Dealer visit checklist
2020 Ford Explorer checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.8x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 5.7x more owner complaints than other 2020 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2020 Ford Explorer problems to check
- Third-row condensation and water intrusion issues reported through HVAC drain routing — a known TSB concern on 2020 models
- Transmission hesitation and shuddering on the 10-speed automatic, particularly during low-speed acceleration
- Sync 3 infotainment freezing or rebooting intermittently, often resolved via software update but recurring on some units
- Oil consumption and turbocharger issues on the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine if maintenance intervals are stretched
- Rear suspension clunking noises linked to stabilizer bar end links and trailing arm bushings wearing prematurely
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
- SUSPENSION:REAR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras.
- SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $27,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away