2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept. Newest first.

• Power train › Axle assembly

  Apr 14, 2022NHTSA 22V255000252,936 vehicles

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

  Full recall details →

• Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer

  Jan 15, 2021NHTSA 21V014000283 vehicles

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The affected vehicles contain windshield washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  A washer system contaminated with brake fluid can reduce the driver's ability to clear windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush out the washer system, replacing the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor and the front and rear wiper blades. Dealers will also inspect and repair the vehicle's paint and exterior components if affected, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C01.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

Latest complaints

• Aug 18, 2026MN
  Power train

  On my 2020 police interceptor through a no issue for the transmission, failing at early mileage, jerking in a drive and slamming gears when shifting and low gears, I believe the component is the CDF drum in the transmission, which is thousands of dollars to fix Ford offered to replace it under warranty, but the issue typically doesn’t arise until after warranty is expired

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010002In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage.
• 11008211Some 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various driveability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
• 11007973Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition.
• 110069742020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters for Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 or P0430 and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition Reason for Supplement: additional information on reason for repair, labor allowances and technician information.
• 11003139On 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the driver's door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the driver's door latch/door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifier's bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builder's site (https://fordbbas.com/publications).
• 110028622020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters If Failed and Inspect Wire Harness In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage. If a catalytic converter fails, then the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 or P0430 will be stored in the Powertrain Control Module.
• 11002846Certain 2020 through 2023 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Units (PIU) Powertrain Control Module Software Update In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience various symptoms including lack of engine power, lag in throttle response, delayed shifts, and/or multiple warning indicators including check engine light with DTC P084B. These issues may adversely affect pursuits and other police duties.
• 10252404UPDATE Supplement Announcement - Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Owner letter added. First part submitted 08/03/23
• 102436502020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). Replacement of the level III ballistic panel assembly is not required for this condition. Level IV ballistic panels do not have removable mounting tabs and still require complete panel replacement. Level III vs. level IV ballistic panels can be identified by a large roman numeral label on the panel or by the vehicle window sticker if equipped.
• 10243495Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Refer to WSM Symptom Charts (Section 308-07A for 2020 model year; Section 307-07A for 2021 model year) for diagnosis of the transfer case instead.
• 10241598On 2020-2023 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the drivers door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the drivers door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the drivers door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the drivers door latch / door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifiers bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builders site (https://fordbbas.com/publications).
• 10240743The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.
• 10240575Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 307-07A for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
• 10240428Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Service Action: Confirm customer operates a low-band very high frequency (VHF) 2-way radio between 39-48 Megahertz (MHz) in these vehicles. Provision for Locally Obtained Supply: Miscellaneous allowance amount update. Labor Allowances: Confirm customer operates a VHF radio between 39-48 MHz before servicing. Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: Confirm customer operates a VHF radio between 39-48 MHz before part ordering. Ferrite order quantities and the MISC material claim allowance have been updated. Replaced FSA Parts Inspection And Sign Off: added new standard for Immediate Scrap with link. Technical Information: Ferrite table quantities and one ferrite type was updated from medium to large in one location.
• 10238870Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade
• 10230800Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal system not cooling as it should. Follow the updated WSM Section 414-03 including listed possible sources, visual inspection and prechecks, and diagnostic procedures.
• 102307802020-2022 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor, 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Nov-2022 may exhibit an 8th gear start after coming to a stop and/or a no movement in Reverse condition. This may be due to the driver applying the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously during regenerative braking. To improve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and refer the customer to the Automatic Transmission Section of the Owners Manual warning regarding applying both pedals simultaneously.
• 10220382Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec (non-hybrid) engine may exhibit a delayed acceleration response at low vehicle speeds with no DTCs. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
• 10220380Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting the correct cooling value of the high voltage battery chiller. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose the cause of the incorrect value.
• 10215368Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, smell, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differential fluid venting in the right rear wheel well (oil staining in the wheel well liner and/or oil residue on the wheel end assembly below) or leaking from the rear differential. If signs of fluid leaks are found from any seals, repair as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02. If no seal leaks are found but fluid is venting, drain the rear differential and re-fill with fresh rear differential fluid. Remove the vent tube and use compressed air to verify that the fluid vent tube is clear. Reinstall the vent tube. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
