NHTSA Complaint #11698874 — 2020 FORD EXPLORER

Subject: Formal Complaint – 2020 Ford Explorer Transmission Failures and Unfair Coverage Practices Dear Ford Customer Service, I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding repeated transmission failures in my 2020 Ford Explorer. The vehicle required its first transmission replacement at just 4,000 miles, and again recently at approximately 100,000 miles. It has come to my attention that Ford issued a recall for transmission issues affecting a large number of 2020 Ford Explorers manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant during the COVID production period. My vehicle, however, narrowly falls one month outside of the official recall range. Despite this, the symptoms and failures my vehicle experienced are identical to those described in the recall and in numerous owner complaints online. I find it deeply concerning and unjust that Ford refuses to extend coverage to vehicles like mine that clearly suffer from the same manufacturing defects. It is unreasonable for a I find it deeply concerning and unjust that Ford refuses to extend coverage to vehicles like mine that clearly suffer from the same manufacturing defects. It is unreasonable for a $45,000 vehicle, only a few years old, to require two complete transmission replacements. This is not an isolated case — thousands of 2020–2022 Ford Explorer owners have reported similar failures with the same transmission model, often shortly after warranty expiration. I am requesting that Ford review this case for goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement, and to consider expanding the recall parameters to include vehicles like mine that were evidently affected by the same defective components and production issues. I have purchased over $100,000 on Ford Cars, and have only purchased Fords. I am going to purchase a brand new car in 2 years, and it most likely will not be with Ford due to their shady recall practices, and lack of care for the quality of their product and customer service.