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26 Active Safety Recalls

2020 Ford Explorer Recall

Safety defect investigations, technical specifications, and manufacturer repair notices for Canadian owners.

26
Safety Recalls
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Active Safety Recalls (26)

Safety recall notices and repair campaigns registered for the 2020 Ford Explorer in Canada.

Ref #2026-339 Campaign : 26S52
2026-07-14 26 900 units

Seats And Restraints

Issue Description

On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair.

Safety Risk

A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat fold switch trim and housing for one with an improved design.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2026-311 Campaign : 26S48
2026-06-24 33 012 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, a problem in the transmission could cause the parking pawl to become damaged. As a result, when the transmission is shifted to Park, the vehicle could move if the parking brake is not applied.

Safety Risk

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should always use the parking brake when you park until the recall repairs are completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace any damaged transmission components.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2026-124 Campaign : 26C18
2026-03-17 44 units

Seats And Restraints

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the second-row outboard seat belt anchor bolt(s) may be loose or missing. As a result, the seat belt(s) could detach in a crash.

Safety Risk

A seat belt that detaches could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, install, tighten or replace seat belt anchor bolt(s).

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2026-100 Campaign : 26C11
2026-03-05 99 375 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2026-098 Campaign : 26S14
2026-03-03 54 078 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the motor could fail and cause the windshield wipers not to work.

Safety Risk

Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the windshield wiper motor.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2026-005 Campaign : 25SA4
2026-01-09 138 783 units

Electrical

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair.

Safety Risk

A short circuit can create the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action & Repair

To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-554 Campaign : 25SA4
2025-10-10 128 886 units

Electrical

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in.

Safety Risk

A short circuit can create the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action & Repair

To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-360 Campaign : 25S72
2025-06-27 16 575 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the SYNC software.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-328 Campaign : 25S67
2025-06-13 20 298 units

Seats And Restraints

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row seats may not have been installed properly. As a result, the switch could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly.

Safety Risk

A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat fold switch trim.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-135 Campaign : 25S22
2025-03-14 122 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recalls 22S27 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-198) and/or 23S16 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-172) may not have been done correctly. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine.

Safety Risk

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-140 Campaign : 25S27
2025-03-14 3 738 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S23 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-288) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2025-084 Campaign : 25S09
2025-02-14 12 659 units

Seats And Restraints

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the bolts securing the seat belt buckles may not have been properly tightened. Additionally, the second-row center seat belt anchor bolt and/or retractor bolt may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the seat belts could loosen or detach in a crash.

Safety Risk

A seat belt that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the seat belt buckle bolts and the second-row center seat belt and retractor bolts. If any bolts are loose, the dealer will replace the affected part(s).

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2023-543 Campaign : 23S55
2023-10-06 9 343 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 22S27 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-198) may not address all

Safety Risk

A parked vehicle that moves suddenly could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. The dealer will also inspect the rear axle cover, and replace it as necessary.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2023-288 Campaign : 23S23
2023-05-15 43 582 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall replaces recall 23S02 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-018). Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this second repair.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2023-172 Campaign : 23S16
2023-03-27 68 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the software update that was installed by a Ford dealer during recall 22S27 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-198) prior to July 2022 may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine.

Safety Risk

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2023-056 Campaign : 23S05
2023-02-13 33 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the powertrain control module (PCM) could reset while driving and cause damage to the transmission park system. If this happens, you may not be able to shift the transmission into Park. If you try to exit the vehicle while the transmission is not in Park, and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move unintentionally. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.3 L engine.

Safety Risk

Unexpected movement of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the transmission park system for damage, and repair it as necessary.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2023-018 Campaign : 23S02
2023-01-24 39 978 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to not appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2022-198 Campaign : 22S27
2022-04-14 10 607 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, a mounting bolt for the rear axle housing could break. If this happens, the axle housing can move and cause clunking or banging noises and vibrations from the rear of the vehicle. It could also cause the driveshaft and axle shafts to disconnect. This would result in a loss of power to the rear wheels and the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, if the parking brake is not used.

