NHTSA closes defect petition review on 2020 Ford Explorer: Underbody shields detachment
On September 5, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP25001) into 2020 Ford Explorer, concerning the structure. A Defect Petition is a request, usually from a vehicle owner, asking NHTSA to open a defect investigation; ODI reviews it and then grants or denies it. ODI closed the defect petition on April 9, 2026.
- Action
- DP25001 (Defect Petition)
- Status
- Closed April 9, 2026
- Component
- Structure: Frame and Members: Underbody Shields
- Listed
- 1 make/model/year entry in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Explorer |
| Model years | 2020 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The petition alleges premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody shields, potentially leading to road debris. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11682326. A search of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI. No related complaints were found in NHTSA’s database for the subject vehicle population. Subsequently, ODI conducted a broader search for related complaints and field reports involving MY 2020-2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models, as these vehicles utilize substantially similar underbody shields. No complaints or reports were found citing any allegations pertaining to any of the underbody shields. ODI also reviewed manufacturer information and data and did not identify a trend related to the Petitioner’s allegations. Based on the absence of consumer complaints and reports, ODI has not identified a material risk of a complete detachment or a projectile hazard related to this condition. The petitioner's description of detectable symptoms - including noise and vibration that progressively worsen and visible sagging of the shields underneath the vehicle - indicates a failure mode that provides drivers with ample notice to seek service before a potential detachment. In view of the insufficient evidence of a vehicle-based defect pertaining to the underbody shields of the subject vehicle, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for DP25001, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 1,228 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 36 crashes, 10 fires, 38 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Explorer | 1,228 | 36 | 38 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Timeline
- ODI opens defect petition DP25001
- ODI closes DP25001
What this means for owners
- ODI closes an investigation when a recall addresses the issue or when it does not find enough evidence to continue. NHTSA’s closing report gives the reason.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search DP25001 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.