Used car safety, rank #47 of 181
Ford Explorer 4WD Safety Rating (2020)
Real IIHS driver death rates for the 2020 Ford Explorer 4WD, a midsize SUV, compared with its class and with the current model.
The 2020 Ford Explorer 4WD has an IIHS driver death rate of 22 per million registered vehicle years against a midsize SUVs average of 24.9, which is 12% below the class average. That places it #47 of 181 used vehicles with a safety score of 71.8/100.
What the Ford Explorer death rate means
At 22 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, the Ford Explorer 4WD beats the midsize SUVs average of 24.9 by 12%. The 95% confidence interval is 0 to 47, so the upper end of the range overlaps the class average and the advantage is not certain.
The other-driver death rate of 38 measures the opposite risk: how many drivers of other vehicles died in crashes with a Ford Explorer. It is higher than the Ford Explorer's own driver death rate, the usual pattern for this class. Remember that death rates describe vehicles and their drivers together: IIHS adjusts for driver age and gender, but not for where or how carefully people drive. Our score weights this model's own rate at 70% and its class at 30%; see how we rank used cars.
Compared with similar used SUVs
The safest midsize SUVs in the IIHS study, by our score, with the Ford Explorer 4WD highlighted. It ranks 9 of the 9 shown; the class leader is the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD at a death rate of 0.
| Vehicle | Years | Death rate | Score | Reliability | Used price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder 2WD | 2018-20 | 0 (0 to 22) | 93.2 | 3.5/5 | $16,000 to $26,000 |
| Nissan Murano 2WD | 2018-20 | 4 (0 to 12) | 90.8 | 3.5/5 | $16,000 to $25,000 |
| Chevrolet Traverse 4WD | 2018-20 | 6 (0 to 13) | 88.1 | 3.0/5 | $18,000 to $30,000 |
| Subaru Ascent | 2019-20 | 6 (0 to 16) | 88.1 | n/a | $22,000 to $32,000 |
| Ford Edge 4WD | 2019-20 | 6 (0 to 15) | 88.1 | 3.5/5 | $17,000 to $28,000 |
| Honda Pilot 2WD | 2019-20 | 7 (0 to 20) | 84.2 | 3.5/5 | $20,000 to $32,000 |
| GMC Acadia 2WD | 2017-20 | 10 (2 to 19) | 81.9 | 3.0/5 | n/a |
| GMC Acadia 4WD | 2017-20 | 11 (3 to 20) | 81.1 | 3.0/5 | n/a |
| Ford Explorer 4WD (this page) | 2020 | 22 (0 to 47) | 71.8 | n/a | n/a |
Class average for midsize SUVs: 24.9 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years.
The new Ford Explorer
Death rates lag the market by several years. For the current Ford Explorer we score IIHS crash tests instead; here is how the latest model years rate on our new-car scale.
| Model year | Model | IIHS award | New-car score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ford Explorer | TSP | 94.3 |
New-car scores use a different scale (crash tests, not death rates) and are not directly comparable with the 71.8 used-car score above.
Safety recalls for the Ford Explorer 4WD
A recall is a defect the manufacturer must repair free of charge, however old the car and whoever owns it now. On a used car this matters more than on a new one: the work is only done if a previous owner took it in.
35 recall campaigns on the 2020 model year, covering seats, power train, seat belts, visibility, back over prevention, equipment, engine, electrical system, suspension, fuel system, gasoline, air bags.
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Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator
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Power train: automatic transmission
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027.
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Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.
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Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026.
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Back over prevention: software
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.
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Equipment: electrical, engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026.
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Back over prevention: software
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.
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Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.
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Back over prevention: software
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.
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Power train: driveline, driveshaft
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
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Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
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Equipment: other, labels
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.
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Engine
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge.
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Back over prevention: sensing system, camera
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.
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Power train: driveline, driveshaft
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
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Electrical system: propulsion system, traction battery
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
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Back over prevention: sensing system, camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.
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Back over prevention: display function
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.
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Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
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Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.
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Back over prevention: sensing system, camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim
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Power train: axle assembly
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
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Back over prevention: software
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.
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Suspension: rear
Risk: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021.
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Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
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.
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Engine
Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021.
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Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020.
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Power train: driveline, driveshaft
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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Back over prevention: sensing system, camera
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021.
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Seat belts: rear/other, buckle assembly
Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020.
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Air bags: critical fasteners
Risk: If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020.
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Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020.
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Electrical system: wiring
Risk: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019.
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Seats: front assembly, recliner
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019.
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Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)
Risk: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019.
Recall campaigns from the NHTSA recalls database, retrieved 2026-09-04. A campaign covers a range of build dates, not every car of the model year, and IIHS reports this nameplate across several years while these results are for 2020. Confirm against the VIN. Recalls do not affect the death rate on this page.
Ford Explorer 4WD: Common Questions
Is the Ford Explorer 4WD a safe car?
Yes, by the measure that matters most. IIHS recorded a driver death rate of 22 per million registered vehicle years for the 2020 Ford Explorer 4WD, 12% below the class average (24.9 for midsize SUVs). That earns a used-car safety score of 71.8 out of 100 and rank #47 of 181 used vehicles.
What is the Ford Explorer 4WD driver death rate?
22 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, with a 95% confidence interval of 0 to 47. Drivers of other vehicles that collided with a Ford Explorer died at a rate of 38 per million. Source: IIHS driver death rates by make and model, covering 2020 models.
How does the Ford Explorer 4WD compare with other midsize SUVs?
The midsize SUVs class averages 24.9 driver deaths per million; the Ford Explorer 4WD sits at 22. Among the 9 midsize SUVs compared above it ranks 9 by safety score; the top of that group is the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD with a death rate of 0.