2020 Ford Explorer SUV RWD and 4WD Has Over 20 Recall Notices
April 25, 2025- Categories: Lemon Law by Vehicle Brand
When you purchase a vehicle — especially one that bears the trusted Ford brand — you expect to get a car that has been properly designed and manufactured. If you’re the owner of a 2020 Ford Explorer SUV RWD or 4WD, that expectation has probably been shattered by the numerous recalls that have involved these vehicles.
If you purchased a defective vehicle in California, you may have the right to file a lemon law claim and recuperate the full cost of the car. That’s not a process you ever want to begin on your own, however. At Neale & Fhima APC, our lemon law lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you as you file a claim to receive compensation.
Contact our team of California lemon law lawyers by calling 949-661-1007.
Recall Notices for the 2020 Ford Explorer SUV RWD and 4WD
A Closer Look at the Most Serious Malfunctions
The 2020 Ford Explorer SUV, with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, has had more than 20 recalls. Our lemon law lawyers offer more information on the most serious of these malfunctions.
Traction Battery Failure Recall
One of the recalls that this vehicle experienced involved a defect in one or more of the high-voltage battery cells. The malfunction could lead to a short circuit as well as battery failure. This defect puts drivers at a higher risk of getting into an accident.
Driveshaft Disconnect Failure Recall
Ford also began to recall these SUVs because of a defect to the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. In affected vehicles, the bolt can fracture and lead to driveshaft disconnection. It can cause a loss of drive power or, if the parking brake isn’t applied, lead to a rollaway vehicle.
Fuel Tank Valve Failure Recall
Ford recalled 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs equipped with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not have been welded completely to the fuel tank shell. If a crash occurs, a substantial amount of fuel could spill, potentially leading to an explosion.
Drive Shaft Failure Recall
Another serious recall these SUVs had involved vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. The drive shaft can fracture at the seam, leading to a disconnection between the rear axle and the transfer case. This could cause a loss of drive and make accidents much more likely.
Wiring Failure Recall
Ford is also recalling certain of these SUVs with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness is faulty and could come into contact with the air conditioner compressor pulley. That could result in damage to the air conditioner compressor belt or wiring harness. If the unfused positive wire of the battery comes into contact with the air conditioner compressor pulley, a short circuit could occur.
Engine Failure Recall
One of the most serious recalls for these cars involves those equipped with the police interceptor utility package. If the engine fails, there’s a risk of fuel vapor and engine oil being released into the engine compartment. These can accumulate near ignition sources, potentially leading to engine compartment fires.
Understanding Your Rights Under California’s Lemon Law
California’s lemon law covers any new and used vehicles that are leased or sold with manufacturer warranties. Typically, the law applies to vehicles used for both personal and business purposes. Lemon law allows you to receive full compensation for the cost of the vehicle. This includes your down payment and monthly payments. To be eligible to file lemon law claims, the vehicle has to meet a few requirements.
First, it must have substantial defects. A lemon law vehicle typically has one or more serious problems that impact its function and safety. The defects must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Additionally, the vehicle must have undergone many repair attempts for the same defect. If the manufacturer or authorized dealership can’t repair the problem after a few attempts, the vehicle is considered eligible for a lemon law claim. The owners of the vehicle must also notify the manufacturer or authorized dealership of the defect. They must give them the chance to repair the vehicle.
If your 2020 Ford Explorer SUV has any of the defects that have led to recalls, it’s possible that you could be entitled to file a claim and receive compensation or a replacement vehicle.
At Neale & Fhima APC, our lawyers have helped clients recover more than $50 million in settlements and jury awards.
What to Do if You Have a Lemon
If you think your vehicle could be eligible for a lemon law claim, the first thing you should do is review your warranty. The issues you’re experiencing must be covered, so ensuring that’s the case can save you a lot of trouble.
You should then start documenting every instance when the defect or problem occurs. If possible, take videos or pictures. Maintain thorough records of repair attempts and communications with the authorized dealership or manufacturer because you’ll have to prove that you let them know of the problems.
The next thing you should do is get help from a lawyer. They will be able to guide you through all of your options.
Get Guidance from Neale & Fhima APC
Relying on Experienced Lemon Law Lawyers
You shouldn’t have to be stuck with a malfunctioning car that could even be dangerous to use. By hiring experienced lawyers, you have a chance to receive compensation or a replacement vehicle. At Neale & Fhima APC, we have decades of experience helping people who are struggling with damaged cars.
Schedule a free consultation with our lemon law attorneys by calling 949-661-1007.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Attorney Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights.
