NHTSA Complaint #11709031 — 2020 FORD EXPLORER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number 11709031
Vehicle 2020 FORD EXPLORER
Component ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State NY

Consumer Description

I have a leaking antenna (likely the "shark fin" or roof antenna base) on my 2020 Ford Explorer. This has caused significant electrical issues, leading to safety concerns like malfunctioning lights, infotainment, or even stalling, the water shorting wiring harnesses or modules located in the roof or headliner area. This should be a recall, but rather it is a known problem where water intrusion damages sensitive electronics, necessitating immediate professional inspection and repair to prevent further damage and ensure safety, as electrical failures can be dangerous. My GPS and satellite do not work because of this and I am being charged significantly by the dealership because I have to repair this or the damage will become more severe. The antenna's base seal can fail, allowing water to seep into the roof, drip down the pillars, and saturate the headliner and wiring harnesses. Common Symptoms: Interior lights, instrument cluster, or dashboard warnings. SYNC system freezing or failing. Windows, locks, or other accessories malfunctioning. Even potential water on the front passenger floor. Safety Risks: Loss of Control!!!!!!! Malfunctioning lights (headlights, brake lights) or sudden power loss can create dangerous driving conditions. Reduced Visibility: Issues with the infotainment screen or instrument cluster can distract the driver. System Failures: Critical safety systems, if affected by water, could fail unexpectedly. I barely get car washes or anything. This is certainly a manufacturers issue & poor design or cheap casing/ seals that leak and corrode too easily. This problem is a known weakness for the 2020 Explorer, often requiring a thorough inspection beyond just the antenna itself, as water can travel far from the entry point. And sure enough I have plenty of damage that I should not have to pay for. This is not a fluke, there are forums all across the internet about this. Please help! This is truly unfair to the customers.

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