Use cautionVehicle recall · NHTSA · Published November 24, 2020
Ford 2020 Explorer Fuel Tank Recall: Risk of Fire During Crash
Ford is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks due to a potential fuel leak during crashes that could cause fire. Owners must have the fuel tank shell replaced free of charge.
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Ford is recalling some 2020 Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks because a weld issue could cause a fuel leak during a crash, increasing fire risk. This is a safety fix that requires replacing the fuel tank shell at no cost to the owner. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/79442-ford-2020-explorer-fuel-tank-recall-risk-of-fire-during.
“Ford 2020 Explorer Fuel Tank Recall: Risk of Fire During Crash.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79442-ford-2020-explorer-fuel-tank-recall-risk-of-fire-during. Based on NHTSA recall #20V730000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V730000).
Ford Motor Company recalled certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks due to a potential fuel leak that increases fire risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on November 24, 2020. Dealers will replace the fuel tank shell free of charge.
How to tell if you have it
Ford Explorer, 2020
What to do
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
The hazard
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Ford Motor Company has 643 other recalls on record since January 29, 2010. Other recent recalls include the Ford 2021 Bronco Hard Top Recall (October 23, 2026), the Ford F-450 SD Recall (October 6, 2026), and the Ford F-150 Recall (October 6, 2026). NHTSA has received 1,240 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, with the latest report received on October 19, 2026.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your 2020 Ford Explorer has a 2.3L engine and a 19-gallon fuel tank. The recall covers vehicles notified by Ford starting December 8, 2020.
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 confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule a free fuel tank shell replacement.
Have Fuel Tank Shell Replaced
Dealers will replace the fuel tank shell at no cost once the vehicle is confirmed affected.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 14 days.
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 20V730000 — Ford 2020 Explorer Fuel Tank Recall: Risk of Fire During Crash
Hello,
I own a Ford 2020 Explorer Fuel Tank Recall: Risk of Fire During Crash that is covered by recall 20V730000 from Ford.
The official recall notice states: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.
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 qwen3:4b on August 18, 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.