• 10214864Certain 2020 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles, Front Door Latches and Key Replacement: In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience difficulty locking and/or unlocking their vehicle due to increased efforts required to turn the key in driver and passenger front door lock cylinders.
• 10214825Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic transfer case operation and/or noise. This may be due to water intrusion between the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case installation procedure has been updated in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-07B to prevent this concern from reoccurring. Follow the updated WSM procedure to make sure the top of the transfer case is sealed upon installation.
• 10212957Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privacy requirements.
• 10211731Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10210242Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds (F-150- G401, Expedition/Navigator- G403, Transit- G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator- G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150- C4336, Expedition/Navigator- C433, Transit- C433, 2018-2019 Explorer C3239, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator- C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components.
• 10209414Some 2020 - 2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and/or a learned value in the powertrain control module (PCM) that is incorrect. To correct the condition, perform the PCM - Reset the Keep Alive Memory (KAM) application in the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use Causal Part 12A650 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10208142Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The customer may perceive this as a delayed throttle response or lack of power. This may be more noticeable when switching between braking and acceleration. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
• 10207051Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additional police equipment with the vehicle not running. Refer to the Police Interceptor Utility and Hybrid Utility Modifiers Guide available on the Professional Technician System (PTS) website Service Tips tab for guidelines. Equipment should only use the rear power access point provided and not the 12V cranking/auxiliary batteries. The vehicle will go to sleep after the ignition key is removed and is not designed to power equipment when the vehicle is not running. The Police Engine Idle feature can be used, if equipped, to allow the vehicle to securely remain idling and power equipment. Refer to the Owner Manual.
• 10205694Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this update is being performed. Verify the Installation Is Complete message displays in the touch screen. If the original USB is not available, go to website https://syncnavigation.com/ford/home or https://syncnavigation.com/lincoln/home to download the files once more for the affected vehicle. For further map update support, reference the FAQ section on these websites.
• 10205485Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additional police equipment with the vehicle not running. Refer to the Police Interceptor Utility and Hybrid Utility Modifiers Guide available on the Professional Technician System (PTS) website Service Tips tab for guidelines. Equipment should only use the rear power access point provided and not the 12V cranking/auxiliary batteries. The vehicle will go to sleep after the ignition key is removed and is not designed to power equipment when the vehicle is not running. If auxiliary police equipment needs to be powered for an extended time after the ignition is turned off, then a separate isolated power source should be used.
• 10205444Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 308-07 for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
• 10204044Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer Police Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost Engine Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection In some of the affected vehicles, the right-hand catalytic converter, or the exhaust flexible pipes, which are downstream of the catalytic converters, may have a crack, which may cause increased noise from the exhaust system and/or an exhaust odor.
• 10203842On 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the driver's door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the driver's door latch / door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifier's bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builder's site (https://fordbbas.com/publications).
• 10201632This article supersedes TSB 21-2046 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or overhaul main control valve body.
• 10201050Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10200745Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 20-Mar-2020 may exhibit various warning/fault messages with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0633 and/or C00A6:07 stored in the AWD module. This may be caused by an oil contaminated front halfshaft speed sensor. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure step to replace the front halfshaft speed sensor.
• 10199651Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before replacement of the cooling fan assembly, perform Pinpoint Test KN. Also, locate the cooling fan relay and inspect for water intrusion or damage. The correct location of the cooling fan relay is in the front right portion of the engine bay. If the cooling fan relay is not in the correct location, check behind the front right wheel well in between the splash shield. If any water intrusion or damage is found to the relay, G103, or the connector C1048, replace and correctly mount the affected component as necessary.
• 10198634Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
• 10198621Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit inoperative turn signal lamps after replacement of the light emitting diode (LED) control module. This may be due to a lack of initialization caused by incomplete wiring circuits. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to splice the needed circuits into the wiring harness of the affected side of the vehicle.
• 10191102Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and transmission case joint during the assembly process. Clean the area thoroughly and reevaluate with the vehicle at operating temperature before attempting any leak related repairs.

Every Ford Explorer Police Intercept model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.