2020 Ford Explorer steering problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2020 Ford Explorer — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When putting the car in reverse and moving backwards start to feel the vehicle look drive power and knock sounds. Sounds likes and feels like gear teeth or not aligned. When putting the car into drive the vehicle jumps a little and you hear a lout pop noise.”
filed May 20, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for regular service, he was made aware that the driver’s side CV axle was leaking. The contact was informed that the driver’s side CV axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
filed Jul 29, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 75 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 528 | 22% |
| 2015 Explorer | 343 | 20% |
| 2014 Explorer | 496 | 30% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.