Safety Risk

A parked vehicle that rolls away could create the risk of an injury or a crash. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail. For Police Interceptor Utility models, you will be instructed to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace a bushing and the rear axle housing cover. For all other models, you will be instructed to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module (PCM) software to set the parking brake when the transmission is in the Park position.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2021-586 Campaign : 21S44
2021-09-24 24 101 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to not appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2020-631 Campaign : 20S72
2020-12-21 65 units

Engine

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the right motor mount fasteners may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the engine may vibrate, and the axle may disconnect from the transmission. This can result in loss of power to the wheels.

Safety Risk

A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to remove and replace the right motor mount fasteners.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2020-537 Campaign : 20S65
2020-11-11 1 291 units

Powertrain

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the driveshaft could break. If this happens, there could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels. A driveshaft that separates could also damage the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak. Additionally, the vehicle could move when the transmission is in Park, and the parking brake is not used. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 3.0 L or 3.3 L engine.

Safety Risk

A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A parked vehicle that rolls away could also create the risk of an injury or a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driveshaft label. Dealers will replace the driveshaft, if needed.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2020-454 Campaign : 20C19
2020-09-24 76 576 units

Visual System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, an electrical problem with the rearview camera could cause it not to work properly. As a result, the rearview image may be distorted or not display at all.

Safety Risk

A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rearview camera.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2020-391 Campaign : 20S48
2020-08-25 34 units

Airbag

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the fasteners that attach the side airbag to the front seat backs may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the side airbag may not deploy properly in a crash.

Safety Risk

An airbag that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to verify that the fasteners for the side airbags and seat back modules are properly tightened.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2019-606 Campaign : 19S49
2019-12-04 35 units

Fuel System

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the protective cover on the engine fuel line may not be long enough. As a result, the fuel line could rub against another fuel line. This could cause damage and result in a fuel leak.

Safety Risk

A fuel leak in the engine compartment could result in a fire.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to inspect the protective cover on the fuel line. If the fuel line is not fully covered, the dealer will install and secure a new, longer cover.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2019-437 Campaign : 19C07
2019-08-29 70 741 units

Seats And Restraints

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, seats with a manual recliner may not meet the strength requirements of Canadian regulations. A seatback with reduced strength may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash.

Safety Risk

A seatback that moves in a crash could increase the risk of injury.

Corrective Action & Repair

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for an inspection of the driver and front passenger seat recliners. For 2020 model year Explorer and Aviator, dealers will inspect the rear outboard seats. The seat structures will be replaced as required.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Ref #2019-391 Campaign : 19C06
2019-08-09 239 units

Brakes

Issue Description

On certain vehicles, the cover for the manual park release (MPR) lever may not be installed. If the MPR lever is accidentally pushed, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without a key in the ignition. Canadian regulations require a cover over this lever. Additionally, the vehicle may also be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and chimes, and does not display the transmission gear position (under certain conditions).

Safety Risk

A missing MPR cover could create a situation where the transmission can be shifted without a key in the ignition. If the transmission position is not displayed, a user may not know that the vehicle is not in the PARK position. If the parking brake is not applied, either of these situations could create a risk of a vehicle roll-away and increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action & Repair

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect for the MPR cover. If missing, it will be installed. The dealer will also verify that the instrument cluster is not set to Factory Mode.

View government recall bulletin Free parts & labor under Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Vehicle Profile & Safety Standards

Vehicle Specifications & Compliance Benchmark

Official Transport Canada safety campaigns, Canadian motor vehicle safety compliance standards and live VIN specifications.

Safety Recall Coverage
26 bulletins
Transport Canada safety defect records
Safety Compliance
CMVSS / NSVAC
Motor Vehicle Safety Act standards
NRCan EnerGuide
Trim-Specific
Varies by engine, drive & transmission
VIN Specifications
14 Attributes
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