2020 Ford Explorer: Brakes did not work going forward
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2020 Explorer report: brakes did not work going forward. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 19,500 miles.
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints for the 2020 Explorer in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769838 (filed 10/08/2026): “Power steering doesnot work , steering was hard also antilock brake failure…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769955 (filed 10/08/2026): “The contact owns a 2020 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking excessively, with severe vibrations throughout the cabin of the vehicle. the failure was coming from the engine compartment. the contact stated that while app…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Pads and rotors are a common DIY job with hand tools and a jack; ABS/hydraulic faults need a scan tool. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $16,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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