Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Ford is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles because the drive shafts may fracture along the weld seam. This defect can cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, potentially leading to a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. In some cases, the deformed drive shaft may contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks or fire. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/79441-ford-2020-explorer-power-train-recall-risk-of-rollaway-or.
“2020 Ford Explorer Recall: Defective Drive Shaft Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 13, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79441-ford-2020-explorer-power-train-recall-risk-of-rollaway-or. Based on NHTSA recall #20V693000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V693000).
Ford Motor Company recalled certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles due to defective drive shafts that may fail, increasing the risk of crash or fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall on October 11, 2020.
How to tell if you have it
Ford Explorer, 2020
Lincoln Aviator, 2020
What to do
Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
The hazard
Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Ford Motor Company has 643 other recalls on record since January 29, 2010. Other recent recalls of similar products include Ford 2021 Bronco Hard Top Recall (October 23, 2026), Ford F-450 SD Recall (October 6, 2026), and Ford F-150 Recall (October 6, 2026). NHTSA has received 1,240 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, with the latest received on October 19, 2026.
How to tell if you have this one
You are affected if you own a 2020 Ford Explorer with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and an All Wheel Drive package. The recall specifically targets vehicles where the drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
Brand
Ford
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Contact Ford Customer Service
Call 1-866-436-7332 to verify if your vehicle is included in recall number 20S65.
Schedule Dealer Inspection
Visit an authorized dealer who will inspect the drive shaft label and replace it as necessary, free of charge.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 2 months.
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Take action
Contact Ford
We’ve drafted a message you can send Ford to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 20V693000 — Ford 2020 Ford Explorer Recall: Defective Drive Shaft Risk
Hello,
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Recall: Defective Drive Shaft Risk that is covered by recall 20V693000 from Ford.
The official recall notice states: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?
Thank you.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3.6:35b-a3b on October 13, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.