NHTSA Complaint #11683296 — 2020 FORD EXPLORER

The vehicle was purchased on 10/26/22 and the first occurrence of the issue and was reported to Autonation Ford Littleton and was dropped off by 11/02/22. The issue reported was that the engine to the vehicle would shut off and we were unable to turn it back on for a few minutes. This occurred while at a stop light in the middle of traffic. We dropped it off and they were unable to duplicate the issue. I then had the same issue reoccur and it was in the shop from 06/01/23 and the repair order was closed out on 07/31/23. They were unable to duplicate the issue again. We then had it occur again and we dropped the vehicle off on 06/28/25 and did not get it back until 08/19/25. Again, the issue was not able to be duplicated. The vehicle has shut off, and is unable to turn back on for minutes at a time, while we have been at a stop sign, a stop light, in parking lots, and even parked in our garage. The safety concern is sitting with hazards on in the middle of the road at a light surrounded by traffic. Every time it occurs, we call the dealership and set up an appointment. During the wait period, it usually happens 2-3 more times. We opt to not drive it when it begins happening this much. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership at this time and there were no warning lights. The engine would shut off and either go to just accessory power or no power at all. Between these repairs there was also a warning that stated: Gear Shift Malfunction. This occurred while I was on the interstate 3 different occasions and I would lose all power. I would have to keep pressing the gas pedal, hoping that it would begin accelerating. This was reported more than once as well and the entire transmission was eventually replaced.