer
Component(s)
Unknown Or Other
Complaint filed
May 27, 2025
Date of incident
May 19, 2025
Reported VIN
1FMSK8FH3LG

Owner's description

My 2020 Ford Explorer required a transmission replacement just after 100,000 miles. The service department that handled the repair informed me that the issue with my vehicle’s transmission matches the same issue affecting 2021 and newer Ford Explorer models — models which, I understand, have been recalled due to this known transmission defect. Despite this, my vehicle—just one model year earlier—was not included in the recall, and I was required to cover the full cost of the transmission replacement. This is frustrating and concerning, as it indicates the issue may extend beyond the currently recalled model years. To make matters worse, about a month after the replacement, I had to return to the dealership because the transmission required an update that had not been performed. As a loyal Ford customer, I’m disappointed that I’ve had to endure these issues — both with a known transmission defect and with the quality of the repair — at my own expense. Ford Motor Company cannot cover the repairs due to it not being included in the recalled vehicles, even though the issue is the same.

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Data sourced from the NHTSA Complaints database. Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and have not been independently verified.