• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


Consistant Problems

Messages
775
Reactions
412
Points
82
Location
Maryland
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#1
Ok, this might be a case for throwing in the towel. I spent a lot of money for a vehicle that not only inherently has more problems than I knew but also
has recurring problems even after solid repairs.

I don't like riding around in a rattle trap so I effected repair on the 2 knocking front struts by replacing them with PIU struts and bumpers, which were supposed
to be more robust than the stock ST replacements.
Just 6 months and 9K miles later, the right front starts up again.

In lieu of the AWD module problem, I have effected a solid ground replacement as directed by the TSB. The problem still exists.
If it decides to beep in the array of drivetrain failure warnings, I have to perform a key cycle or I will have no cruise control. This cycle includes
opening and closing the driver door to shut down the display and waiting until the overhead lights go out or it will repeat the problem.

If I want to play my own music, the only availability is to connect a flash drive or phone to the USB input. The Sync system can't even handle that correctly.

The driver assist settings give the option to turn off certain features if not wanted. What good is that if they reinstate on every key cycle?

The transfer case is showing signs of failure. I've had to replace these on the last 2 Ford SUVs.

I've replaced the rattle trap flex pipes.

I could go on but enough is enough. I hate to rant and spread negativity but after paying what I did and blowing more cash to maintain the vehicle
to no avail, I believe this would set anybody off. I don't want to incur a payment on another vehicle but this one is forcing my hand.

I wish everyone here the best of luck with theirs and I truly thank those who have inputted technical information that has helped both myself and
others in their quest for enjoyment with the ST. Meanwhile, I'll put up with this until I can find an alternate solution.

Best
 

EDWYER

Active Member
Messages
730
Reactions
343
Points
82
Location
NC
Vehicle
Black 2020 ST
#2
I understand your frustration. I had to work out a few kinks here and there but I love her.

best of luck!
 

Messages
3,408
Reactions
1,500
Points
252
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#3
Ok, this might be a case for throwing in the towel. I spent a lot of money for a vehicle that not only inherently has more problems than I knew but also
has recurring problems even after solid repairs.

I don't like riding around in a rattle trap so I effected repair on the 2 knocking front struts by replacing them with PIU struts and bumpers, which were supposed
to be more robust than the stock ST replacements.
Just 6 months and 9K miles later, the right front starts up again.

In lieu of the AWD module problem, I have effected a solid ground replacement as directed by the TSB. The problem still exists.
If it decides to beep in the array of drivetrain failure warnings, I have to perform a key cycle or I will have no cruise control. This cycle includes
opening and closing the driver door to shut down the display and waiting until the overhead lights go out or it will repeat the problem.

If I want to play my own music, the only availability is to connect a flash drive or phone to the USB input. The Sync system can't even handle that correctly.

The driver assist settings give the option to turn off certain features if not wanted. What good is that if they reinstate on every key cycle?

The transfer case is showing signs of failure. I've had to replace these on the last 2 Ford SUVs.

I've replaced the rattle trap flex pipes.

I could go on but enough is enough. I hate to rant and spread negativity but after paying what I did and blowing more cash to maintain the vehicle
to no avail, I believe this would set anybody off. I don't want to incur a payment on another vehicle but this one is forcing my hand.

I wish everyone here the best of luck with theirs and I truly thank those who have inputted technical information that has helped both myself and
others in their quest for enjoyment with the ST. Meanwhile, I'll put up with this until I can find an alternate solution.

Best
That’s super frustrating, especially since the fixes should fix them but haven’t
 

BuckStrickland

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
101
Reactions
45
Points
27
Location
West Virginia
Vehicle
2026 Explorer ST
#4
I've had a '20, and now have a 26. My 2020 was dubbed, "The blue nightmare." Spite a great service history, being a 1 owner car, and a dealer that was more than willing to help out, it was one problem after another. I finally traded it in on a '26, and knock on wood, so far so good. I miss the camera washers, leather, rear window shades, and telescoping steering wheel in my 2020 though.
 

Messages
543
Reactions
237
Points
52
Location
Mobile, Alabama
Vehicle
2025 Explorer ST 4WD
#5
Was 20 the first new year?
 

Cdubya

2000 Post Club
Messages
2,156
Reactions
1,096
Points
352
Location
NE Ohio
Vehicle
2026 Explorer ST
#7
If you can swing it, I'd trade it in for a 2026. The discounts are anywhere from $6-10k off MSRP right now. All the issues from 2020 have been corrected. There some new issues but I think they've been small.
 

OP
Suprawill1
Messages
775
Reactions
412
Points
82
Location
Maryland
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #8
If you can swing it, I'd trade it in for a 2026. The discounts are anywhere from $6-10k off MSRP right now. All the issues from 2020 have been corrected. There some new issues but I think they've been small.
Even in a less than perfect world, that would be the way to go.

The reason I got the ST was mainly for performance. Considering the $ spent on the vehicle plus mods, I'd be losing a good bit of dinero buying a new one. Not only on a new purchase but losing the performance I've built this '20 up for.
Would seem like too much of a back step.

I just don't trust Ford anymore. Anytime I've gone to the stealership, they've tried to rip me off, they'd always want the vehicle for an extended period and never have a loaner.
There were times I told them it was imperative that I have it back by a certain date and if they couldn't meet that requirement, please lmk ahead of time and I could reschedule. They totally ignored my request and left me unprofessional for my job.

They also don't keep the mandatory standards of vehicle maintenance. When I went for a trans fluid flush and refill, they told me they no longer use ULV and was going to put LV in. I said no way and had to purchase ULV for them to do it correctly.

So, it's not just the vehicle, they don't back their product.
I've had more problems with this ST than I've had with the other 7 vehicles I've owned combined.
In my business, there's a lot of traveling involved. Easily, 25K mi a year or more. I need something more reliable with amenities that consistently work.
I can live with a few repairs but when the repairs cr4p the bed after a short period, where do you go?
 

Cruising68

2000 Post Club
Messages
2,081
Reactions
1,455
Points
352
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#9
I had a Ford Winstar nightmare vehicle. Last straw was blown head gaskets at 37,000 miles. Ford would not cover it even though they had a head gasket recall on the previous model years. Turned me off Ford for about 20 years. I really liked the ST and was downsizing from full sized trucks/SUVs so I bought a 2022 even though the Chicago plant was a customer of mine and I knew the place had problems. Put a 4 bolt subframe on myself by choice. Had a few minor recalls. Knock on wood it has been one of my most problem-free cars in 10-15 years. Yes I feel lucky but they are capable of building good reliable, not just all the time.

Can’t blame you as I certainly understand your situation. Good luck whatever route you take.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

OP
Suprawill1
Messages
775
Reactions
412
Points
82
Location
Maryland
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #10
I had a Ford Winstar nightmare vehicle. Last straw was blown head gaskets at 37,000 miles. Ford would not cover it even though they had a head gasket recall on the previous model years. Turned me off Ford for about 20 years. I really liked the ST and was downsizing from full sized trucks/SUVs so I bought a 2022 even though the Chicago plant was a customer of mine and I knew the place had problems. Put a 4 bolt subframe on myself by choice. Had a few minor recalls. Knock on wood it has been one of my most problem-free cars in 10-15 years. Yes I feel lucky but they are capable of building good reliable, not just all the time.

Can’t blame you as I certainly understand your situation. Good luck whatever route you take.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thanks!
I, like you, was turned off of Ford for years as my first 2 vehicles were Fords. I just felt that after all these years and with the leaps and bounds technology has made, a lot of the problems would be ironed out.
Fooled me twice and shame on 'me'.
 



Top