Was 2020 just a bad year for Explorers or what?

Hey everyone, I’ve been hearing a lot about the 2020 Explorers having issues. Is it just the STs, or was the whole lineup affected? Did the problems carry over into 2021 and 2022? I’ve been looking at 2020 STs because they’re more affordable, but I’ve noticed many are listed as buybacks or lemons, and sellers don’t always disclose it upfront. You often have to dig through the Carfax to find out. Even if I find a low-mileage one that isn’t a lemon, I’m worried it might turn into one. What do you all think?

The 2020 models were the first year for a new platform, drivetrain, and design. Plus, they were launched during the pandemic when supply chains and staffing were all over the place. It was pretty much set up to have problems.

@Harlan
Exactly, you nailed it.

@Harlan
And don’t forget, they also had a brand-new production line with new workers.

Edit: New line, not a new plant.

Sidney said:
@Harlan
And don’t forget, they also had a brand-new production line with new workers.

Edit: New line, not a new plant.

What are you talking about? The Chicago plant is Ford’s oldest. They’ve been making the Explorer there since 2011.

@Harlan
Sorry, I meant a new production line, not a new plant.

Sidney said:
@Harlan
Sorry, I meant a new production line, not a new plant.

Even that’s not accurate. They just swapped the 2019 line to build the 2020 models.

@Harlan
The Explorer launched in 2019, so COVID had nothing to do with the problems.

Zeke said:
@Harlan
The Explorer launched in 2019, so COVID had nothing to do with the problems.

Most of the 2020 production happened during the pandemic. Workers got sick, plants were understaffed, and production slowed. You think all 2020 Explorers were built in the first three months of 2020 before COVID hit?

@Harlan
No, but production started in July 2019. By the end of 2019, articles were already calling it a botched launch.

Here’s an example: The Launch Of The 2020 Ford Explorer Has Been A Mess

@Zeke
Fair point, but I still think the pandemic made things worse later on.

So are the issues mainly with the ST models, or is it across all trims? Also, did the problems carry over into 2021 and 2022? I’ve mostly been looking at 2020 STs because of the price, but I’m seeing a lot of them being sold as lemons or buybacks. It’s frustrating that sellers aren’t upfront about it.

It’s hit or miss. I have a 2020, and the drivetrain has been fine, but I’ve heard of transmission issues in some 2022 models. Just make sure you’ve got a good warranty.

Luca said:
It’s hit or miss. I have a 2020, and the drivetrain has been fine, but I’ve heard of transmission issues in some 2022 models. Just make sure you’ve got a good warranty.

Agreed. My 2020 ST with 50k miles has been solid, but having a warranty gives me peace of mind. I think they also removed some features after 2020 because of the chip shortage.

@Aki
Yeah, they cut more than just the camera washers. Some 2020 models also had two-bolt differential mounts, and later years lost things like numerical temp displays on HVAC, rear seat heater controls, glove box lighting, cup holder lighting, foot-activated rear hatches, and even massage seats. Honestly, I think 2020 was the best year despite its issues!

@Aki
Some of those features, like the front camera washer, were cut because of cost.

Zeke said:
@Aki
Some of those features, like the front camera washer, were cut because of cost.

I only realized recently that pushing the wiper lever forward activates the camera washers. Anyone know how the tubing for that is routed?

@Aki
For the rear washer, it’s in the headliner. For the front, it’s in the front fascia.

@Aki
Mine had a line rupture randomly.

2020 was the year Ford ruined the Explorer. It looks cheap and bulky—like a whale. The previous generation was sleek and stylish. Now it’s just awful, kind of like what happened to the Edge in 2015. They’re ugly, plain and simple.