2020 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2020 Explorer
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (486 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 486 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (183 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 183 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (115 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 115 NHTSA complaints
Back Over Prevention complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (104 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 104 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (82 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 82 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
124 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
33
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Engine Red flag
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 Red flag
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
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 Red flag
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.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
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.
Air Bags Red flag
If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Electrical System Check
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.
Power Train Red flag
Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Power Train Red flag
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Visibility Check
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train Check
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2020 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 33 recalls for the 2020 Explorer. The most serious involve Fuel System, Gasoline (19V859000) and Engine (20V788000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2020 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (486 complaints) and Unknown or Other (207 complaints), out of 1216 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 486 complaints for this model-year.