Used Ford Explorer Buyer's Guide (2020–2024)
Many recalls, led by the 2020 to 2022 rear axle bolt and park system recalls, some still awaiting a fix. Check every one on the VIN.
Photo: Benespit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The sixth generation Explorer moved to a new rear wheel drive platform for 2020, with available all wheel drive, three rows of seats and strong towing. It is a common family SUV and a common fleet and police vehicle, so there are many on the used market.
Engines include a 2.3L turbo four, a 3.0L twin turbo V6 in the ST and some upper trims, and a 3.3L V6 hybrid. Every one uses a 10-speed automatic.
The launch was rough. The Detroit Free Press reported that about 12,000 early 2020 Explorers were shipped to another plant for repairs, and the 2020 model has a long list of NHTSA recalls. Consumer Reports put the 2020 Explorer on its used cars to avoid list. Some recalls on these SUVs still have no final fix, so the VIN check matters more here than on most vehicles.
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbo 4-cyl
- 3.0L EcoBoost twin turbo V6
- 3.3L V6 hybrid
Used Ford Explorer buyer's guide · Watch on YouTube. The narration is computer generated.
Sixth generation (U625), sold as model years 2020–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cyl | 2020–2024 | 10-speed automatic (10R60) | The engine in most Explorers. Check the park system recalls on the VIN. |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 2020–2024 | 10-speed automatic | Used in the ST and some upper trims. Some 2021 and 2022 engines are in an intake valve recall. |
| 3.3L V6 hybrid | 2020–2022 | 10-speed automatic | Sold as the Limited Hybrid. Also used in police versions. |
- Base Entry trim with the 2.3L turbo.
- XLT The most common trim, with more comfort features.
- Limited Leather and more tech. Offered as a hybrid in early years.
- ST Performance trim with the 400 horsepower 3.0L twin turbo V6.
- Platinum Top luxury trim with the 3.0L V6.
- King Ranch and Timberline Added for 2021. King Ranch is a luxury trim and Timberline is an off road styled trim.
- 2023 After the 2020 to 2022 rear axle bolt recalls. Still check the camera, fuel pump and second row seat recalls.
- 2024 Last year before the 2025 refresh and outside the rear axle bolt recalls. Check the 2.3L park system recall 26V-371 and the second row seat recall.
- 2020 First year and the troubled launch. The most recalls, including the rear axle bolt and park system recall 26V-402, which had no fix as of mid 2026. On Consumer Reports' used cars to avoid list.
- 2021 Covered by the rear axle bolt recalls and park system recall 26V-402. Some 3.0L engines are in the intake valve recall.
- 2022 Still inside the rear axle bolt recalls and the 3.0L intake valve recall.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
Recall 22V-255 says the rear axle mounting bolt may break and let the driveshaft disconnect, which can let the SUV roll away in Park without the parking brake. Recall 23V-675 covers about 238,000 2020 to 2022 Explorers for the same problem and replaces the bushing and bolt. Recall 25V-166 covers some SUVs that were fixed wrong under the earlier recalls.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for all three recalls, look at the rear axle mount, listen for clunks, and test that the SUV holds in Park.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-255 · NHTSA recall 23V-675 · NHTSA recall 25V-166
Recall 26V-402 covers 2020 and 2021 Explorers. The park pawl in the transmission may engage while moving and damage the park system, which can lead to a roll away. Ford mailed interim letters in July 2026 and expects the fix around April 2027. Recalls 23V-069 (2020 to 2022, 2.3L) and 26V-371 (2024, 2.3L) cover a computer reset that can also damage the park system.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, test that the SUV holds in Park on a slope, and scan the powertrain computer. If a recall has no fix yet, we tell you.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-402 · NHTSA recall 23V-069 · NHTSA recall 26V-371
The Detroit Free Press, as reported by Gardner Web, said about 12,000 early 2020 Explorers were shipped from Chicago to Ford's Flat Rock plant for repairs, with problems in transmission, suspension, air conditioning and chassis parts. Consumer Reports put the 2020 Explorer on its used cars to avoid list and said it has a clunky transmission with rough shifts at low speed.
WE CHECK We road test for harsh or clunky shifts, check the air conditioning, look over the suspension, and scan every module for codes.
SOURCE Gardner Web: Quality problems stall Ford Explorer launch (citing Detroit Free Press, Sept 2019) · Consumer Reports: 2020 Ford Explorer overview · Yahoo Autos: used Ford models to avoid (Consumer Reports on the 2020 Explorer)
NHTSA recall 24V-635 covers certain 2021 and 2022 Explorers with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6. The intake valves may break, which can cause engine failure and a loss of power. Dealers run an engine test and replace the engine if needed, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, scan for misfire codes, and listen for rough running or ticking.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-635
NHTSA recall 25V-455 covers certain 2021 to 2023 Explorers. The low pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine. For the Explorer, dealers update the powertrain computer software, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and road test for hesitation or stalling.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-455
On Explorers with the 360 degree camera, recall 23V-342 says the camera video may fail and leave no rearview image on certain 2020 to 2023 models. Dealers replace the camera for free. Recall 25V-159 covers some that were repaired wrong, and recall 26V-123 covers a rearview image that may appear flipped.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls and test the rearview and 360 degree camera views in reverse.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-342 · NHTSA recall 25V-159 · NHTSA recall 26V-123
Recalls 25V-393 and 26V-451 say the easy entry switch on the second row outer seats of 2020 and newer Explorers may stick, letting the seat unlatch, tip or slide while driving. For 26V-451, Ford mailed interim letters in August 2026 and expects the fix around January 2027.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls and test each second row seat to make sure it locks firmly in place.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-393 · NHTSA recall 26V-451
NHTSA recall 23V-626 covers certain 2020 to 2022 Explorers with the 3.0L plug-in hybrid system. A defect in a high voltage battery cell may cause a short, battery failure and a fire risk. Dealers test the battery module and replace the pack as needed.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and scan the hybrid system for faults.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-626
Some 2020 Explorers have other driveline recalls. Recall 20V-693 says the driveshaft on certain AWD models with the 2.0L or 3.3L may fracture at the weld. Recall 21V-154 covers a small batch, 49 SUVs per NHTSA, whose rear lower control arm bolts may not have been heat treated and could break.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, look at the driveshaft and rear suspension, and road test for vibration or clunks.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-693 · NHTSA recall 21V-154
- Check the VIN for every open recall, including ones still waiting on a fix.
- Test that the SUV holds in Park on a slope, with and without the parking brake.
- Look at the rear axle mount and driveshaft, and listen for clunks.
- Road test for harsh, clunky or slipping shifts from the 10-speed automatic.
- Scan every module for stored codes, including the engine, transmission and hybrid system.
- Test the rearview and 360 degree cameras.
- Check each second row seat locks firmly in place.
- Check the air conditioning and all electronics.
- Dealer proof of the rear axle bolt recalls 22V-255, 23V-675 and 25V-166 on 2020 to 2022 models.
- Status of park system recall 26V-402 and second row seat recall 26V-451, which were waiting on a final fix as of 2026.
- Any transmission repairs, software updates or complaints about harsh shifting.
- Engine test or engine replacement under recall 24V-635 on 2021 and 2022 3.0L models.
- Oil changes on time, which matters on turbo engines.
- Whether the SUV was a fleet or police vehicle, which usually means hard use.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Ford Explorer you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
What is the Ford Explorer rear axle bolt recall?
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good used buy?
Are there Explorer recalls without a fix yet?
Does the Explorer ST have engine problems?
What transmission does the 2020 to 2024 Explorer have?
How do I check open recalls on a used Explorer?
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